City of Mountlake Terrace Water Company

Every water source (including both tap and bottled water) contains some level of contaminants. As water flows across land surfaces or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activities. Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife.
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals, which can occur naturally or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial/domestic wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming.
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential usage.
• Organic chemical contaminants , including synthetic and volatile organics that are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.
• Radioactive contaminants that can occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining.

To ensure tap water safety, the EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. FDA regulations set similar limits for bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection. Municipal water, including bottled varieties, can reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants, though their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Certain populations may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than others. Immuno-compromised individuals, including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune disorders, some elderly persons, and infants may face increased infection risks. These individuals should seek advice about drinking water from their healthcare providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing Cryptosporidium infection risk are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

1. Where does City of Mountlake Terrace water come from?
   City of Mountlake Terrace supplies purchased groundwater to Mountlake Terrace, Washington.
2. Does City of Mountlake Terrace test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, City of Mountlake Terrace must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact City of Mountlake Terrace?
   Call 425-776-1161 or visit 6100 219th Street Sw, Suite 200, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does City of Mountlake Terrace water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is City of Mountlake Terrace water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.