City of Lawrence Utilities

LAWRENCE WATER SUPPLY INFORMATION

Lawrence Utilities delivers safe, dependable water to approximately 14,640 service connections. This report details our water sources, quality standards, and how you can learn more about your municipal water.

Our water comes from twelve groundwater wells strategically positioned throughout Lawrence. These wells tap into local aquifers to provide our community with fresh water.

UNDERSTANDING WATER CONTAMINANTS

All water sources (including bottled and tap water) contain various substances as water moves over land. These can include:

• Microbial contaminants: Viruses and bacteria from sewage facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants: Naturally-occurring salts and metals, urban runoff, industrial wastewater, oil/gas production, mining, and farming
• Agricultural chemicals: Herbicides and nitrogen compounds from farming, urban runoff, and various commercial applications
• Organic chemicals: Synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, stormwater runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive materials: Naturally-occurring elements or byproducts of oil/gas production and mining

The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA regulations set standards for bottled water. All water naturally contains small amounts of some contaminants, which doesn't necessarily indicate health risks.

For more information, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

SENSITIVE POPULATIONS

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. People with compromised immune systems (cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients), the elderly, and infants may face increased infection risks. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about appropriate water precautions.

LEAD AND YOUR WATER

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health issues, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in water typically comes from service line materials and household plumbing components rather than the water source itself. Lawrence Utilities provides quality water but cannot control plumbing material variations.

When water sits unused for several hours, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking to minimize potential lead exposure. For concerns about lead testing or exposure reduction, call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or visit www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

WATER CONSERVATION FACTS

• A single gallon of gasoline can contaminate approximately 750,000 gallons of water
• Disposing oils and solvents in storm drains is illegal and harms waterways
• A running toilet can waste over 200 gallons daily
• Lawrence Utilities treats approximately 4 million gallons of safe water daily
• Municipal tap water costs residents about $0.01 per gallon, while bottled water averages $7.50 per gallon
• Water comprises 66% of the human body
• Only 0.3% of Earth's water is suitable for human consumption
• Producing 1 pound of chocolate requires 3,170 gallons of water
• Reducing shower time by 4 minutes saves approximately 30 gallons
• The average American uses about 100 gallons of water daily

1. As a college student, do I need to return home to vote? Michigan law requires first-time voters who registered by mail to vote in person initially. If you registered in person, you may request an absentee ballot if you'll be at college during election day.
2. Where can I register to vote in person? You can register at your county or city clerk's office, or at any Secretary of State branch office.
3. Where should I mail my voter registration form? You can send your application to the Ferndale City Clerk at 300 E. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale, MI 48220, or to your county clerk's address listed on the application. Applications sent to the county clerk will be forwarded to the Ferndale City Clerk but will require additional processing time.