Ironton PWS Water Company

The Division of Natural Resources conducts regular source water assessments to evaluate potential contamination risks to our drinking water supply. This process involves mapping source water areas for each well or surface intake and conducting contaminant inventories to identify potential threats.

Assessment maps and detailed information are available online at http://drinkingwater.missouri.edu/swip/swipmaps/pwssid.htm. To access maps for your water system, you'll need the state-assigned identification code printed at the top of this report. These resources provide a foundation for developing comprehensive source water protection plans.

Why might contaminants be present in my tap water?

All drinking water, including bottled water, naturally contains small amounts of some contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Common source water contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals, which may occur naturally or result from urban runoff, industrial discharges, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from various agricultural sources, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organics from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that may occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources regulates allowable contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure safe drinking water. Similarly, Department of Health regulations establish limits for bottled water contaminants to provide equivalent public health protection.

Regulatory Compliance

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources oversees our water system, identification number MO4010402, requiring regular testing to ensure safety. Last year, we tested for numerous contaminants, with results detailed in this report. Any violations of state requirements are explained further in this document.

How can I get involved?

To learn more about decision-making processes affecting water quality or if you have questions about this report, please call us at 573-546-2122 for information about scheduled meetings or contact persons.

Special Precautions

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons, including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune disorders, some elderly individuals, and infants may face increased infection risks. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers about drinking water. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminant infection risks are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Terms and Abbreviations

• Population: 1450 - Residential population served including non-bill paying customers
• MCLG: Maximum Contaminant Level Goal - contaminant level below which no known health risk exists
• MCL: Maximum Contaminant Level - highest allowable contaminant level in drinking water
• SMCL: Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level - non-enforceable guidelines for aesthetic effects
• AL: Action Level - contaminant concentration triggering treatment requirements
• TT: Treatment Technique - required process to reduce contaminant levels
• 90th percentile: For lead and copper testing, 10% of results are above this level
• Range of Results: Shows lowest and highest levels found during testing period
• RAA: Running Annual Average - average of sample results from previous 4 quarters
• LRAA: Locational Running Annual Average - locational average over previous 4 quarters
• TTHM: Total Trihalomethanes - chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, bromoform
• HAA5: Haloacetic Acids - mono-, di- and tri-chloracetic acid, mono- and dibromoacetic acid
• ppb: parts per billion or micrograms per liter
• ppm: parts per million or milligrams per liter
• NTU: Nephelometric Turbidity Unit - measure of water cloudiness
• nd: not detectable at testing limits

1. Where does Ironton PWS water come from?
   Ironton PWS supplies surface water to Ironton, Ohio.
2. Does Ironton PWS test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, Ironton PWS must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact Ironton PWS?
   Call 740-532-3353 or visit 3rd Street, Ironton, OH 45638, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does Ironton PWS water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is Ironton PWS water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.