Is my municipal water safe? Yes. In 2017, tests were conducted for over 57 potential contaminants in our water supply. Your tap water meets all EPA health standards. Where does my water come from? Your water is sourced from surface water, specifically the Cumberland River (also known as Cheatham Lake) through Harpeth Valley U.M. We strive to protect our water from contaminants by collaborating with the State to assess our water supply vulnerability.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has completed a Source Water Assessment for our water system. The Assessment Susceptibility Ratings to potential contamination are classified as: Reasonably (high), Moderately (medium), or Slightly (low). These ratings are based on geological factors and human activities within the source water protection zone. HB&TS's water sources were rated as reasonably susceptible to potential contamination.

For a detailed explanation of this report, visit www.tn.gov/environment/article/wr-wq-source-water-assessment or contact TDEC at 1-888-891-8332 for specific assessment copies.

Why are there substances in my water? Municipal water, including bottled water, can reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of certain substances. Public water systems must disclose contaminant detection, though bottled water companies aren't held to the same standards. The presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects is available by calling the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

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 and, in some cases, radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal or human activities.

Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals that occur naturally or result from urban runoff, industrial waste, oil and gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organics from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from oil and gas production and mining

To ensure tap water safety, EPA and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation establish regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. FDA regulations set similar limits for bottled water to provide equal public health protection.

How can I get involved? Our Water Board meets at our office at 505 Downs Blvd, Franklin, Tennessee 37064 on the fourth Thursday of each month at 9:00 am. We welcome public participation.

Is our water system meeting other requirements? State and EPA regulations require regular testing and reporting to ensure water safety. We've met all these requirements and remain vigilant about compliance.

Other Information: Because all water contains dissolved minerals, occasional slight discoloration may occur. We work diligently to maintain standards that prevent this. H.B.&T.S. staff work around the clock to provide quality water to every tap. We ask all customers to help protect our water sources—they're vital to our community, way of life, and children's future.

Important Health Information: Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons (such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune disorders, some elderly individuals, and infants) may be particularly susceptible to infections. These individuals should seek advice about municipal water, food preparation, personal hygiene, and precautions for handling infants and pets from their healthcare providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing infection risk from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

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