Conneaut

The Conneaut Municipal Water Department prioritizes delivering safe, reliable water to all residents. Using advanced testing equipment and methodologies, they ensure water meets or exceeds state and federal quality standards. The City's Water Department proudly confirms their water supply consistently meets established quality requirements.

This report, required by the Safe Drinking Water Act, includes information about water sources, health considerations, quality testing results, and additional useful information for consumers.

Source Water Information

Conneaut's Municipal Water System draws surface water from Lake Erie through a single intake point. Surface waters are inherently more vulnerable to contamination than groundwater sources. They move quickly, meaning upstream spills can rapidly reach public intakes with minimal warning time.

Based on assessment data, Conneaut's water protection area faces potential contamination from:

• Municipal sewage treatment facilities
• Industrial wastewater releases
• Airborne pollution deposits
• Urban and residential runoff
• Contaminated river sediments
• Oil and gas operations
• Accidental spills from rail and vehicle traffic
• Commercial shipping and recreational boating

The risk to water quality from shoreline activities is considered relatively low due to the intake's distance from shore. However, commercial shipping and recreational boating pose more significant threats. The assessment is based on available data and may not reflect all current conditions, as water quality, land use, and contamination sources can change over time.

While Lake Erie water was determined to be susceptible to contamination, the treatment plant effectively processes this source water to meet quality standards. No single treatment method addresses all potential contaminants, but protective measures for Lake Erie can further reduce water quality risks. More detailed information is available in Conneaut's water system assessment report by calling Richard Neubauer at 440-593-7437.

Source Water Origins and Potential Contaminants

Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, while also picking up substances from animal presence or human activity.

Potential source water contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria from sewage plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals, occurring naturally or from urban runoff, industrial/household wastewater, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Agricultural chemicals including herbicides from various sources like farming, urban runoff, and residential use
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from oil/gas production

EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA establishes similar protections for bottled water. All drinking water, including bottled varieties, reasonably contains 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, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Health Information

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Those with compromised immune systems—including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune disorders, some elderly individuals, and infants—face increased infection risks. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about their drinking water. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminant risks are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

The EPA requires regular sampling to ensure water safety. In 2017, Conneaut Water Department collected samples for bacteria, inorganic compounds, radiological elements, and volatile organic contaminants. Samples were tested for numerous pollutants, including algal toxins, most of which weren't detected in Conneaut's water supply. Some data, while accurate, may be more than one year old.

Lead Information

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, particularly for infants and young children who are typically more vulnerable than adults. Lead in drinking water primarily comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing components. While Conneaut provides high-quality water, they cannot control materials used in household plumbing systems.

When water sits unused for several hours, you can minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If concerned about lead content, consider having your water tested. Information about lead in drinking water, testing methods, and exposure reduction steps is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Which version of International Fire Codes does our fire department follow?

Municipal Ordinance 10-04 of 2010 adopted the 2009 version of the International Fire Code for our community.

Can we burn trash, yard waste, or other smoke-producing materials outdoors?

Section 307.1.1 of the 2009 International Fire Code prohibits burning materials that release smoke directly into the air without passing through a proper chimney or stack.

Are recreational outdoor fires permitted?

Section 307.4.2 of the 2009 International Fire Code allows recreational fires that follow these guidelines:

1. Fires must be at least 10 feet from structures or flammable materials
2. Fire size must not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height
3. Portable outdoor fireplaces must be used according to manufacturer instructions
4. All fires must be continuously monitored until completely extinguished
5. Fire safety equipment (4-A rated extinguisher, sand, water barrel, or garden hose) must be readily available

Is grilling allowed on porches or balconies?

Section 308.1.4 of Municipal Ordinance 11-08 (2011) prohibits charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices on flammable porches/balconies or within 10 feet of flammable construction.

Where can I get fire extinguishers serviced?

Our Fire Department doesn't fill or inspect extinguishers; please consult local retailers or service directories.

How do I obtain a fire incident report?

Contact the Fire Marshal at (610) 270-2894. Reports cost $25.00, payable to the Municipality. Additional fees apply for photos:

• Black/White Photos: $10.00/print
• Digital Photos: $15.00/print
• Digital Photos on CD: $200.00/CD

How can businesses arrange fire safety training?

Workplace Fire Safety Training is available through our Fire Department. Contact Fire Chief Thomas O'Donnell at 610-292-8281 or todonnell@norristown.org. Training fees:

• For-profit organizations: $550.00/45-minute presentation
• Non-profit organizations: $225.00/45-minute presentation

Does the Fire Department inspect commercial properties?

Municipal Ordinance 08-15 (2008) requires fire inspections for all commercial properties in our jurisdiction. Inspection fees vary by property type and size:

Low Hazard Commercial Units (Business, Retail, etc.):

• 1-2,000 sq ft: $110.00
• 2,001-5,000 sq ft: $160.00
• 5,001-10,000 sq ft: $210.00
• 10,001-100,000 sq ft: $260.00
• Over 100,000 sq ft: $310.00

High Hazard Commercial Units (Manufacturing, Warehouse, etc.):

• 1-2,000 sq ft: $200.00
• 2,001-5,000 sq ft: $250.00
• 5,001-10,000 sq ft: $300.00
• 10,001-100,000 sq ft: $400.00
• Over 100,000 sq ft: $500.00

Property owners may incur additional fees for third-party inspectors, engineers, or specialists needed to complete inspections or plan reviews. Basic inspection fees include initial phase inspections; failed inspections requiring additional visits incur a $30.00 fee per additional inspection.