Claiborne Utilities District

Is your municipal water safe? Yes, our water meets all EPA health standards. We've conducted extensive testing for over 80 potential contaminants in municipal water. As shown in the report chart, we only detected 9 of these substances.

Where does your water come from? Your water is treated surface water. Our priority is protecting water sources from contamination, and we're collaborating with the State to assess vulnerability of our water supply. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has prepared a Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) Report for untreated water sources serving this system.

The SWAP Report evaluates untreated water sources' vulnerability to potential contamination. To ensure safety, all public water systems treat and regularly test their water. Sources have been classified as reasonably susceptible, moderately susceptible, or slightly susceptible based on geological factors and human activities near the water source. Claiborne Utilities District sources are rated as moderately susceptible to potential contamination.

Why are there contaminants in my water? Municipal water, including bottled varieties, naturally contains at least small amounts of some contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

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For more information about your municipal water, please call Mike Petty at 423-626-5102.

How can I get involved? Our Water Board meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 4:00 pm at the office, 630 Davis Dr. You're welcome to participate in these meetings. Board vacancies are filled by the County Executive based on recommendations from remaining Commissioners. Board decisions on customer complaints may be reviewed by the Utility Management Review Board of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation per Section 7-82-702(7) of Tennessee Code Annotated.

The sources of municipal water (tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals, sometimes radioactive material, and can pick up substances from animal or human activity.

Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) from natural sources, urban runoff, industrial/domestic wastewater, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organics from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants from natural sources or oil/gas production and mining

To ensure tap water safety, EPA and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation set limits on certain contaminants. Claiborne Utilities District's treatment processes reduce such substances to levels well below health concerns. FDA regulations establish similar limits for bottled water.

Do I Need Special Precautions? Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons (cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients, elderly, infants) may be particularly susceptible to infections. These individuals should seek advice about water consumption, food preparation, personal hygiene, and infant/pet handling from healthcare providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing Cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminant risks are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Lead in Municipal Water: If present, elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead typically comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing. While Claiborne Utilities District provides quality water, we cannot control plumbing material variety. When your water has been sitting for several hours, minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If concerned, have your water tested. Information on lead in municipal water is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family%23water%23water

Water System Security: Following September 2001, we understand customers' concerns about water supply security. Please report any suspicious activities at utility facilities (treatment plants, pumping stations, tanks, hydrants, etc.) to 423-626-5102.

Pharmaceuticals In Municipal Water: Flushing unused or expired medicines can harm your water supply. Learn proper medicine disposal methods at https://www.tn.gov/environment/article/sp-unwanted-pharmaceuticals

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