City of Fremont

To participate in decisions affecting your municipal water quality, please attend the regularly scheduled Village Board/City Council meetings. If you wish to contribute to discussions, contact the Village/City Clerk to be added to the meeting agenda.

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

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) has completed a Source Water Assessment that includes Wellhead Protection Area mapping, potential contaminant source inventory, vulnerability ratings, and source water protection information. To review this assessment or learn more, please contact the person listed on this report or the NDEQ at (402) 471-6988, or visit www.deq.state.ne.us.

EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure safe consumption. Similarly, FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

1. Are there locations with water shortages in America?
   Some coastal California regions face freshwater shortages. Solutions include desalination technology that removes salt from seawater and underground piping networks that transport water from water-rich communities to arid areas. Engineers continually develop environmentally sustainable and reliable methods to supply water throughout the country.
2. How are water rates determined?
   Public water utilities typically set rates without state approval, while private companies must apply to their state's Public Utilities Commission for rate increases. Private companies can earn reasonable returns on capital investments but aren't guaranteed specific returns – success depends on management efficiency. Regulators evaluate capital investments and operational practices when considering rate adjustments.
3. How can I prepare for drought?
   During water shortages caused by weather conditions or resource issues, local governments provide specific conservation guidelines. Visit our Wise Water Use section for practical conservation strategies.
4. How does municipal water reach my tap?
   The water system has three main components: pumping stations extract raw water from sources like aquifers or rivers; treatment facilities purify water to meet EPA standards; and distribution systems (networks of pipes spanning 700,000+ miles nationwide) deliver water to homes, businesses, and fire hydrants.
5. How is municipal water treated?
   After collection from sources (underground aquifers, rivers, reservoirs, lakes), water enters treatment facilities where engineers use chemical processes and filtration systems designed for each community's specific needs. These facilities must adapt as population and quality needs change, following standards established by the EPA and state regulations.
6. How do I know if my water is safe?
   The 1974 Safe Drinking Act authorized the EPA to establish standards for all community water systems serving more than 25 people. Municipal utilities perform numerous daily tests to ensure water quality compliance.
7. Is bottled water better than tap water?
   No scientific evidence confirms bottled water's superiority over tap water. All municipal water must meet strict EPA standards.