Newton Water Supply

Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land surfaces or through underground layers, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal or human activities.

All water, including bottled varieties, may reasonably contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of these substances doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, industrial discharge, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organics from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, stormwater runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants occurring naturally or resulting from oil/gas production activities

The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA regulations set limits for bottled water to provide the same public health protection. Some consumers may experience taste, color, or odor issues with their water, which don't necessarily indicate health concerns. For questions about these aesthetic issues, contact the system office at (409) 746-2271.

Certain populations may be more vulnerable to waterborne contaminants. Infants, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised persons (cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, those on steroid therapy, and people with HIV/AIDS) may face increased infection risks. Consult your healthcare provider about your drinking water. Guidelines for reducing Cryptosporidium infection risk are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

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