Mc Henry

Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and groundwater wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some instances, radioactive materials, while also potentially collecting substances from animal presence or human activity.

Potential contaminants may include:

• Microbial contaminants such as viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals that occur naturally or result from urban runoff, industrial discharge, oil and gas production, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from various sources including agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that may occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining

All water, including bottled varieties, reasonably contains at least trace amounts of some contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

To ensure tap water safety, the USEPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels 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, including immunocompromised persons, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly individuals, and infants, who should seek advice from healthcare providers regarding drinking water.

To better assist our community, we've compiled answers to frequently asked questions. If you don't find what you need, please contact our office directly.

1. Why is my water usage so high?
   • The meter reading may have been misread or difficult to interpret
   • You might have an undetected leaky toilet or faucet
   • Contact our office so we can help resolve this issue
2. What should I do about low water pressure?
   • Inspect your meter and surrounding area for potential leaks
   • Contact our office to report low pressure in your location
3. Why is my water discolored?
   • Recent repairs may have allowed air into the line, causing a milky appearance
4. What treatments are added to our municipal water?
   • Only chemicals approved by the National Safety Foundation for drinking water treatment
5. My water tastes and smells unusual. Is it safe?
   • All public systems maintain minimum chlorine levels (0.2 mg/L at line endpoints) as required by law
   • Systems using chloramine maintain 0.5 mg/L levels per regulations
   • Disinfectant levels are tested daily to ensure safety
6. Why does debris appear when running hot water?
   • Your water heater likely needs flushing
   • CAUTION: Manufacturers typically recommend hiring a professional for this service
7. Why do I have a balance when I sent my payment?
   • We may have received it after the due date or not received it at all
   • Call our office for assistance resolving this issue