Camden Waterworks

We're pleased to present this year's Annual Municipal Water Quality Report. This document is designed to inform you about the quality water and services we deliver to your home daily. Our goal is to provide you with safe, reliable municipal water, and we want you to understand the efforts we make to continuously improve our water treatment processes and protect our valuable water resources.

Where Does Our Municipal Water Come From?
Our municipal water comes from surface water drawn from the Ouachita River. The Arkansas Department of Health has completed a Source Water Vulnerability Assessment for Camden Water Utilities, determining our water source has a low susceptibility to contamination.

Potential Contaminants in Our Water
As water travels across land or underground, it naturally dissolves minerals and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activity. Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage facilities or wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) from urban runoff or industrial discharge
• Pesticides and herbicides from agricultural or residential sources
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes or petroleum production
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from energy production

Health Considerations
All municipal water may contain trace amounts of contaminants. However, some individuals may be more vulnerable, including those with compromised immune systems, the elderly, and infants. These individuals should seek specific advice about their water consumption.

Cryptosporidium Information
Testing by Camden Waterworks in 2017 showed no presence of Cryptosporidium in our water sources. While filtration removes this pathogen, complete removal cannot be guaranteed. Immuno-compromised individuals should consult their healthcare providers about appropriate precautions.

Lead in Municipal Water
Elevated lead levels can cause serious health issues, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead primarily comes from materials in home plumbing, not the water supply itself. To minimize exposure, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking.

Learn More About Your Water
For questions about this report or your water service, contact David Richardson, Manager, at 870-836-7331. Monthly meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 10:30 AM at City Hall, 206 Van Buren St., Camden.

1. Do you test for bacteria? Yes, we conduct Total Coliform / E. Coli testing for municipal water and Total Coliform / E. Coli Enumeration for municipal and/or surface water, including beach testing and heterotrophic plate counts.
2. Do you test for nitrates/nitrites? Yes, we regularly test for nitrates and nitrites in our water supply, though not the complete partial chemistry.
3. What are you certified to test for? We maintain MDEQ certification for Total Coliform / E. Coli Presence / Absence, Total Coliform / E. Coli Enumeration, Heterotrophic Plate Counts, nitrates, nitrites, and Metal analysis.
4. Do you accept septage? No, we currently do not accept septage at our facilities.
5. Do you accept R.V. Waste? No, we do not currently accept R.V. Waste at our treatment facilities.
6. Is your final water used for municipal water? No. While we're proud of our water quality standards, our treated water is discharged into a trout stream.
7. My sewer is backed up. How do I know who's responsible? Contact the Utility Department and we'll send personnel to inspect the main sewer line serving your property. If the issue isn't in the main line, our staff will notify you. Problems often occur in the lateral line connecting your home to the main line, frequently due to root intrusion.
8. How can I use so much water? Leaking toilets are typically the main culprits of water loss. Visit our office for test strips to check your toilets for leaks.
9. Is it safe to drink the water during spring or fall flushing? While main flushing can cause discolored water that appears orange, this is not harmful. We recommend running cold water until it clears. Avoid doing laundry when water is discolored.
10. Why do I have previous balance on my bill when I just moved in? Garbage service in the City of Cadillac is billed one month in advance. New residents are charged twice: once for the current month and once for the following month.
11. If someone else was living in my house, am I liable for the bill? Yes, if you're the property owner. City ordinance states that unpaid bills become a lien against the property and may be added to your property taxes if left unpaid.