Portsmouth Public Water System

Certain individuals may have increased vulnerability to contaminants in municipal water compared to the general population. Those with compromised immune systems, including cancer patients undergoing treatment, organ transplant recipients, individuals with HIV/AIDS, elderly residents, and infants may face higher risks from waterborne infections. These vulnerable populations should consult healthcare providers about their water consumption habits.

The EPA and CDC provide guidelines for reducing infection risks from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants through their Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 or via http://water.a.gov/drink/hotline.

Our Commitment to Excellence
Delivering quality municipal water involves complex processes beyond simple water distribution. Treatment requires specialized knowledge and careful monitoring. Our licensed water professionals must complete extensive training and certification in mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics before becoming fully qualified. Their regular responsibilities include:

• Operating and maintaining purification and clarification equipment
• Monitoring instruments, gauges, and system conditions
• Conducting and evaluating water quality tests
• Maintaining optimal chemical balance
• Applying technical data to determine treatment requirements
• Documenting and reporting results to regulatory agencies
• Serving the community through education and outreach

When you turn on your tap, remember the dedicated professionals supporting every drop.

Water Quality Report
We're pleased to present our annual water quality report covering January 1 to December 31, 2017. As in previous years, we remain committed to delivering the highest quality municipal water while addressing regulatory challenges, source water protection, conservation efforts, and community education.

Contact Information
If you have questions about this report or other water quality concerns, please contact:

City of Portsmouth Lab Water Quality
(757) 539-2201 ext 235

Additional water quality information sources:
Virginia Department of Health Office of Water Programs: (757) 683-2000
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800) 426-4791

Visit our website at www.portsmouthva.gov for this Water Quality Report and other City information.

Lead Awareness
Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in water typically comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing. While Lake Kilby Water Treatment Plant provides high-quality water, we can't control the materials used in residential plumbing components. After water sits in pipes for several hours, you can minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If concerned, consider having your water tested. Information about lead in water, testing methods, and exposure reduction steps is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at www.epa.gov/lead.

The CDC provides essential guidance on water safety, potential health impacts, and recommended precautions for various populations. Their resources help residents understand how water quality relates to public health concerns, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

Common questions addressed by the CDC include how to interpret water quality reports, understanding potential health effects of various contaminants, and practical steps for reducing exposure risks in daily water usage.