City of Fairmont

The West Virginia Bureau for Public Health (WVBPH) conducted a Source Water Assessment for Fairmont's municipal supply. Our intake has heightened vulnerability to contamination due to the nature of surface water sources and potential contaminant sources in the vicinity. This doesn't guarantee contamination will occur, but indicates conditions exist where surface water could be impacted if preventative measures aren't implemented.

Detailed assessment reports are available for review at our office during regular business hours or by contacting WVBPH at 304-558-2981.

Why Water Treatment Matters:
All water naturally contains various contaminants. Federal and state regulations establish limits and treatment requirements to minimize these substances and their potential health effects.

Understanding Water Contaminants:
The EPA sets regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA establishes similar protections for bottled water. Even properly treated water may contain small amounts of certain contaminants, though their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Water Source Information:
Municipal water (tap and bottled) originates from rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, and may pick up substances from animal presence or human activity.

Potential Contaminant Types:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment, septic systems, agriculture, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) from natural sources, urban runoff, industrial discharge, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and waste systems
• Radioactive contaminants from natural sources or from mining and energy production

Vulnerable Populations:
Some individuals may be more susceptible to contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly individuals, and infants should seek advice from healthcare providers regarding their water consumption.

The City of Fairmont Water Division regularly monitors water quality according to federal and state requirements. Our detailed testing results are available in compliance reports.

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