City of Frederick

REGARDING TEST RESULTS Most data presented in these tables comes from samples collected during 2017, though some contaminants aren't tested annually. Data from years other than 2017 is clearly marked as such. While facility information is provided, quality data represents a compilation of all City water sources.

Many additional contaminants were tested but not detected, including various organic chemicals, industrial solvents, pesticides, inorganic metals, and radioactive substances. Please contact the number in the City contacts section for technical information about Frederick's water monitoring program.

CONTAMINANT INFORMATION Although some contaminants were detected in City water, all were found at safe levels. Every water source is subject to potential contamination by naturally occurring and/or human-made substances. When water flows over land surfaces or through ground, it can pick up various materials including microbes, organic/inorganic chemicals, or radioactive substances.

All water, including bottled varieties, contains at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. More information is available from the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) or at www.epa.gov/safewater.

PRECAUTIONS FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS The City of Frederick reminds those with compromised immune systems that no water (tap or bottled) should be considered sterile. Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons—such as chemotherapy patients, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune disorders, some elderly individuals, and young children—face increased risk from microbial infections.

These individuals should seek advice about drinking water from their healthcare providers. EPA and CDC guidelines on reducing infection risk from bacterial contaminants like Cryptosporidium are available via the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) or at www.epa.gov/safewater.

LEAD INFORMATION If present, elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and children. Lead in drinking water primarily comes from service lines and home plumbing components containing lead. While the City of Frederick provides high-quality drinking water, it cannot control the materials used in all plumbing components.

When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. City water meets all current lead standards, but if you're concerned, you may wish to have your water tested. More information about lead in drinking water is available through the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

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