Lincoln County WTP

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Is my water safe to consume?
For nations as vast as the United States and Canada, a universal answer isn't possible, but generally speaking, yes. Nearly all public water supplies within the United States meet the Environmental Protection Agency's standards for safe municipal water.

What are water quality standards?
Standards are typically numerical limits on concentrations or quantities of specific contaminants. When a contaminant can't be easily measured, such as certain microbiological organisms that can cause illness, water suppliers must implement specific treatments like disinfection and filtration to ensure safety. Smaller water systems often face greater challenges meeting these standards than larger municipalities due to limited financial resources for necessary improvements.

Should I purchase bottled water?
If your municipal water meets all federal, state, or provincial standards (check with your local provider), bottled water isn't necessary for health reasons. While bottled water offers a different taste experience, it can cost up to 1,000 times more than municipal water. During emergencies, bottled water becomes an essential drinking source for those without water service.

What causes a Boil Water Advisory?
Public health officials issue Boil Water Advisories when disasters or other events potentially contaminate the water supply. Boiling water effectively ensures its safety for consumption. When such advisories are issued, any water for drinking should be boiled for at least three minutes (five minutes at higher elevations). If electricity remains available, refrigerate water after boiling.

Where does my tap water originate?
Municipal water comes from two primary sources: surface water (lakes, reservoirs, rivers) and groundwater (wells drilled into aquifers). Most large U.S. cities utilize surface water, while smaller towns typically rely on groundwater. Some water suppliers purchase pre-treated water from wholesalers before distribution to customers.

What causes water contamination?
Rainfall is the primary source of water pollution. The same precipitation that fills reservoirs, swells rivers, and nourishes vegetation washes over livestock feedlots, city streets, and industrial waste sites. This runoff eventually enters surface drinking water sources or seeps underground into aquifers, potentially carrying harmful microorganisms or chemicals.

How do chemicals enter the water supply?
Many chemicals occur naturally in water, including calcium, magnesium, and iron – most of these natural compounds aren't harmful. However, rainwater seeping through hazardous waste sites or surface runoff into reservoirs and rivers introduces unwanted chemicals. Everyday activities also contribute: for example, cleaning paint brushes with solvent and improperly disposing of it outdoors can contaminate groundwater.

Can I test my water at home?
Not comprehensively. Simple kits test for hardness and certain chemicals like chlorine and lead, but thorough analysis requires professional testing. Your local water utility can provide water quality information and test your supply if you have concerns. Local and state health departments also offer water quality testing resources.

Why does my water taste or smell unusual?
Common causes of taste and odor issues include: chlorine added to kill germs (heavily chlorinated water may contain regulated "reaction products"); hydrogen sulfide in groundwater creating a harmless but unpleasant rotten-egg smell; algae, bacteria, and fungi in surface water sources producing non-harmful but unpleasant tastes (grassy, swampy, earthy-musty); and metallic tastes from copper or iron that has dissolved from plumbing (copper may cause temporary digestive issues, while iron poses no health concerns).