City of Palm Bay

MUNICIPAL WATER POLLUTANTS

Sources of tap water (including bottled options) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land surfaces or through the ground, it naturally dissolves minerals, sometimes radioactive materials, and can absorb substances from human and animal activities.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria from sewage facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals, occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, industrial wastewater, and oil/gas production
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban stormwater, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and waste systems
• Radioactive contaminants that can be naturally present or result from oil/gas production and mining

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes regulations limiting contaminants in public water systems to ensure safety. Similarly, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets standards for bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

All drinking water, including bottled varieties, may reasonably contain small amounts of some contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

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