City of Belmont

Understanding Your Water Source: The water supplied by this utility comes from the Catawba River/Lake Wylie (in the Catawba River Basin) located at the Gaston/Mecklenburg border. Protecting our water sources is a community responsibility.

The City of Belmont maintains an active stormwater program to safeguard the Catawba River/Lake Wylie. Our protection initiatives include:

• Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans for City Facilities
• Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Ordinance
• Public Education and Outreach programs
• Regular Street Sweeping

For new development, we enforce:

• Erosion & Sedimentation Control through partnership with Gaston County Natural Resources
• Phase II Stormwater Ordinance via Inter-local Agreement
• Watershed Water Supply WS-IV Ordinance

You can help protect our water by disposing of chemicals properly, taking used motor oil to recycling centers, and participating in community conservation efforts.

Health Information from EPA: All municipal water, including bottled varieties, may contain small amounts of some contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Those with compromised immune systems—including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly individuals, and infants—should consult healthcare providers about their drinking water.

If present, elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead typically enters drinking water from service line materials and home plumbing components. While the City of Belmont provides high-quality water, we cannot control the materials used in residential plumbing. Minimize potential lead exposure by running your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking, particularly after periods of non-use.

About Our Water Sources: Municipal water (both tap and bottled) originates from rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and can pick up substances from animal or human activities.

Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage plants, septic systems, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) from urban runoff, industrial discharge, or natural deposits
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemicals from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants from natural deposits or mining activities

EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA establishes similar protections for bottled water.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - WATER DIVISION

1. Why is a backflow assembly or device required on my sprinkler system?
   The State of Utah Division of Drinking Water, under EPA guidance, has implemented State law regarding Cross Connection Control. Every municipality must follow these regulations and maintain a Cross Connection Control Program. The City of South Salt Lake is responsible for ensuring compliance with these requirements.
2. What is the risk of contamination to City water from a sprinkler system?
   While contamination risk from sprinkler systems is generally low, incidents have occurred. Remember that your home's service line would be the primary line affected by any contamination from your sprinkler system. These regulations exist to protect you and your family.
3. Why must my backflow assembly/device be tested annually?
   According to Utah Administrative Code on Cross Connection Control: "Backflow prevention assemblies must be inspected and tested at least annually by a certified technician. Water suppliers shall maintain proper documentation of these inspections." The City of South Salt Lake requires property owners with backflow prevention assemblies to handle testing and ensure completed forms are submitted to the Water Division.
4. Why are backflow testing fees so high?
   The City cannot regulate what certified testers charge for this service. Fees typically range from $50.00 to $100.00. We provide residents with a list of certified testers and their contact information, and encourage obtaining multiple quotes to secure the best rate.
5. Where can I find additional information about Cross Connection Control?
   Please visit these resources:
   • EPA Cross-Connection Control website
   • EPA Best Practice Guide
   • EPA Cross-Connection Control Manual
   • American Backflow Prevention Association website