Butler County Water Authority

WATER QUALITY SAFETY

Safeguarding water at its source is crucial to providing safe municipal water to customers. In partnership with Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), Butler County Water Authority has developed a Source Water Assessment plan to protect local water sources. This assessment categorizes potential contaminants as high, moderate, or low risk. The completed assessment is available for public review at our office during regular business hours.

Ongoing Monitoring Protocols:

• Regular facility inspections
• Water storage facility monitoring
• Bacteriological Monitoring Plan implementation
• Routine chlorine residual testing (maintaining required 0.2 mg/L minimum)
• Cross-Connection Plan enforcement

We request community assistance in protecting our valuable water resources. Please follow directions on lawn chemicals carefully and dispose of household wastes properly. These resources are vital to our community's future.

GENERAL INFORMATION

All municipal water, including bottled varieties, may contain small amounts of contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate health risks. For more information about water contaminants and potential health impacts, call EPA's Safe Municipal Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

Water sources (tap and bottled) 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.

Potential contaminant types include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment, septic systems, agriculture, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) from natural sources, storm water runoff, wastewater discharges, and mining
• Pesticides/herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants from natural sources or energy production

EPA regulations limit contaminants in public water systems to ensure safety. FDA regulations establish similar limits for bottled water. Alabama has received EPA approval for statewide waivers on asbestos and dioxin monitoring.

INFORMATION ABOUT LEAD

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in tap water primarily comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing. While we provide quality water, we cannot control plumbing component materials. To minimize lead exposure, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption. For concerns, consider water testing. Learn more about lead in water at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead or call the Safe Municipal Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

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