Crystal

Your tap water originates from a groundwater source: 4 wells ranging from 627 to 737 feet deep that draw water from the Mt. Simon and Tunnel City-Mt.Simon aquifers. Lake Crystal strives to deliver safe and reliable municipal water that meets federal and state quality standards.

This document aims to inform you about your tap water and how to protect our valuable water resources. For questions about Lake Crystal's municipal water, contact Bill Daley, Public Works Supt., at 507-726-2538 or bdaleylkcr@gmail.com. You can also inquire about participating in decisions affecting water quality.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency establishes safe municipal water standards that limit specific contaminant amounts, ensuring tap water is safe for most people. Similarly, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates bottled water contaminants to provide comparable public health protection.

All water sources, including bottled and tap water, may contain small amounts of 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 at 1-800-426-4791.

Lake Crystal's monitoring results from January 1 to December 31, 2017 show we collaborate with the Minnesota Department of Health to test for over 100 contaminants. Finding small amounts of contaminants is normal – no water supply is completely contaminant-free. Drinking water standards protect Minnesotans from potentially harmful substances. Learn more at the Minnesota Department of Health's website about Monitoring and Testing of Drinking Water in Minnesota.

Minnesota's primary water sources include groundwater (75% of drinking water) and surface water (25%). Contaminants can enter water supplies from natural environments and human activities. The five main contaminant types are:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria, parasites) from sewage treatment, septic systems, livestock, pets, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) from natural sources, oil/gas production, mining, farming, stormwater runoff, and wastewater
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, stormwater runoff, and residential areas
• Organic chemicals from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, stormwater runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants from natural sources, mining, and oil/gas production

The Minnesota Department of Health provides information about your water source in assessments that detail how Lake Crystal protects water sources, nearby threats, and how easily contaminants can enter water supplies. Find your assessment at Source Water Assessments or call 651-201-4700 or 1-800-818-9318 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

1. How often is Crystal's water tested for contaminants?
2. What causes water hardness in the Crystal municipal supply?
3. Are there any current water advisories for Crystal residents?
4. How can homeowners test their tap water quality?
5. What water treatment methods are recommended for Crystal residents?