Northport Water Works

All municipal water, including bottled varieties, can reasonably be expected to contain small amounts of certain impurities. The presence of these substances doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) are established at stringent thresholds for safety. To understand potential health effects described for regulated constituents, a person would need to consume two liters of water daily at the MCL level for a lifetime to have a one-in-a-million chance of experiencing the described health effect.

Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and radioactive material, and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activity.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants such as viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals, occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, industrial/domestic wastewater, oil/gas production, farming, or mining
• 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, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining

To ensure tap water safety, EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems. FDA regulations establish similar limits for bottled water. Northport Utilities regularly tests for pathogens like Cryptosporidium and Giardia, which can enter water from animal or human waste. All test results have met state and federal standards.

For immunocompromised individuals, guidance documents created jointly by the EPA and CDC are available online at http://water.a.gov/about/ogwdw/upload/2001_11_15_consumer_crypto.pdf or via the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791. (This information about cryptosporidium does not indicate its presence in our water supply.)

1. I would like to appeal the assessment value of my property. Who should I contact? The Aiken County Tax Assessor's Office at 803-642-1583 can assist you.
2. My mortgage company is supposed to pay my tax bills, why did you send me an invoice? Since all City of Aiken property owners are responsible for their tax payments, statements are sent to inform you of the amount due. If your mortgage has an escrow account, contact your mortgage company and ask them to reach out to the Aiken County Treasurer's Office at 803-642-2092 so your account can be properly coded. Taxes aren't considered paid until checks clear the bank.
3. I am now eligible for tax exemption. Who should I contact? The Aiken County Auditor's office at 803-642-1510 or 803-642-1511 can help. (Homestead exemption is available to primary homeowners over 65, 100% disabled, or legally blind).
4. I have questions about my vehicle tax (vehicle tags). Who should I contact? For all vehicles, boats, aircraft, etc., please contact the Aiken County Auditor's office at 803-642-1510 or 803-642-1511.
5. I no longer own the property for which I'm receiving a personal property or merchant's tax bill. How do I correct this? All corrections to your personal property or merchant's tax bill must be processed through the Aiken County Auditor's Office at 803-642-1510 or 803-642-1511.
6. What amount is the base tax on my bill? The base tax is the first amount listed on your bill. Other amounts include penalties due if payment is made after required dates.