Kimzey Regional Water District

We're pleased to present this year's Annual Municipal Water Quality Report. This document outlines the quality water and services we deliver to you daily. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable municipal water while encouraging community involvement in our ongoing water treatment and source protection efforts.

Where Does Our Municipal Water Come From?
Our water comes from two primary sources: DeGray Lake and the Ouachita River. Water from DeGray Lake undergoes treatment at the Bismarck Treatment Plant, while Ouachita River water is processed at the Jones Mill Treatment Plant. Customers west of Oak Grove Pump Station on Highway 84 typically receive water from the Bismarck facility, while eastern customers receive water from Jones Mill. During emergencies or maintenance exercises, water may be shared between distribution systems.

Is Our Water Source Safe?
The Arkansas Department of Health's Source Water Vulnerability Assessment has determined our water sources have a low susceptibility to contamination. This assessment serves as a foundation for our water protection planning. You may request a summary of this assessment from our office.

Potential Contaminants in Municipal Water
As water travels through land or underground, it can collect naturally occurring minerals and sometimes substances from human or animal activities. These may include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment, septic systems, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals from natural sources or urban runoff
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes and petroleum production
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from industrial activities

EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA establishes similar protections for bottled water.

Health Considerations
All municipal water, including bottled varieties, may contain small amounts of some contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk, though certain populations may be more vulnerable—including those with compromised immune systems, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly individuals, and infants. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers about their water consumption.

Understanding Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium is a microbial pathogen sometimes found in surface water. Our 2017 monitoring detected no presence of these organisms in our water sources. While filtration removes Cryptosporidium, no method guarantees 100% removal. If ingested, it can cause gastrointestinal illness with symptoms including nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

Lead in Municipal Water
Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in water typically comes from service lines and home plumbing materials. We provide high-quality water but cannot control materials used in plumbing components. If your water has been sitting for hours, consider flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using for drinking or cooking. For concerns about lead, consider water testing. More information is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Learn More About Your Water
For questions about this report or your water service, please contact Keith Daniell, General Manager, at 501-337-0037. We welcome you to attend our monthly meetings, held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Kimzey Business office.

1. Is my municipal water safe?
   Yes, our water meets all EPA health requirements. We conduct extensive testing for over 80 potential contaminants. As shown in our reports, we detected nine contaminants, all within safe, acceptable levels established by regulatory agencies.
2. What is the source of my water?
   Soddy Daisy and Mowbray customers receive surface water from Soddy Lake northeast of town. Sale Creek customers receive groundwater from wells sourced from a Cambrian/Ordovician aquifer. We actively protect these sources from potential contamination through ongoing monitoring and assessment programs.
3. How is water vulnerability determined?
   The Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) evaluates untreated water sources for contamination risks. Sources are rated as moderately vulnerable, fairly vulnerable, or slightly vulnerable based on geological factors and human activities near the water supply. The Soddy-Daisy and Sale Creek sources are rated as moderately vulnerable.
4. Why might contaminants appear in my water?
   All municipal water, including bottled varieties, may contain small amounts of certain contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. The EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) provides detailed information about contaminants and potential health effects.