Ottawa County Regional Water District

The primary water source for Ottawa County is an intake submerged in Lake Erie. This surface water source requires extensive treatment before distribution as it's particularly vulnerable to contamination. The county's water safety assessment has identified several potential contamination risks including:

• Agricultural runoff from nearby farms
• Residential sewage system discharges
• Leaking underground and above-ground storage facilities
• Nearby landfill operations
• Municipal sewer infrastructure
• Combined sewer overflow events
• Accidental chemical spills
• Recreational boating activities
• Road and railway runoff

While the Ottawa County Regional Water System treats water to meet quality standards, no single treatment method can address all potential contaminants. Implementing protective measures for Lake Erie is essential for long-term water quality. For detailed information, review the district's Source Water Assessment report by contacting Ron Wetzel, Water Superintendent, at 419-734-7312.

Common Contamination Sources:
Municipal water can contain various contaminants from natural and human sources:

• Microbial contaminants: Viruses and bacteria from sewage facilities, septic systems, livestock operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants: Naturally occurring minerals and metals, plus urban runoff, industrial discharge, oil/gas production, mining, and farming
• Pesticides/herbicides: From agriculture, urban runoff, and residential use
• Organic chemical contaminants: Industrial byproducts, petroleum production waste, gas stations, stormwater runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants: Naturally occurring or resulting from energy production and mining

The EPA sets regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while the FDA establishes similar protections for bottled water. All water sources typically contain trace amounts of some contaminants, though their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

Special Health Considerations:
Some individuals may be particularly vulnerable to water contaminants. Those with compromised immune systems—cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly individuals, and infants—should seek advice from healthcare providers about their municipal water. The EPA/CDC offers guidelines to reduce infection risks from contaminants like cryptosporidium through their Safe Water Hotline.

Public Participation:
Ottawa County welcomes community input at Commissioner meetings held Tuesdays and Thursdays at the County Courthouse. For meeting schedules, contact the Clerk's office at 419-734-6700.

Important Definitions:

• MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level Goal): Contaminant level with no known health risks
• MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level): Highest allowable contaminant level, set as close to MCLGs as feasible
• TT (Treatment Technique): Required process to reduce contaminant levels
• AL (Action Level): Contaminant concentration that triggers treatment requirements

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