Fairburn

All water sources, including bottled water, may contain some level of contaminants. The mere presence of these substances doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For detailed information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800-426-4791).

Certain populations may have increased vulnerability to water contaminants. This includes elderly individuals, infants, those with compromised immune systems, people undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, and individuals with HIV/AIDS. These vulnerable groups should seek specific guidance from healthcare providers regarding their drinking water consumption.

Water sources in our region include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activities.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals occurring naturally or from urban runoff, industrial discharge, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from various sources including agriculture and residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that can occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining activities

The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure safe drinking water. FDA regulations set similar standards for bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

Cryptosporidium, a microbial parasite found in surface water nationwide, can cause symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain when ingested. While most healthy individuals recover within weeks, those with compromised immune systems face greater risk of severe illness. Source water monitoring has detected these organisms in the Chattahoochee River, which supplies Atlanta's raw water. Since January 2006, monitoring for Cryptosporidium has been ongoing at both Hemphill WTP and Chattahoochee WTP source waters.

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