River Falls Waterworks Water Company

Various contaminants may be found in source water, including:

Microbial contaminants such as viruses and bacteria that may come from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife.

Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals can occur naturally or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming activities.

Pesticides and herbicides might originate from various sources including agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential usage.

Organic chemical contaminants, both synthetic and volatile, are often byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and may also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.

Radioactive contaminants can occur naturally or result from oil and gas production and mining activities.

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

LEAD INFORMATION: Elevated lead levels can cause serious health concerns, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in municipal water primarily comes from materials and components in service lines and home plumbing. While River Falls Water Utility provides quality water, they cannot control the materials used in plumbing components. If your water has been sitting 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 about lead, consider having your water tested. Information about lead in water is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

1. Where does River Falls Waterworks water come from?
   River Falls Waterworks supplies groundwater to River Falls, Wisconsin.
2. Does River Falls Waterworks test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, River Falls Waterworks must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact River Falls Waterworks?
   Call 715-425-0900 or visit 222 Lewis Street, River Falls, WI 54022, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does River Falls Waterworks water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is River Falls Waterworks water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.