Pontiac

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the federal legislation that ensures the quality of America's water supply. Under the SDWA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes standards for municipal water quality and oversees the state, local municipality, and water suppliers who implement those standards.

Recent amendments to the SDWA require all public water systems with at least 15 service connections or that regularly serve at least 25 individuals to publish and distribute a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) annually. These reports enhance transparency for water customers. Informed and engaged consumers become valuable allies to their water systems, whether large or small, and can take appropriate action regarding water issues. Additionally, increased public awareness provides vulnerable populations the information they may need for their protection.

To maintain optimal water quality within your home, the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner's office (WRC) recommends cleaning each faucet aerator twice yearly. Aerators are the screens that attach to the end of your faucet. They also suggest annual flushing of your water heater and regular maintenance of any home water treatment equipment such as filters and softeners.

Special Health Information

Certain individuals may be more vulnerable to contaminants in municipal water than the general population. People with compromised immune systems—including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, individuals with HIV/AIDS or other immune disorders, some elderly people, and infants—may face increased health risks. These individuals should seek advice about municipal water from their healthcare providers. Guidelines from the EPA and CDC on appropriate methods to reduce infection risk from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Lead Information

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health complications, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in water primarily comes from materials and components associated with service lines and household plumbing. While the WRC provides high-quality municipal water, they cannot control the materials used in plumbing components. If water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize potential lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If concerned about lead in your water, testing is available. Information about lead in water, testing methods, and steps to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Potential Contaminant Sources

Sources of municipal water (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, sometimes radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activity. Contaminants potentially present in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) that occur naturally or result from urban runoff, industrial discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, stormwater runoff, and residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic 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 activities

EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure safety. FDA regulations establish similar protections for bottled water. All water, including bottled water, reasonably contains at least trace amounts of some contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects is available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

Our constant goal is providing you with safe, reliable water. We're committed to improving water treatment processes and protecting water resources. The municipal water comes from the Lake Huron watershed via the Lake Huron Water Treatment Plant in Port Huron. We purchase water through the North Oakland County Water Authority (NOCWA), who obtains it from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department.

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