Fairmont

Providing Safe Municipal Water for Fairmont

Your municipal water is sourced from surface water drawn from Budd Pond. The Fairmont team is committed to delivering safe, reliable water that meets all federal and state quality standards. This report aims to inform you about your water supply and how to protect our valuable water resources.

Questions about Fairmont's water? Contact Doug Rainforth, Water/Wastewater Superintendent, at 507-235-6789. We welcome your participation in decisions affecting water quality.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency establishes safe drinking water standards, limiting specific contaminant levels to ensure public safety. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration applies similar regulations to bottled water. All water sources, including bottled varieties, typically contain small amounts of some contaminants, which doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

Fairmont Monitoring Results

Our monitoring data covers January 1 to January 31, 2017. We collaborate with the Minnesota Department of Health to test for over 100 potential contaminants. Finding trace amounts of substances is normal—no water supply is entirely contaminant-free. Minnesota's standards protect residents from harmful substance levels.

Understanding Your Water Source

Minnesota relies on both groundwater (75% of supply) and surface water (25%). Contaminants can enter water from environmental factors and human activities. The five main contaminant categories include:

• Microbial contaminants: viruses, bacteria, parasites from treatment facilities, septic systems, and agricultural operations
• Inorganic contaminants: salts and metals from natural sources, industrial processes, and urban runoff
• Pesticides and herbicides: from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential properties
• Organic chemical contaminants: synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes and petroleum production
• Radioactive contaminants: naturally occurring elements, mining operations, and oil/gas production

The Minnesota Department of Health provides information about your water source through assessments that detail protection measures, potential hazards, and geological factors affecting water quality.

Vulnerable Populations

Some individuals may be more susceptible to water contaminants, including those with compromised immune systems (cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients), elderly persons, and infants. Pregnant women and their developing fetuses may also face increased risks. These individuals should seek medical advice about their water consumption.

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