Etowah Utilities

Our water meets all EPA quality standards. We've conducted extensive testing for more than 80 potential contaminants in municipal water. As shown in our reports, only 12 contaminants were detected, all at levels deemed safe for consumption.

Water Source Information: Your municipal water comes from the Hiwassee River, a surface water source. We're committed to protecting this resource from contamination and work closely with the State to evaluate potential vulnerabilities.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has prepared a Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) Report for our untreated water sources. This assessment rates water sources as slightly, moderately, or highly vulnerable based on geological factors and human activities in the vicinity. Etowah Utilities' water source was rated as slightly vulnerable to potential contamination.

Understanding Water Contaminants: All municipal water, including bottled water, may contain small amounts of certain 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 (800-426-4791).

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For questions about your municipal water, please contact Brandon Frost at 423-263-9441.

Community Involvement: Our Water Board meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Etowah Community Center, 155 Robinson Street. The public is welcome to attend these meetings.

Regulatory Compliance: Our system meets all state and federal requirements for water testing and reporting. Results of unregulated contaminant analysis are available upon request.

Water Source Information: Municipal water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and can pick up substances from animal or human activities.

Medication Disposal Advisory: Improper disposal of medications can impact your municipal water. Learn about proper disposal methods at https://www.Tn.Gov/environment/program-regions/redirect---policy-and-sustainable-practices/ops-sustainable practices/opp-undesired-pharmaceuticals.html

Potential Contaminant Sources:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals, occurring naturally or from urban runoff, industrial discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential use
• Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic and volatile organics from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants occurring naturally or resulting from oil/gas production and mining

The EPA and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation regulate municipal water to ensure safety. Etowah Utilities' treatment processes reduce potentially harmful substances to levels well below health concerns. FDA regulations establish similar protections for bottled water.

Special Health Considerations: Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants, including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or immune disorders, some elderly persons, and infants. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers about municipal water, food preparation, personal hygiene, and handling precautions. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing Cryptosporidium infection risk are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Lead in Municipal Water: Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead typically comes from service lines and home plumbing materials, not from the water utility itself. When water sits in pipes for several hours, you can minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption. If concerned, consider having your water tested. Information about lead in water is available at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Water System Security: Following September 2001, we understand public concerns about municipal water security. Please report suspicious activities at utility facilities (treatment plants, pumping stations, tanks, hydrants, etc.) to 423-263-9441.

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