Mukilteo Water & Wastewater District

Many water sources (including both tap water and bottled water) contain various contaminants. As water flows across land surfaces or through ground layers, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, while also collecting substances from animal presence and human activities. Contaminants potentially found in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria, which may come from wastewater treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations and wildlife.
• Inorganic contaminants, including salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban runoff, industrial wastewater releases, oil and gas production, mining or farming.
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban stormwater runoff and residential usage.
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic compounds, which are byproducts of industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban stormwater runoff and septic systems.
• Radioactive substances that can occur naturally or result from oil and gas production and mining operations.

To ensure tap water safety, the EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. FDA regulations set similar limits for bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection. All water, whether tap or bottled, can reasonably be expected to contain at least trace amounts of certain contaminants. The presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Certain populations may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general public. Individuals with compromised immune systems, including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune disorders, some elderly individuals, and infants may face increased infection risks. These individuals should seek advice from their healthcare providers about drinking water. EPA and CDC guidelines on reducing the risk of Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminant infection are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

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