Medina Co/Northwest PWS Water Company

Wadsworth draws its municipal water from 11 different wells throughout the city, including the newer well in Chippewa. Seven wells are deep rock formations located in the southeast corner between Wide Street and Manley Road, while four are sand and gravel wells in the southwest near soccer fields and the airport. The Chippewa well, a sand and gravel source, began service in August 2012.

Medina County acquires water from Wadsworth waterlines at the SR 94 city limits and distributes it through County-owned mains. For questions about your water quality, please contact Dave Ling, Water Distribution Systems Supervisor, at (330)723-9585.

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
The Medina County Board of Commissioners holds regular meetings every Tuesday at 9:30 am at the County Administration Building, 144 N. Broadway, Medina. Meeting information is available on the Medina County Calendar at http://www.co.medina.oh.us/calendar.html. Public water concerns can also be addressed to Medina County Sanitary Engineer's Superintendent of Treatment, Dave Bazilevich, at (330) 723-9585.

IMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATION
Certain populations may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general public. People with compromised immune systems—including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients, elderly individuals, and infants—may face higher infection risks. These individuals should consult their healthcare providers about municipal water consumption. Guidelines for reducing Cryptosporidium and microbial contamination risks are available from the Safe Municipal Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

POTENTIAL CONTAMINANTS IN WATER
The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA regulations set similar limits for bottled water. All water sources may contain small amounts of certain contaminants, which doesn't necessarily indicate health risks. Water sources (tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells, which can collect natural minerals, radioactive materials, and substances from animal or human activity.

Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial Contaminants: Viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, livestock operations, or wildlife
• Inorganic Contaminants: Salts and metals occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides/Herbicides: From various sources including agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• 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 more information about contaminants and health effects, call the EPA's Safe Municipal Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

LEAD AND MUNICIPAL WATER
Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in municipal water primarily comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing. While Medina County provides quality water, it cannot control the materials used in plumbing components. When water sits for several hours, metals can leach into your water. You can minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption. If concerned, you can request water testing. Information about lead in water, testing methods, and steps to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Municipal Water Hotline.

Why are water rates increasing?
The combination of affordable natural gas from fracking and renewable energy adoption has reduced our revenue generation capabilities. Previously, the Sikeston Power Station's surplus revenue subsidized network costs, but with wholesale energy demand shifting toward alternative sources, this subsidy has disappeared. Meanwhile, our operational, replacement and maintenance expenses continue, requiring adequate funding to maintain reliable service to Sikeston residents.

How was the rate increase amount determined?
We engaged an independent consultant to evaluate our service costs. Their analysis indicated that a series of incremental increases is necessary to address market changes. We're implementing these increases gradually to help customers adjust to the new rate structure. After exploring numerous alternatives, rate adjustments proved to be the most viable solution.

Why weren't previous rate increases sufficient?
Earlier increases were implemented to offset coal costs, which rose by over $16 million annually starting in 2013. Now, with renewable energy popularity and lower natural gas prices, demand for BMU's power has decreased, resulting in approximately $12 million in annual revenue loss. We need to recover this lost revenue and rebuild our reserves. Even with these increases, our rates remain among the lowest statewide.

Will there be additional rate increases?
This is the first of several planned increases over coming years. We'll continue evaluating necessary adjustments annually to ensure we meet our bond covenant requirements. However, even with potential future increases, Sikeston residents will still pay less for utilities than most neighboring communities across the state.

1. Where does Medina Co/Northwest PWS water come from?
   Medina Co/Northwest PWS supplies purchased surface water to Medina, Ohio.
2. Does Medina Co/Northwest PWS test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, Medina Co/Northwest PWS must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact Medina Co/Northwest PWS?
   Call 330-723-9585 or visit 791 W. Smith Rd, Medina, OH 44256, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does Medina Co/Northwest PWS water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is Medina Co/Northwest PWS water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.