Boaz Water and Sewer Board

We are dedicated to keeping you, our valued customer, informed about all aspects of your water service. A crucial element of this communication is our Annual Municipal Water Quality Report, also known as the "Consumer Confidence Report," which is required by the Safe Drinking Water Act.

This report provides comprehensive information about your water source, treatment processes, and testing results. Our commitment is to deliver high-quality water that meets or exceeds all state and federal water standards. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure water safety.

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), signed into law on December 16, 1974, aims to ensure public water systems meet minimum national standards for public health protection. The 1996 Amendments to the SDWA created requirements for Consumer Confidence Reports to transparently share detected contaminant levels with consumers.

In compliance with Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) requirements, the Municipal Utilities Board has completed a Source Water Assessment Plan to help protect our water resources. This plan includes information about potential contamination sources and a susceptibility analysis that classifies potential contaminants as high, moderate, or non-susceptible.

All water, including bottled water, may reasonably contain small amounts of some contaminants. This doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) are set at very stringent levels for consumer protection.

Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and radioactive material and can pick up substances from animal or human activity.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals, either naturally-occurring or resulting from urban runoff, industrial discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, stormwater runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organics from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining activities

How to Read Your Water Meter

MHOG Utilities reads your water meter quarterly to determine your water usage and calculate your bill. You can also use this meter to monitor your consumption and detect potential leaks.

Find your water meter in your basement or home's crawlspace. Most meters resemble the one shown in the image. The example meter currently reads 2.7 gallons.

Understanding Your Meter Components:

• Low Flow Indicator: This dial rotates when water passes through the meter. One complete rotation equals 1 gallon. It will move with even minimal water flow, detecting even small leaks.
• Odometer: Records total water usage similar to a car odometer tracking mileage. The digits from right to left represent 1/10th gallon, 1 gallon, 10 gallons, 100 gallons, 1000 gallons, etc. Like a vehicle odometer, it cannot be altered.

Monitoring Your Water Usage

1. Read the odometer and record the number completely
2. Note the date of this reading
3. After a period (preferably 7 days), read and record the odometer again
4. Subtract your first reading from the second to calculate your consumption

Example: 0066013.9 - 0056013.9 = 10,000 gallons used during the period

The average residential customer uses approximately 7,000 gallons monthly.

Using Your Meter to Detect Leaks

1. Ensure no water is being used inside or outside your home
2. Locate your water meter
3. Check the low flow indicator
4. If the indicator is rotating despite all water sources being off, you likely have a leak

Even small leaks waste significant amounts of water. A pinhead-sized leak dripping once every two seconds accumulates to 7 gallons daily. Larger leaks, commonly found in toilets, can waste 200+ gallons daily.

Could an Irrigation Meter Save Money?

If you use substantial water for lawn irrigation, pool filling, or outdoor maintenance, consider installing a separate irrigation meter. Since this water doesn't enter the sanitary sewer system, you'll only be billed for water usage, potentially resulting in significant summer bill savings.

Irrigation Meter Costs Include:

• Purchase of additional irrigation meter
• Installation of necessary plumbing
• Backflow prevention certification testing
• Required permits

Call 800-881-4109 for current irrigation meter package pricing.