Marietta

The U.S. EPA establishes regulations that limit contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure safety. Similarly, the FDA sets standards for bottled water products to provide equivalent public health protection. All municipal water, including bottled varieties, naturally contains small amounts of certain contaminants, though their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

Water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals, sometimes radioactive substances, and materials from animal presence or human activity.

Potential water contaminants include:

• Microbial Contaminants: Viruses and bacteria from sewage facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, or wildlife
• Inorganic Contaminants: Salts and metals occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, wastewater discharge, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and Herbicides: From agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential usage
• Organic Chemical Contaminants: Synthetic and volatile organic compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive Contaminants: Naturally occurring or resulting from oil/gas production and mining

For additional information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

1. How often is Marietta's municipal water tested?
   Water quality is tested multiple times daily at various points throughout the distribution system.
2. What causes water hardness in Marietta?
   Naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium dissolve into surface water as it travels through rock formations.
3. How can residents address water quality concerns?
   Home filtration systems can effectively reduce many contaminants. Water softeners specifically target hardness minerals.
4. Are TTHMs in Marietta's water dangerous?
   Total Trihalomethanes are disinfection byproducts that form when chlorine reacts with organic matter. Long-term exposure to high levels may pose health risks.