North Springs Improvement District

Understanding Your Water Supply

Municipal water comes from various sources including rivers, lakes, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it naturally dissolves minerals and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activities. Several types of contaminants may be present in source water:

• Microbial Contaminants: Including viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic Contaminants: Salts and metals occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides/Herbicides: From agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential usage
• Organic Chemical Contaminants: Including synthetic and volatile organic compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive Contaminants: Naturally occurring or resulting from oil/gas production and mining

The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminants in public water systems, while FDA regulations set similar standards for bottled water. All water, including bottled varieties, typically contains at least trace amounts of some contaminants, though their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Municipal Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Common Questions About Your Water Supply

1. Is my water safe? We're pleased to provide this year's Annual Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) as required by the Safe Municipal Water Act. This document offers details about your water source, its contents, and how it compares to regulatory standards. We believe informed customers are our greatest allies.
2. Do I need special precautions? Certain individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. People with compromised immune systems (cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients), some elderly individuals, and infants may face increased infection risks. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing Cryptosporidium and microbial contamination risks are available through the Safe Water Hotline (800-426-4791).
3. Where does my water come from? Our water is drawn from deep wells in local aquifers. Source Water Assessment documentation is maintained at our main office for public review during regular business hours.
4. Why are there contaminants in my water? All water sources naturally contain some contaminants. As water moves through environments, it collects substances from nature and human activities. The presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. EPA regulations strictly limit contaminant levels to ensure public safety.
5. How is our water treated? Your water undergoes filtration and disinfection. Filtration removes suspended particles including clays, silts, organic matter, and microorganisms. Disinfection with chlorine or other agents kills harmful bacteria and microorganisms—one of the most significant public health advancements of the 20th century.