Bountiful City Water System

We are pleased to present this annual municipal water quality report. This document provides information about where your tap water originates, what it contains, and how it compares to EPA and Utah water quality standards.

Our commitment is to deliver accurate and transparent information so you can make informed decisions about your water. If you have questions about this report or our water services, please contact the Bountiful City Water Department at 298-6180.

Water-related topics are occasionally discussed at City Council meetings. To check if water issues are on the agenda, you can call City Hall at 298-6142. Council meetings typically take place on the second and fourth Tuesdays monthly at 7:00 PM.

Water Sources in Bountiful
Approximately 60% of Bountiful's municipal water comes from eight wells distributed throughout the City: BWSD Well, Calder Wells #1 & #2, First East Well, Upper and Lower Mueller Park Wells, Viewmont Well and Shop Well. These wells access water-bearing formations up to 750 feet below ground level. The remaining 40% comes from treated surface water – about 20% from Mill Creek in Mueller Park where the City operates its treatment facility, and 20% from the Weber River via the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District Treatment Plant on Davis Blvd.

Understanding Water Contaminants
When water evaporates or transpires from plants into the atmosphere, it's naturally pure. As precipitation forms and falls to earth, it collects both natural and human-made substances that become part of the water. These substances are often called contaminants or impurities.

Some contaminants actually improve water quality. Others may affect aesthetic qualities like taste, odor or color without being harmful. However, certain contaminants in sufficient concentrations can pose health risks.

Contaminants generally fall into five categories:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria, protozoa) from natural sources and human activities like agriculture and wastewater treatment
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) from natural sources and human activities like stormwater runoff, industrial processes, and mining
• Organic contaminants (synthetic and volatile compounds) from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Pesticides and herbicides from agricultural operations, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses
• Radioactive contaminants from natural deposits and oil/gas production or mining operations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure safety. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets similar standards for bottled water. Bountiful's water meets or exceeds all regulatory requirements.

All municipal water, including bottled water, may reasonably contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the USEPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

1. How often is my tap water tested?
   Bountiful City Water System conducts regular testing throughout the year according to EPA and state guidelines. Certain contaminants are tested daily, while others are monitored weekly, monthly, or annually.
2. What causes water hardness in our area?
   Water hardness in Davis County results from naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium dissolving into the water as it passes through soil and rock formations.
3. Is hard water harmful to health?
   Hard water is not a health concern but can cause household nuisances like scale buildup in pipes and appliances, reduced soap effectiveness, and spotting on dishes.
4. What causes the occasional chlorine smell?
   A slight chlorine odor indicates the presence of disinfectant that protects water as it travels through distribution pipes. The smell is typically more noticeable when water hasn't been used for several hours.