Niles

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

Potential Contaminants Include:

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

All drinking water, including bottled water, can reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants 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.

The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA regulations set limits for contaminants in bottled water to provide the same public health protection.

Special Health Considerations
Some individuals may be more vulnerable to contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons, including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly individuals, and infants may face heightened risks. These individuals should seek advice about drinking water from healthcare providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing infection risks from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Lead Information
Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in municipal water primarily comes from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. We cannot control the materials used in plumbing components. If your water has been sitting for several hours, 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 drinking water, testing methods, and steps to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

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