Le-ax Regional Water District PWS Water Company

Le-Ax Water District obtains its municipal water from two horizontal collector wells situated approximately 200 feet south of the Hocking River in northwest Dover Township, Athens County, Ohio. The water is drawn from the Hocking River Aquifer and undergoes several treatment processes including iron and manganese removal, filtration, and softening. Fluoride is added for dental health benefits and Chlorine for disinfection purposes.

The Ohio EPA completed a source water assessment for Le-Ax Water District, determining that the aquifer has a high susceptibility to contamination. This doesn't mean contamination is inevitable, only that the risk exists. This assessment is based on three key factors: the lack of protective clay covering the aquifer, the shallow depth (less than 15 feet below surface), and the presence of potential contaminant sources in the protection area.

Le-Ax Regional Water has developed a comprehensive Source Water Protection Plan that outlines strategies to safeguard their water supply from land-based contamination. This plan includes contaminant source control measures, educational outreach initiatives, and emergency response protocols.

Municipal water, including both tap and bottled varieties, can contain various contaminants from natural and human sources. These may include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage treatment plants and agricultural operations
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals from natural sources or industrial runoff
• Pesticides and herbicides from various agricultural and urban sources
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes and petroleum production
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from mining activities

The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while the FDA sets similar standards for bottled water. While small amounts of some contaminants may be present, this doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

Certain populations may be more vulnerable to water contaminants, including immunocompromised individuals, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, those with HIV/AIDS, elderly people, and infants. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers regarding their water consumption.

1. Where does Le-ax Regional Water District PWS water come from?
   Le-ax Regional Water District PWS supplies groundwater to Athens County, Ohio.
2. Does Le-ax Regional Water District PWS test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, Le-ax Regional Water District 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 Le-ax Regional Water District PWS?
   Call 740-594-0123 or visit 6000 Industrial Drive, Athens, OH 45701, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does Le-ax Regional Water District 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 Le-ax Regional Water District 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.