Franklin Public Water System

The City of Franklin, Ohio has prepared the 2017 municipal water quality report to keep you informed about your water supply. Our primary goal has always been to provide you with safe and dependable water. We're pleased to confirm that our municipal water meets all federal and state requirements, and we maintained full operational licensing throughout 2017.

For questions about this report or your water utility, please contact Chuck Howard, Water Plant Superintendent at 743-2594 or Steve Inman, Public Works Director at 937-746-5001. We believe in keeping our valued customers informed about their water supply.

Our water comes from wells in the Great Ohio Valley Buried Aquifer. Franklin City maintains emergency connections with Springboro and Warren County, though no water was transferred from Springboro in 2017. This report doesn't include Springboro water quality information, but their CCR report is available by contacting Terry Morris at 937-603-1035.

Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals, sometimes radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activity.

Ohio's 2003 assessment determined that our aquifer has high contamination susceptibility due to several factors:

• Sand and gravel aquifer material extends to the surface with very sandy soil
• Well covers are 45-80 feet deep, with water less than 20 feet down
• Flat topography allows rainwater absorption rather than runoff
• Water quality tests indicate surface-to-aquifer pathways with significant contamination sources in the protection area

Proper protective measures can reduce future contamination risk. Warning signs are posted near water sources to report spills and prohibit dumping. Additional measures for contaminant management are in the City's Emergency Response Plan, available at www.franklinohio.org.

Source water may contain various contaminants including:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage plants, septic systems, livestock, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) either naturally-occurring or from urban runoff, sewage, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential use
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants, either natural or from oil/gas production and mining

The EPA regulates tap water contaminant limits to ensure safety, while FDA regulations establish bottled water standards offering equivalent protection. All water sources, including bottled water, can be expected to contain at least trace levels of some substances, which doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons (cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients, some elderly, and infants) should seek advice about drinking water from healthcare providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing infection risk from Cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants are available at the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in water primarily comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing. While Franklin City provides high-quality water, we can't control plumbing component materials. When water sits unused for several hours, minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If concerned about lead, consider water testing. Information about lead in water, testing methods, and exposure reduction is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

1. Where can I view the current electric rates?
   Click the "current electric rates" link on our website to view the latest rates.
2. Can I get an extension on my bill due date?
   No. The final payment date is clearly marked in red letters at the top left corner of your bill. This date automatically provides the maximum time allowed before service disconnection, as indicated by "No Payment Extensions Beyond This Date."
3. Can I receive my bill via email?
   Yes, you can receive an email notification with your bill amount. To view your actual bill, you'll need to register for SmartHub. The SmartHub app is available for iPad/iPhone and Android devices. Your first paper bill will include your new account number needed for SmartHub registration.
4. Why am I not receiving my email bill?
   If you've registered for SmartHub, you should receive an email with your bill amount. To view the actual bill, use the SmartHub app or login at my.lburgus.com. Check your Junk/Spam folder and mark our emails as "not junk" if necessary. Contact your Internet Service Provider for assistance with email settings.
5. Are there organizations that can help with utility bill payments?
   Yes, these agencies may offer assistance:
   • God's Storehouse: (931) 766-1265
   • The Ministerial Association: (931) 762-3771
   • South Central Human Resources Agency
6. Where can I pay my bill?
   Click "view payment locations" on our website for a list of accepted payment locations.
7. What payment methods do you accept?
   Click "payment methods" on our website to learn about our convenient payment options.
8. Can I change my due date?
   No, due dates cannot be changed.
9. Can I pay my bill online?
   Yes, we accept check or credit card payments online. See "payment methods" for more information.
10. Can I pay by phone?
    Yes, we accept check or credit card payments by phone. See "payment methods" for more information.
11. Do you offer Senior Citizen Discounts?
    No, we don't currently offer senior discounts.
12. Is there an automatic monthly payment option?
    Yes, we offer Bank Draft service. Visit our website to learn more. SmartHub also features an autopay option at my.lburgus.com.
13. What is budget billing?
    View "budget billing information" on our website for details about this payment option.
14. How do I interpret different sections of my bill?
    View our sample bill with detailed explanations of each section on our website.
15. I'm on budget billing. How do I read my bill?
    We don't currently have a sample budget bill available.
16. Is this where I pay the annual solid waste fee?
    No. This fee is collected at the building located at the corner of Deller and Mahr Ave (Northeast of the courthouse).
17. How can I tell if my bill was estimated?
    View our sample estimated bill online to learn how to identify estimated readings.
18. What is RoundUp and how can I participate?
    LUS can round up your utility bill to the next dollar amount, allowing you to donate the difference to a worthy cause of your choice. Click "learn more" on our website for program details.