Auburn Water Works

The Water Works Board of Auburn (AWWB) proudly presents its 2017 Customer Confidence Report (CCR). In accordance with Federal and State regulations, AWWB systematically tests for numerous substances in your municipal water supply. The tables in this report show the results of water quality monitoring for calendar year 2017. This marks the 21st edition in our series of annual water quality reports, as required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Auburn's primary water source is Lake Ogletree, located southeast of the city. This 300-acre reservoir is fed primarily by Chewacla Creek and Nash Creek, with a watershed area of approximately 33 square miles. In 2017, Lake Ogletree supplied about 50% of AWWB's water. To enhance supply resilience, AWWB constructed a groundwater well south of Interstate 85, which contributed approximately 17% of Auburn's water in 2017. A Source Water Assessment determined this well has low susceptibility to contamination.

Additionally, AWWB purchases water from Opelika Utilities (sourced from Saugahatchee Lake and Lake Harding's Halawakee Creek Embayment) primarily during peak demand seasons. Purchased water accounted for approximately 33% of Auburn's supply in 2017.

Most contaminants enter water supplies through surface runoff from natural materials, vehicles, industrial activity, construction, and animals. Beyond required monitoring of treatment and distribution systems, AWWB voluntarily conducts year-round source water monitoring in the Lake Ogletree watershed for nutrients, bacteria, and compounds affecting taste and odor.

The City of Auburn helps protect the Lake Ogletree watershed by regulating development density and working with property owners to implement practices that reduce pollutant runoff. Information about AWWB's monitoring programs is available at the Bailey-Alexander Water and Sewer Complex (1501 W. Samford Avenue) or online at the Auburn city website.

All water sources, including bottled water, may reasonably contain small amounts of contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons—such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, those with immune disorders, elderly individuals, and infants—may be particularly susceptible to infections. These individuals should seek advice about water consumption from their healthcare providers.

If present, elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in water comes primarily from materials in service lines and home plumbing. While AWWB is responsible for providing high-quality water, we cannot control the materials used in plumbing components. When water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking.

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