Greene County. - Northwest Reg. Water

The following substances exist in our water supply, typically at concentrations below action levels. Even at these lower levels, several health factors may be associated with these substances:

A. Arsenic
EPA has established updated standards for arsenic in municipal water. This naturally occurring mineral is known to cause cancer when present in high concentrations. EPA continues researching the health effects of low-level arsenic exposure. Studies link it to skin damage and circulatory issues. Individuals consuming water with arsenic above the MCL over many years may experience skin damage, circulatory problems, and increased cancer risk.

B. Nitrate
Nitrate concentrations exceeding 10 ppm in municipal water pose a significant health risk to infants younger than six months. Elevated nitrate levels can trigger blue baby syndrome and may increase the risk of certain anemia types in pregnant women. Nitrate concentrations can rapidly spike during rainy periods or following agricultural activities. If you're caring for an infant or are pregnant, consult your healthcare provider. Additional information is available through the Safe Municipal Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

C. Lead
When present at elevated levels, lead can cause serious health complications, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in water primarily comes from materials and components associated with service lines and household plumbing. Greene County provides quality water but cannot control the materials used in plumbing components. After water sits for several hours, you can minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to two minutes before using water for consumption or cooking. If concerned about lead in your water, consider testing. Information about lead in municipal water, testing methods, and exposure reduction is available from the Safe Municipal Water Hotline at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Greene County has mapped each of their public water systems providing additional information on lead exposure risk. These maps can be accessed on the Greene County Sanitary Engineering Department website at www.co.Greene.oh.us/938/Water-Quality-Reports.

1. Where do I go to pay my sewer bill? The township's Tax Collector's office is located in the Municipal Building and handles collection of sewer expenses and property taxes. For questions about your sewer bill, contact the Tax Collector at (856) 478-6454 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
2. What function does the Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) serve? The WWTF is the municipal system responsible for processing all raw sewage. Waste is pumped to the facility (on Woodland Avenue) and undergoes multiple treatment stages before being discharged as treated effluent into Raccoon Creek. The WWTF maintains a system comprising 16 pump stations, approximately 17 miles of pressure mains, 32 miles of gravity lines, and nearly 800 manholes.
3. I'm experiencing issues with my water service (odor, pressure, etc.). Can you assist? Unfortunately, no. Water service in Harrison Township is owned and operated by New Jersey American Water, reachable at 1-800-652-6987.
4. Why are township WWTF staff in my yard and what do the colored paint/flags indicate? When someone plans to dig, law requires requesting a 'mark out' of buried utilities before beginning any project. Different utilities use distinct color flags to mark their lines; WWTF personnel use green paint and flags to identify Harrison Township wastewater lines.
5. What is the four-inch cap in my yard and why must it remain accessible? It provides property owner access to the wastewater lateral connecting your home to the street line. Keep it exposed so if blockages occur, the line can be easily located. For specific blockage issues, contact the WWTF at (856) 478-4333.
6. What is a Sewer System? Household wastewater exits from plumbing fixtures and appliances in your home. A line called a 'lateral' runs from your property directly into the gravity line in the street (owned and maintained by the township). The township-maintained gravity line has manhole access approximately every 250 feet for cleaning and maintenance. Throughout the system, 'pump stations' move waste from lower to higher elevations, ultimately reaching the WWTF.
7. How does the township manage stormwater? The township's storm drain system directs all untreated runoff from impervious surfaces like roofs, parking lots, roads, sidewalks, and other hardened surfaces. The system includes storm drains visible on roads and in parking areas. Numerous basins collect untreated runoff and help control flooding. These basins, sometimes as large as a football field, prevent flooding while promoting recharge of underlying aquifers.