Prattville

Renewing Our Pledge to Quality Water

We're proud to present our annual municipal water quality report covering all testing from January 1 through December 31, 2008. Our compliance with state and federal water regulations remains exemplary, and we're committed to delivering the highest quality water possible.

To maintain these standards, we vigilantly address source water protection, water conservation, and community education while meeting the needs of all water users. For more information about this report or our water utility, please contact Bob Gray at (334) 361-0098.

Important Health Information

Certain populations may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general public. Individuals with compromised immune systems—including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly persons, and infants—may face increased health risks. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers regarding water consumption. Guidelines from the EPA/CDC on reducing infection risk from Cryptosporidium and other microbes are available via the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Lead in Water Supplies

Elevated lead levels pose serious health concerns, particularly for pregnant women and young children. While Prattville Water Works Board provides high-quality water, we cannot control the materials used in residential plumbing. If water has been sitting for several hours, minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption. Those concerned about lead can request water testing. More information about lead in water is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Understanding Potential Contaminants

EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA establishes similar standards for bottled water. All water sources—whether tap or bottled—may contain some contaminants, though their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

Water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and can pick up substances from animal or human activities.

Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment, septic systems, livestock, or wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) from natural sources, urban runoff, wastewater, oil/gas production, or mining
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential use
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, runoff, or septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants, either naturally occurring or resulting from resource extraction activities

For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Source Water Assessment

Our source water assessment is complete, and we're pleased to report our municipal water meets federal and state requirements. For a copy of this report, please contact Frank Gray at (334) 361-0098. Those interested in viewing the Five Star Water District's assessment report should contact their facility at (334) 567-1366.

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