H.B.& T.s. Utility District

Is my tap water safe? Yes. In 2017, extensive testing was conducted for over 57 potential contaminants that could be present in flowing water. Your tap water meets all of the EPA's health standards.

What is the source of my water? Your water comes from a surface water source, the Cumberland River (also known as Cheatham Lake) through Harpeth Valley U.M. We actively protect our water from contaminants and collaborate with the State to assess the vulnerability of our water supply.

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

You can view this report online at www.tn.gov/environment/article/wr-wq-source-water-assessment or contact TDEC at 1-888-891-8332 for copies of specific assessments.

Why are there substances in my water? Municipal water, including bottled water, can reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of various compounds. Public water systems must disclose detected compounds, though bottled water companies aren't required to follow this regulation. The presence of compounds doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

More information about contaminants and potential health effects is available through 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, sometimes, radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal or human activity.

Potential contaminants 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, which can occur naturally or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial/domestic wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that can be naturally occurring or result from oil/gas production and mining

To ensure safe drinking water, EPA and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation enforce regulations limiting certain contaminants in public water systems. FDA regulations establish similar limits for bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

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

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

Other Information: Since all water contains various compounds, occasional slight discoloration may occur. We work diligently to maintain standards that prevent this. At H.B.&T.S., we 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, lifestyle, 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, elderly persons, and infants) may be particularly susceptible to infections. These individuals should seek advice about drinking water, food preparation, personal hygiene, and precautions for handling infants and pets from 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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