Canton Water Department

The City of Canton is committed to delivering safe, reliable municipal water 24/7, 365 days a year that meets or surpasses federal and state quality standards. This 2016 Municipal Water Quality Report provides detailed information about all monitoring and testing results collected during the previous 12 months.

We take pride in presenting this information and demonstrating how we've exceeded water quality benchmarks. We understand that clean, high-quality municipal water is vital to our community's wellbeing. For additional information, please contact the Water Department at (770) 704-1500 or Corey Hagemann at (770) 479-2392. This Water Quality Report is also available on the City's website www.canton-georgia.com

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

The City of Canton obtains surface water from the Etowah River, treating it at the Bobby E. Bishop Water Treatment facility at 150 Bobby E. Bishop Drive, Canton GA 30114. The water undergoes treatment and filtration to remove various contaminants. We add chlorine to disinfect against viruses and harmful bacteria, fluoride for dental protection, and polyphosphate to minimize pipe scaling and corrosion. These additives are monitored daily to ensure proper dosages.

Canton also purchases water from Cherokee County Water & Sewer Authority and the City of Waleska in amounts less than 20% of total water supplied. These entities also source from the Etowah River.

All water, including bottled water, reasonably contains at least minimal 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 EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Source water may contain:

• Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, potentially from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants, including salts and metals, occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, industrial/domestic wastewater, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from various sources including agriculture and residential uses
• Radioactive contaminants, which occur naturally
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, byproducts of industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons (cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients, some elderly individuals, and infants) may be particularly susceptible to infections. These people should seek advice from healthcare providers about municipal water consumption. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing infection risk from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Infants and young children are typically more vulnerable to lead in municipal water than adults. Lead levels may be higher in your home due to plumbing materials. To minimize lead exposure, run water for 30 seconds before use. If concerned about lead levels, consider having your water tested. More information is available from the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

What causes black oily substances in water?

Water Distribution Operators frequently respond to concerns about black oily substances in water. The most common cause is deterioration of the black rubber lining inside braided stainless steel hoses that connect plumbing fixtures to home plumbing. Over time, this lining breaks down, creating black oily particles that float in the water. The residue feels oily when rubbed between fingers. You can test by disconnecting the fixture hose and using a Q-tip to check inside for black oily material. These particles are especially visible in white cups and fixtures. Replace affected hoses with newer braided stainless steel models, which are designed not to break down like older versions.

Why is chlorine added to water?

State and federal regulations require disinfection. Chlorine eliminates harmful bacteria from municipal water and ensures safe distribution throughout the system.

What are the white particles clogging my faucets?

This often results from deteriorating filler tubes in newer hot water heaters (less than 4-5 years old). The plastic in these tubes can degrade into small granules. According to manufacturers, this issue has been resolved in newer models. Replacement tubes are available at plumbing supply stores and can be easily installed by a plumber or homeowner. White powdery substances are typically calcium carbonate precipitation.

Why does my water appear "milky"?

This is typically caused by air in the water. Test by filling a glass with water – if it gradually clears from bottom to top, it's air. To remove air from lines, try running a faucet at the highest point in your home (usually a second-floor bathroom) for about 15 minutes.

Why is my water discolored?

If sediment appears only in hot water, flush your water heater. Normal heating, oxidation and scaling creates harmless deposits that should be flushed annually. If both hot and cold water are affected, check if neighbors have similar issues. This suggests a disturbance in transmission or distribution pipes that has dislodged natural sediment. Run cold water for 30 minutes or until it clears, then flush your water heater. Persistent problems should be reported for investigation.

Is my water fluoridated?

Yes. Water is fluoridated at 0.7 parts per million (ppm), the level recommended by the American Water Works Association. This is required by Municipal Code and approved by local government. Remember that most substances can be toxic in high quantities, even oxygen and water. Fluoride occurs naturally in all water, and medical evidence indicates that low-level fluoride addition benefits bone strength and cavity prevention. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and EPA recommend a single value of 0.7 ppm for fluoride in municipal water.

Why does my water have an unusual smell or taste?

1. During summer, garden hoses left connected with spray nozzles turned off can allow water to flow back into household plumbing
2. Chlorine levels affect water taste and smell – generally, lower chlorine residual produces stronger taste or odor
3. Rotten egg smell (hydrogen sulfide) occurs in rarely used water. Regularly used water contains trace chlorine that prevents unpleasant but harmless odors
4. For hot water with odor, run until cool to refresh the tank with fresh water