Mt Penn Boro Municipal Authority

Municipal water sources include rivers, lakes, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or through soil, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials, while potentially collecting substances from animal presence or human activity. Potential contaminants in source water include:

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

To ensure tap water safety, EPA and DEP establish regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. FDA and DEP regulations set similar limits for bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection. All water, including bottled varieties, can reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants, though their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

Additional information about contaminants and potential health effects is available by calling the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Information about Lead: Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in tap water primarily comes from materials and components in service lines and home plumbing. Mt. Penn Borough Municipal Authority provides high-quality water but cannot control the materials used in plumbing components. When water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If concerned about lead, consider having your water tested. Information about lead in 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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