Carrollton

IMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATION AND REGULATIONS

All tap water, including bottled varieties, may contain small amounts of certain contaminants. The presence of these substances doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more detailed information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the USEPA's Safe Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

Certain individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. People with compromised immune systems - including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, individuals with HIV/AIDS or other immune disorders, some elderly residents, and infants - may face increased infection risks. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about their water consumption. Guidelines from the U.S. EPA/CDC on reducing Cryptosporidium and microbial contamination risks are available via the Safe Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

To ensure tap water safety, EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. FDA regulations similarly restrict contaminant amounts in bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

LEAD IN MUNICIPAL WATER

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health complications, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in municipal water primarily comes from materials used in service lines and household plumbing. While the utility provides high-quality water, it cannot control plumbing component materials. When water sits unused for several hours, minimize lead exposure by running taps for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If concerned about lead, consider water testing. Information about lead in water, testing methods, and exposure reduction is available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline 800-426-4791 or EPA.gov/safewater/lead.

SOURCES OF MUNICIPAL WATER

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 and, sometimes, radioactive materials, and may pick up substances from animal presence or human activity. Potential source water contaminants include:

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

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