Magnolia Waterworks

Where Does Our Municipal Water Come From?

The sources of municipal water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. Magnolia's water sources include Lake Columbia and 3 wells that pump from the Sparta Aquifer. Water from Wells #8, 10, and 11 is processed at each well site and distributed through Station 3. Well #8 water receives treatment directly at the well site. Lake Columbia water undergoes processing at Magnolia's Surface Water Treatment Plant.

How Safe Is Our Water Source?

The Arkansas Department of Health completed a Source Water Vulnerability Assessment for Magnolia Water System. This assessment evaluates contamination potential for our water sources and guides development of source water protection plans. Based on multiple assessment criteria, our water sources were determined to have medium vulnerability to contamination. You may request a summary of this assessment from our office.

Potential Contaminants In Our Municipal Water

• Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants including salts and metals, either naturally occurring or from urban runoff, industrial discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agricultural, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic and volatile organics from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that can be naturally occurring or result from oil/gas production and mining activities

EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure tap water safety. FDA regulations establish similar limits for bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

Health Risk Considerations

All municipal water, including bottled water, may reasonably contain small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. However, some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. People with compromised immune systems, including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly individuals, and infants may face increased risk from even minor contamination. These individuals should seek advice about municipal water from healthcare providers.

Lead and Municipal Water

If present, elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in municipal water typically comes from materials and components in service lines and home plumbing. While we provide high-quality municipal water, we cannot control the materials used in household plumbing components. To minimize potential lead exposure, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking if water has been sitting for several hours. For concerns about lead in your water, consider having it tested. Information about lead in municipal water, testing methods, and exposure reduction is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.Epa.Gov/safewater/lead.

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