Hca Roan Filter Plant

Sources of municipal water (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels across land surfaces or through soil layers, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials, while potentially collecting substances from animal presence or human activity.

Contaminants potentially present in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants such as viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals that occur naturally or result from urban runoff, industrial discharge, oil/gas production, or agricultural practices
• Pesticides and herbicides from various sources including agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile compounds, which are byproducts of industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from oil/gas production activities

To ensure tap water safety, the EPA and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) establish regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. FDA and PADEP regulations set similar limits for bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection. All water, including bottled varieties, reasonably contains at least trace amounts of some contaminants. The mere presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

A Source Water Assessment of HSWA's water sources completed in 2004 by PADEP found our water sources are potentially most vulnerable to roadway incidents and non-point source contamination from residential areas, pesticide use, and past mining activities. Overall, the sources have a moderate risk of significant contamination. Assessment summaries are available through the HSWA Office and on the PADEP website at http://www.dep.state.pa.us (keyword: "DEP source water"). Complete reports were distributed to municipalities, water suppliers, planning agencies, and PADEP offices, with copies available for review at the PADEP Southwest Regional Office, Records Management Unit (412-442-4000).

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