Paintsville Municipal Water Works

Our municipal water comes from Paintsville Lake, a surface water resource. The treatment facility is located at 304 Pond View Road and can process 4 million gallons within 16 operational hours. A Supply Water Assessment Plan is accessible at the Paintsville utility office during regular business hours.

The assessment evaluates the small area surrounding our water source where contaminants could potentially migrate and reach our water supply. It includes a comprehensive list of potential contamination sources within the designated area and assesses the vulnerability of our water supply. Within the safety zone, 5 potential contamination sources have been identified, most classified as medium risk.

Currently, our water supply remains largely unaffected by point sources. The greatest impact, though minimal, comes from nonpoint source sedimentation. Municipal water, including bottled varieties, may reasonably contain small amounts of certain contaminants. The presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Municipal water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land surfaces or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals, sometimes radioactive materials, and may pick up substances from animal presence or human activity.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria from sewage facilities, septic systems, livestock operations or wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals, either naturally occurring or from stormwater runoff, wastewater discharge, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from stormwater runoff, agriculture, or residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, stormwater runoff, or septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants, either naturally occurring or from oil/gas production or mining activities

To ensure tap water safety, the EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. FDA regulations set similar limits for bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. People with compromised immune systems—including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients, individuals with other immune disorders, some elderly people, and infants—may be particularly susceptible to infections. These individuals should seek advice about municipal water from their healthcare providers. EPA/CDC guidelines for reducing infection risk from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Information About Lead: Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in water primarily comes from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. While Paintsville Municipal Water Works provides high-quality municipal water, we cannot control the materials used in plumbing components. To minimize potential lead exposure, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking, especially after water has been sitting for several hours. If concerned about lead in your water, consider having it tested. Information about lead in water, testing methods, and steps to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Our municipal water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Though not an emergency, as our customers, you have the right to know what happened and what we are doing to address the situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ambulance Services

1. How much does Ambulance Service cost?
2. What does the ambulance service fee cover?
3. The charge I'm billed can't possibly cover the complete cost of ambulance service. Who covers the remaining expenses?
4. What services aren't included in the fee?
5. What should I do if my insurance provider sends me the bill for ambulance services?
6. Are Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) and other providers included in my Owasso Ambulance fee?
7. What if I reside in Collinsville?

Animal Shelter

1. Is a leash required for my pet?
2. Are spay/neuter procedures mandatory for my pet?
3. How many animals am I permitted to keep within city limits?
4. Are exotic animals allowed within city boundaries?
5. Where can stray animals be taken?
6. Is there a fee to surrender animals to the Animal Shelter?
7. Who is authorized to surrender animals to the Animal Shelter?
8. Can I drop off an animal at the shelter without Animal Control staff present? What consequences might I face?
9. Who should I contact about barking dogs?

Cemetery

1. Where is Fairview Cemetery located?
2. What are the cemetery's operating hours?
3. Who maintains Fairview Cemetery?
4. What types of flowers/mementos can be placed at gravesites?
5. How do I purchase a burial plot?
6. What fees apply to cemetery services?

Online Citizen Reporting

1. What alternatives exist if online incident reporting isn't suitable for my situation?
2. Can I report incidents that occurred in other cities using this online system?
3. What constitutes a "known suspect"?
4. How can my insurance company or I obtain a copy of the online accident report I submitted?
5. What's the typical approval timeframe for submitted reports?

Community Development

1. Are same-day inspections available? What information should I provide on the inspection line?
2. Can I operate a business from my residence?
3. Is it permissible to build a carport over my driveway?
4. Are permits required for fences, and what height restrictions apply?
5. Do I need permits for storage sheds?
6. Are permits necessary for home improvement projects?
7. Do I need a permit to enclose my garage?
8. What size limitations apply to detached accessory structures in rear yards?
9. What's the typical processing time for residential single-family or commercial building permits?
10. What are the fees for contractor, sub-contractor, journeyman, or apprentice licenses?
11. What requirements must be met to operate a home-based daycare?
12. What steps should I take to establish a new business in town?
13. What documentation is required for single-family building permits?

Dog Park

1. How many dogs may I bring to the park simultaneously?
2. Are vaccinations mandatory for dogs visiting the park?
3. Can I bring toys for my dog to play with?
4. Where is the Owasso Waggin' Trail Dog Park located?
5. Why aren't dog water bowls provided throughout the park?
6. Who enforces the dog park rules and regulations?
7. When can my dog be off-leash?
8. May I bring treats for my dog?
9. Can small dogs (under 30 lbs) use the large dog area?

Fire Department

1. When is it appropriate to call 911?
2. How many fire stations serve Owasso?
3. Is it acceptable to stop by a fire station for a visit?
4. Who should I contact to arrange a fire station tour for my group?
5. Why are fire trucks sometimes seen at stores and restaurants?
6. Are Owasso ambulances part of the Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA)?
7. Why does a private ambulance service respond to Owasso calls?
8. How can I obtain a fire report copy for insurance purposes?
9. Does the fire department assist with child safety seat installation?
10. Is yard burning of discarded materials permitted?

Fireworks

1. Is fireworks use permitted within city limits?
2. If fireworks sales are prohibited in the city, why are churches and schools allowed to sell them?
3. Why does the City restrict fireworks but then host public fireworks displays?
4. Why doesn't the City issue fireworks permits to residents like other municipalities?
5. Would fireworks permit sales generate municipal revenue?

General City Information

1. Where is City Hall located?
2. What are the operating hours?
3. Who should I contact about mosquito control in my neighborhood?
4. What is the sales tax rate in Owasso?
5. Who can answer my questions about local services?