City of Hagerstown

In accordance with Safe Drinking Water Act requirements, the Hagerstown Utilities Department Water Division distributes this Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers, detailing testing results for EPA-regulated and unregulated contaminants found in our potable water supply during 2017. Test results include metals, inorganic compounds, organic compounds, pesticides, and volatile organic contaminants, compared against EPA's Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL).

For more information about this report or our water utility services, please contact the Utilities Department Water Division at (301) 739-8577 x 680. Citizens interested in participating in decisions affecting water quality are welcome to attend Mayor and Council meetings at City Hall Council Chambers. These public meetings occur on the first, second, and third Tuesdays monthly at 4:00 pm and fourth Tuesdays at 7:00 pm.

Water Source Information: Hagerstown utilizes surface water from two City-owned treatment facilities. The R.C. Willson Water Treatment Plant draws from the Potomac River, while the T.M. Breichner Water Treatment Plant uses Edgemont Reservoir (currently offline for infrastructure improvements). The reservoir receives water from Warner Hollow and Raven Rock streams.

Treatment Process: Both plants employ similar treatment protocols:

• pH adjustment with sulfuric acid to enhance coagulation
• Addition of aluminum coagulants to bind particles
• Sedimentation or clarification processes
• Filtration through anthracite coal and sand
• Disinfection with chlorine and ammonia (forming monochloramine)
• Addition of caustic soda and orthophosphate-based corrosion inhibitors
• Fluoridation for dental health protection
• Optional potassium permanganate and powdered activated carbon for taste/odor control

Health Information: Elevated levels of lead and copper can cause serious health concerns, particularly for pregnant women and young children. These metals primarily come from service lines and household plumbing materials. To minimize exposure, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for cooking or drinking if it has been sitting unused for several hours.

Immunocompromised individuals, including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or immune disorders, elderly residents, and infants may be particularly vulnerable to certain waterborne contaminants. These individuals should consult healthcare providers regarding appropriate precautions.

Source Water Assessment: A Source Water Assessment (SWA) for the Potomac and Edgemont supplies identified potential contamination sources including transportation, agriculture, septic systems, wildlife, and runoff from developed land. The assessment recommends forming a watershed protection group, implementing agricultural runoff management strategies, phosphorus control measures, and proactive leak management protocols.

Twenty-four months of monitoring for Cryptosporidium in the Potomac River showed low occurrence rates (average 0.046 Oocysts/Liter from January 2016 to December 2017), indicating low contamination risk requiring no additional treatment.

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