Henderson County Water District

Municipal water, including bottled varieties, commonly contains small amounts of various contaminants. The presence of these substances doesn't automatically indicate a health risk. Additional information about contaminants and potential health effects is available through the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Municipal Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Water sources for municipal supplies include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land surfaces or through soil, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, and may pick up substances from animal presence or human activity.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, or wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) from natural sources, stormwater runoff, wastewater discharge, farming, or mining
• Pesticides and herbicides from agricultural runoff or residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, or waste systems
• Radioactive materials occurring naturally or from energy production and mining activities

EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure safe municipal water. FDA establishes similar limits for bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

Certain populations may have increased vulnerability to water contaminants, including individuals undergoing chemotherapy, transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or immune disorders, elderly individuals, and infants. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about their water consumption. EPA/CDC guidelines for reducing infection risk from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available through the Safe Municipal Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Elevated lead levels pose serious health risks, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead typically enters tap water through service line materials and household plumbing components. While your water provider ensures quality water delivery, they cannot control plumbing material composition. To minimize lead exposure, flush your tap for 30-120 seconds before using water after it has been sitting for several hours. If concerned about lead content, consider water testing. Information about lead in water, testing methods, and exposure reduction is available via the Safe Municipal Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

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