Henry County Water Authority

In accordance with Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) regulations, Henry County Water Authority has implemented a Resource Water Assessment plan to protect our vital water supplies. The assessment has been completed and approved by ADEM, with public notifications issued as required. Residents can review the full report at our office during regular business hours or request a copy for a nominal fee.

Henry County Water Authority maintains rigorous water safety protocols including regular water storage facility inspections and a comprehensive Bacteriological Monitoring Strategy. We maintain required chlorine levels throughout our distribution system to shield your water from potential external contaminants, and we've established a Cross-Connection Policy to ensure water safety for all customers.

Monitoring Practices
Our team regularly tests for contaminants using EPA-approved methods and a state-certified laboratory, following all Federal and State guidelines. ADEM permits less frequent monitoring for certain contaminants when their concentrations remain stable. With EPA approval, ADEM has issued a statewide waiver for monitoring certain compounds including dioxin.

Community Involvement
We ask all residents to help protect our precious water resources by following proper guidelines for pesticides and herbicides, and by correctly disposing of household chemicals and waste oil. Your support helps safeguard the community's water resources for current and future generations.

Water Quality Facts
All water sources, including bottled water, naturally contain small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) are set at very stringent levels for public safety. To understand potential health effects from regulated substances, a person would need to consume two liters of water daily at the MCL level for a lifetime to have a one-in-a-million chance of experiencing health effects.

Potential Contaminant Sources
Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and can pick up substances from animal or human activities. Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants including naturally-occurring minerals or those resulting from urban runoff, industrial discharge, or agricultural practices
• Pesticides and herbicides from various agricultural, residential, and urban sources
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and waste systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from energy production and mining

Special Health Considerations
Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Those with compromised immune systems—such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients, elderly individuals, and infants—should seek medical advice about their drinking water. Guidelines for reducing infection risk from Cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Lead Awareness
Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, particularly for pregnant women and young children. While we provide high-quality water, we cannot control the materials used in home plumbing components. If your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize potential lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to two minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. For concerns about lead in your water, consider having it tested. Information about lead in drinking water is available at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

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