Holland Board of Public Works

A NOTE ABOUT MUNICIPAL WATER

All municipal water, including bottled varieties, typically contains trace amounts of various contaminants. These substances enter water supplies as it flows across land or through soil, absorbing naturally occurring minerals or picking up residues from animal or human activities. The presence of such contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

Water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. To ensure tap water safety, the EPA and State Water Resources Control Board enforce regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. Similarly, FDA regulations establish comparable safety standards for bottled water.

For information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

INFORMATION FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS

Certain individuals may be more susceptible to water contaminants than the general population. Those with compromised immune systems—such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly individuals, and infants—face heightened risks from infections. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers regarding water consumption.

Guidelines for reducing infection risks from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

COMPREHENSIVE WATER QUALITY MONITORING

Holland Board of Public Works conducts rigorous monitoring to ensure compliance with all state and federal standards. This involves testing for numerous potential contaminants in source water, including:

• Microbials (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic compounds (salts, metals) occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, industrial discharge, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential usage
• Organic chemicals (synthetic and volatile compounds) from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive substances occurring naturally or resulting from oil/gas production and mining

Our state-certified laboratory employs highly trained analysts and certified operators working under strict Quality Assurance/Quality Control protocols. Daily samples are collected from water sources, treatment facilities, and distribution systems to maintain consistently high water quality for our customers.

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