Owasso

Water, including bottled varieties, typically contains at least trace amounts of various contaminants. The mere presence of these substances doesn't necessarily indicate health risks. For comprehensive information about contaminants and potential health impacts, contact the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Municipal water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land surfaces or through underground layers, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals, potentially radioactive materials, and may collect substances from animal or human activities.

Common contaminant categories in untreated water include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, industrial discharge, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential usage
• Chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, stormwater runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining

The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure tap water safety. Similarly, FDA regulations set limits for bottled water contaminants to protect public health.

Important Health Information: Certain populations may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general public. Immunocompromised individuals (cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients, elderly persons, and infants) face higher infection risks. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about drinking water safety. Guidelines for reducing Cryptosporidium infection risk are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead primarily enters drinking water through service line materials and household plumbing components. While Owasso provides quality water, we cannot control plumbing material variations. After water sits unused for several hours, minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption. If concerned, consider water testing. Information about lead in drinking water, testing methods, and exposure reduction is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

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