Bucyrus City

The City of Bucyrus proudly presents its Municipal Water Quality Report for 2017. This report offers transparency about your water quality, including its source, contents, and how it meets federal and state EPA standards. We currently maintain an unconditional license to operate our water system.

Where Your Water Comes From: Bucyrus obtains surface water from two ground reservoirs. The Outhwaite Reservoir on St. Rt. 98 N holds 1 Billion Gallons, while the Riley Reservoir on Kiess Street holds 180 Million Gallons. As reservoir levels decrease through usage, water from the Sandusky River replenishes them regularly.

Potential Contamination Risks: In Ohio, all surface waters are vulnerable to contamination. Our water source protection area contains several potential contaminant sources including agricultural runoff, a hazardous waste landfill, construction zones, waste facilities, roadways and railways. While we treat water to meet quality standards, no single treatment method addresses all possible contaminants.

Understanding Water Quality Testing: Bucyrus routinely monitors for contaminants according to federal and state regulations. Our testing tables show results from January 1 to December 31, 2017. For some contaminants, Ohio allows less frequent monitoring, and the most recent test data is noted accordingly. The EPA establishes Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) based on extensive research, and our water meets these stringent requirements.

Possible Water Contaminants: Sources of tap water (including bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activity, including:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage facilities or agricultural operations
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) from natural sources or urban runoff
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture and residential usage
• Organic chemicals from industrial processes or petroleum production
• Radioactive materials that occur naturally or result from oil/gas production

Health Information: People with compromised immune systems, including those with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients, elderly individuals, and infants may be particularly vulnerable to certain contaminants. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about their drinking water. The EPA/CDC provides guidelines on reducing infection risks from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants through their Safe Drinking Water Hotline.

1. What documentation is required for a new service connection?
   • Service address or property location information
   • Deed book and page number for the property
   • Verification with ID number that a plumbing permit has been obtained
2. How do I obtain a plumbing permit?
   • Contact your county Health Department (see phone numbers by county below):
   • Edmonson County: 270-597-2194
   • Hart County: 270-524-2511
   • Grayson County: 270-259-6155
   • Warren County: 270-781-2490
3. Is a membership deposit required for water service?
   • Yes, a refundable membership deposit is required for each water connection
   • This deposit will be returned with interest when service is transferred or terminated
4. What's required to restore service after disconnection for non-payment?
   • Payment of all outstanding balances
   • Reconnection fee payment
   • Membership deposit if not already on file
5. Should water service be transferred when property is sold?
   • Yes, even if the service isn't being used
   • This releases the seller from responsibility for the water service
6. How do I update my address?
   • Download and complete our change of address form from our website
   • Submit via mail, fax, or scan and email
   • All address changes must be in writing with customer signature
7. What payment options are available?
   • Mail payment
   • Automatic bank withdrawal
   • Credit card payment
   • Walk-in, drive-through, night deposit, or online payment
8. What causes reduced water pressure or flow?
   • Leaks in your plumbing
   • Malfunctioning pressure regulator valve
   • Water District leaks (typically affect multiple properties in an area)
9. How do I check for leaks?
   • Look for the red star (leak indicator) on the lower left of your meter
   • Turn off all water usage and check if the star is moving
   • Movement indicates a leak somewhere in your system
10. What is a Boil Water Advisory?
    • A notification that water may pose health risks due to possible biological contamination
    • Instructions to boil water for three minutes at a rolling boil before consumption
    • Typically issued after line breaks or pressure losses
    • The Water District will notify you when the advisory is lifted
11. Why does my water sometimes look milky?
    • The milky appearance comes from harmless air bubbles
    • Air can enter water lines during repairs
    • In winter, cold water releases oxygen bubbles when warmed inside homes
    • These bubbles should disappear quickly
12. Should I have utilities located before digging on my property?
    • Yes, this is important for safety
    • For water or sewer line location in the Edmonson County Water District service area, call 270-597-2165
    • Note that the Water District is not affiliated with Kentucky 811 service