Racine Waterworks

Water distributed by Racine Water Utility (RWU) must meet strict safety standards for both microbiological and chemical content, ensuring safety for consumption over an 80-year lifespan. The utility conducts comprehensive monitoring of Lake Michigan source water, treated finished water, distribution system water, and residential water throughout Racine and surrounding communities for more than 90 regulated contaminants.

The 2017 Water Quality Report includes results for numerous substances tested by the RWU, including microbiological findings for Cryptosporidium and Giardia from January-March 2017, concluding a 2-year monitoring program. EPA regulations establish limits for contaminants in public water systems, while FDA guidelines set similar protections for bottled water products.

It's important to note that all drinking water, including bottled varieties, may contain small amounts of some contaminants, though their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For detailed information about contaminants and potential health effects, residents can contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Lead in Municipal Water

Overly corrosive water can dissolve lead and other contaminants from household plumbing fixtures. For the third consecutive year, RWU lead results remained significantly below the EPA's established 15 parts per billion (ppb) action level. In 2017, the 90th percentile lead result was just 4.2 ppb, with none of the 53 samples exceeding the 15 ppb threshold. In 25 years of testing, only one sample has ever exceeded the copper action level.

Lead in municipal water rarely causes lead poisoning alone but can contribute to total exposure. Households should identify and address all potential lead sources. Lead levels may be higher in some homes due to plumbing materials used. Families concerned about lead (especially those with young children, who are more vulnerable) should consider water testing. A simple measure to reduce exposure is flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before use.

Water Sources and Potential Contaminants

Drinking water sources (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 and can pick up substances from animal or human activity.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from wastewater treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) occurring naturally or from stormwater runoff, wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, stormwater, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants occurring naturally or resulting from oil/gas production and mining

Immunocompromised individuals, including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or immune disorders, some elderly individuals, and infants may be particularly vulnerable to certain contaminants. These residents should seek guidance from healthcare providers about their drinking water.

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