Madison County Utilities District

This statement aims to educate the public about the quality of water and services provided daily. Our mission is to deliver safe, clean, and reliable municipal water supplies. We continually monitor, enhance, and safeguard our water system to ensure premium quality. Madison County Utilities District purchases water from Richmond Utilities to serve our customers. The water originates from surface water drawn from the Kentucky River.

The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1996 requires water systems to prepare a source water assessment addressing contamination susceptibility. This study indicates our susceptibility is moderate. Potential contamination sources in the watershed include transportation corridors, sewer infrastructure, oil and gas wells, logging operations, pesticide and fertilizer applications, and an active Superfund site.

Activities and land use within the watershed can pose potential risks to your water supply. These factors matter to customers as they can impact both health and water treatment costs. The complete Source Water Assessment is available for review during normal business hours at Richmond Utilities, 300 Hallie Irvine Street.

Municipal water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of certain contaminants. The presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals, sometimes radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal or human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria (from sewage plants, septic systems, livestock, or wildlife)
• Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals (naturally occurring or from stormwater runoff, wastewater discharges, oil/gas production)
• Pesticides and herbicides (from stormwater runoff, agriculture, or residential uses)
• Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic and volatile compounds (from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations)
• Radioactive contaminants (naturally occurring or from resource extraction activities)

To ensure tap water safety, EPA establishes regulations limiting specific contaminants in public water systems. FDA regulations set similar limits for bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons—such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, some elderly individuals, and infants—may face heightened infection risks. These individuals should seek medical advice about their drinking water. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing Cryptosporidium and microbial contamination risks are available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Information About Lead: Elevated lead levels can cause serious health issues, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in tap water primarily comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing. While your local water system provides high-quality water, it cannot control plumbing component materials. When water sits unused for several hours, you can minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption. If concerned about lead, consider water testing. Information about lead in tap water, testing methods, and exposure reduction is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead

DETECTING LEAKS
We aim to help customers maintain accurate bills by highlighting actual water usage. Even small household leaks quickly accumulate to significant water loss. A dripping faucet might waste 15 gallons daily, while just a 1/8" leak uses over 3,500 gallons per day. Most leaks are easily spotted, but some remain hidden. If your bill seems unusually high, a brief investigation can save both water and money.

To check for leaks:

1. Inspect your toilet. You might lose over 100 gallons weekly to toilet leaks. Test by placing food coloring drops in the tank, wait 15 minutes, then check the bowl. If the color appears, your tank is leaking. Look for moisture beneath dishwashers and washing machines. Check indoor and outdoor faucets, replacing worn gaskets and washers. Examine sprinkler systems for damaged heads and leaks.
2. Check your meter. Ensure no water is running in your home (including toilets, ice makers, washing machines). If no water is active, check your meter for dial movement. When water flows through the meter, the dial rotates clockwise. If water is off but the dial moves, you have a leak. Once confirmed, call a plumber or make repairs yourself. Madison County Utilities District isn't responsible for lines running from the meter to your residence.

FAQs Water FAQs

1. Who should I contact if I experience issues with my water?
2. Where do I call to report a possible water main break?
3. Where can I report a leaking fire hydrant?
4. I see small blue flags with your phone number in my area. What does that indicate?
5. Where is the Fairfield Water Treatment Plant located?
6. What are the operating hours for Fairfield's Water Treatment Plant?
7. What is the source of the City of Fairfield's municipal water?
8. How can I obtain information about the quality of water produced by the Fairfield Water Treatment Plant?
9. What is the pH level of Fairfield's water?
10. What is the hardness level of Fairfield's water?
11. If my water has an odor, what should I do?
12. Why does my water appear rusty?
13. Why is there a red or dark ring in my toilet?
14. Why does my water look cloudy?
15. Should I purchase a home water softener?
16. What causes pinhole leaks?