East Peoria

To guarantee tap water safety, the EPA establishes strict regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. Similarly, FDA regulations set boundaries for bottled water contaminants to ensure equal public health protection. All water sources, whether tap or bottled, naturally contain small amounts of certain contaminants, though this doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

Water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals, sometimes radioactive materials, and substances from animal or human activities. Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial Contaminants: Viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, or wildlife
• Inorganic Contaminants: Salts and metals occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, industrial wastewater, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and Herbicides: From agriculture, urban runoff, and residential usage
• Organic Chemical Contaminants: Synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive Contaminants: Naturally occurring or resulting from oil/gas production and mining

For additional information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do water shortages exist in America, and what solutions are implemented?

   Several coastal California regions face fresh water scarcity. Solutions include desalination technology that removes salt from seawater and infrastructure projects that transport water from resource-rich areas to arid communities through underground pipe networks. Engineers continuously develop innovative approaches to deliver water efficiently and reliably to communities nationwide.

2. How are water rates determined?

   Public water utilities typically establish their own rates without state public utility commission approval. Private water companies must apply with their state's Public Utilities Commission when proposing rate increases. These companies can earn reasonable returns on prudent capital investments but aren't guaranteed specific returns—success depends on operational efficiency. Regulators evaluate whether system investments are reasonable and operations are prudent when considering rate increases.

3. How can I prepare for drought conditions?

   Many regions experience shortages due to drier, warmer weather and long-term resource challenges. When conservation becomes mandatory, local authorities provide specific guidance. Visit our Wise Water Use section for conservation strategies.

4. How does water reach my tap?

   The water infrastructure system includes three main components: pumping stations extract raw water from sources like aquifers or rivers; treatment facilities purify the water to meet EPA standards; and distribution systems—networks of pipes spanning 700,000 miles across America (three times longer than the National Highway System)—deliver water to homes, businesses, and fire hydrants. American Water maintains 48,000 miles of pipe throughout its systems.

5. How is water treated?

   After collection from underground aquifers, rivers, reservoirs, lakes, or other sources, water enters treatment facilities where advanced systems combine chemical processes and filtration to ensure quality before distribution. Engineers design these facilities to address specific community needs, scaling them as demands increase to maintain compliance with established standards set by EPA and state agencies.

6. How do I know my water is safe to drink?

   The Safe Drinking Water Act (1974) authorized the EPA to establish standards for community water systems serving more than 25 people. These health-based standards protect against naturally-occurring and man-made contaminants. Water utilities conduct numerous daily tests to ensure drinking water quality.

7. How frequently are biosolids applied?

   Typical field applications occur approximately once every five years. The final schedule is determined through detailed soil analysis before and after application, with comprehensive records maintained documenting the specific mixtures used on each field.