East Central SUD

Sources of municipal water (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activity. Municipal water, including bottled varieties, may contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of these substances doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Municipal Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Contaminants potentially found in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) that occur naturally or result from urban runoff, industrial discharge, oil/gas production, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining

EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure safety. FDA similarly regulates bottled water contaminants. Some water quality issues affecting taste, color, or odor aren't necessarily health concerns. For questions about water aesthetics, contact our office.

Certain populations may be more vulnerable to specific contaminants like Cryptosporidium. Infants, elderly individuals, those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, steroid treatment patients, and people with HIV/AIDS or immune disorders should seek advice from healthcare providers about their water consumption.

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health issues, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in tap water primarily comes from service lines and home plumbing materials. While we provide quality water, we can't control plumbing component materials. Minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption after it has been sitting. If concerned, consider water testing. Information about lead in water is available from the Safe Municipal Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

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