Madisonville Light & Water

Our primary water sources are Lake Pee Early and the Green Water, both surface water reservoirs. Municipal water comes from various natural sources including rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and can pick up substances from animal or human activities.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) that occur naturally or result from urban runoff, wastewater discharge, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, stormwater runoff, and residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive substances that may be naturally occurring or from oil/gas production and mining

All water, including bottled water, may reasonably contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. This 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).

Certain populations may be more vulnerable to water contaminants. Individuals with compromised immune systems (cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients), some elderly persons, and infants may face higher risks. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about their water consumption.

City Council Meetings are scheduled for the first and third Monday of each month at 4:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Public participation is welcome.

Our Source Water Assessment Study identified 759 potential contamination sources within our watershed, including 79 chemical storage/use facilities and 552 oil/gas wells that pose risks from leaks and spills. Several sewage treatment facilities, industrial sites, coal mines, marinas, and landfills are additional potential concerns.

If present, elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead typically comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing. We recommend flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking if it has been sitting for several hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I know about our water testing laboratory?
2. Why does my water sometimes appear cloudy or milky?
3. What causes spots on dishes after washing?
4. Should I invest in a water softener system?
5. Are home filtration units necessary or beneficial?
6. Why does my coffee sometimes have an oily appearance?
7. What causes taste and odor issues in my water?
8. What causes water discoloration occasionally?
9. Is bottled water superior to tap water quality?
10. Why must municipal water be disinfected?
11. Why might I find sediment or sand in my water?
12. Why does the utility periodically flush water mains?
13. What causes water hardness in our region?
14. What are trihalomethanes and their significance?
15. Why is chlorination/chloramination necessary in our water supply?