Columbus Municipal Utility

Water Conservation Tips

Save water and reduce costs with these practical ideas:

Inside Your Home

• Fix leaking faucets and toilets; install water-efficient fixtures
• Turn off taps while brushing teeth or shaving
• Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads
• Keep water in the refrigerator rather than running the tap for each glass

Outdoors

• Water lawns and gardens early morning to minimize evaporation
• Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture
• Ensure sprinklers target plants, not pavement, and avoid watering on windy or rainy days

COLUMBUS CITY UTILITIES proudly presents its Annual Water Quality Report covering January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017. The 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act requires public water systems serving more than fifteen connections to provide water quality reports detailing water sources and compliance with standards.

Federal Water Requirements

Columbus City Utilities meets all drinking water quality standards established by the USEPA, Indiana Division of Environmental Management (IDEM), and American Water Works Association. During 2017, there were no violations of these standards, and all monitoring requirements set by IDEM were met or exceeded. Our water treatment plant operators maintain state certification through ongoing professional training.

Water Source Information

Since the early 1950s, Columbus has drawn all public water from groundwater sources. This water comes from twenty-two gravel-packed wells and two filtration plants. Water Plant #1 in Lincoln Park has seven wells providing 7,100 gallons per minute. Water Plant #2 near Southside Elementary School is supplied by fifteen wells across three fields, delivering over 14,800 gallons per minute.

Water Treatment Process

After pumping to the plants, water undergoes treatment for iron and manganese removal, filtration, chlorine disinfection, fluoridation for dental health, polyphosphate treatment, and distribution. Continuous testing ensures all water meets applicable standards.

Important Health Information

All water, including bottled water, may contain small amounts of contaminants. This doesn't necessarily indicate health risks. The EPA regularly reviews and adjusts contaminant level requirements for public safety. Immunocompromised individuals, cancer patients, transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly persons, and infants may be particularly vulnerable to certain infections and should seek advice from healthcare providers.

Lead in Drinking Water

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead primarily enters water through service lines and home plumbing materials. Columbus City Utilities provides quality water but cannot control materials used in plumbing components. If 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. For more information on lead testing and exposure reduction, contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 or visit http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

The CDC offers valuable guidance on waterborne illnesses, prevention strategies, and proper water handling practices for households. Their resources help Columbus residents understand potential health implications of various water contaminants and appropriate protective measures.