Buckeye Water District - Ohio River Water Company

We're pleased to present this year's Annual Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This document provides information about your water source, its contents, and how it compares to regulatory standards.

The report represents a snapshot of last year's water quality. We're committed to keeping you informed because educated consumers are our best allies.

Special Health Considerations: Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Those with compromised immune systems—such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, some elderly individuals, and infants—may face higher infection risks. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about their municipal water consumption. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminant risks are available through the Safe Water Drinking Hotline (800-426-4791).

Water Source Information: Buckeye Water District draws its raw water from the Ohio River. Surface waters are naturally vulnerable to contamination, especially with development along their banks. Consequently, our surface water sources are considered highly susceptible to contamination. Historically, our system has effectively treated this source water to meet drinking water quality standards. We maintain an OEPA-approved Source Water Protection Plan available for review on our website.

Understanding Contaminants: All municipal water, including bottled varieties, typically contains trace amounts of certain contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline.

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

Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) occurring naturally or from urban runoff, industrial wastewater, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential use
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic compounds, from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining

To ensure tap water safety, EPA regulations limit certain contaminants in public water systems. FDA regulations establish similar limits for bottled water to provide equal public health protection.

Frequently Asked Questions about Municipal Water Service

1. Where does Buckeye Water District - Ohio River water come from?
   Buckeye Water District - Ohio River supplies surface water to Columbiana County, Ohio.
2. Does Buckeye Water District - Ohio River test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, Buckeye Water District - Ohio River must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact Buckeye Water District - Ohio River?
   Call 330-532-2448 or visit 1925 Clark Avenue, Wellsville, OH 43968, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does Buckeye Water District - Ohio River water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is Buckeye Water District - Ohio River water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.

About water meter reading: Buckeye Water District uses Automated Meter Reading (AMR) technology with radio transmission for accuracy, efficiency, and cost reduction. Please keep meters accessible by not planting vegetation nearby or enclosing them within fences.

Leak adjustments: The district may provide one adjustment annually for qualifying leaks if: the leak is repaired, your bill has returned to normal levels, and the high bill was at least $50 and double your typical amount.

About pink/gray residue in bathrooms: This common biofilm consists of airborne microorganisms that thrive in moist environments and is not from the water itself. Regular cleaning with household bleach and keeping surfaces dry helps prevent recurrence.