Charles Town Utilities

Why are you receiving this report? In accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments, Charles Town Utility Board provides its customers with this annual water quality report. This document explains your water source, composition, and how it compares to regulatory standards.

The information in this report shows our monitoring results from January 1st to December 31st, 2017, or earlier if not on an annual schedule. For questions about this report, please contact Chris Hutzler, Chief Operator, at 304-725-3761. For additional inquiries or suggestions, we welcome you to attend our regularly scheduled board meetings held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 4:00 PM at the Charles Town Utility Board office.

Where does your water come from? Your municipal water is sourced from the Shenandoah River surface water. A Source Water Assessment conducted in 2003 by the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health determined that our intake has higher vulnerability to contamination due to the sensitive nature of surface water supplies and potential contaminant sources in the area. This doesn't indicate contamination has occurred, only that conditions exist where surface water could be affected by potential contaminant sources.

Why is water treatment necessary? All municipal water contains various amounts of contaminants. Federal and state regulations establish limits and treatment requirements to minimize these substances and their potential health effects. To ensure tap water safety, EPA regulations limit certain contaminants in public water systems, while FDA regulations establish similar protections for bottled water.

Water contaminants may include:

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

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons, including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, the elderly, and infants may face increased infection risks. These individuals should seek advice about municipal water from healthcare providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminant risks are available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

1. How often is Charles Town's municipal water tested? Charles Town Utilities conducts comprehensive testing throughout the year, with some contaminants tested daily, others weekly, monthly, or annually, depending on regulatory requirements.
2. Does home filtration improve water quality? While Charles Town's water meets safety standards, home filtration systems can further reduce contaminants based on specific household concerns or preferences.
3. What causes water hardness in Charles Town? The natural geology of the Shenandoah River watershed contains limestone and mineral deposits that dissolve into the water, causing hardness.
4. How can residents learn about water advisories? Charles Town Utilities issues public notifications through local media, their website, and direct communications during any water quality emergencies.