Russellville Whitesburg U D

Is my municipal water safe to consume? Yes, our water meets all EPA health standards. We have conducted numerous tests for over 80 potential contaminants in flowing water. As shown in the chart at the back, we only detected 13 of these substances. All detected contaminants were found at safe levels.

What is the source of my water? Your municipal water, which is surface water, comes from Morristown Utilities Systems. Our goal is to protect our water from contaminants and we work with the State to determine the vulnerability of our water source to potential contamination.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has prepared a Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) Report for untreated water sources serving this system. The SWAP Report evaluates the susceptibility of untreated water sources to possible contamination. To ensure safe water, all public systems treat and regularly test their water.

Water sources have been classified as reasonably susceptible, moderately susceptible or slightly susceptible based on geological factors and human activities near the source. The Russellville-Whitesburg Utility District sources are rated as moderately susceptible to potential contamination.

Why are there contaminants in my water? Municipal water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained from the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

How can I get involved? Our Water Board meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 4:00 pm at 5935 E Andrew Johnson Hwy. The public is welcome to participate. Commissioners serve four-year terms, with vacancies filled by appointment by the County Mayor(s) from nominees certified by the Board.

Is our water system meeting other regulations? State and EPA require us to test and report regularly to ensure safety. We have met all requirements. Results of unregulated contaminant analysis are available upon request.

Information about water sources: Sources for municipal water (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and can pick up substances from animal or human activity.

Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals (natural or from urban runoff, industrial discharges, oil/gas production, mining)
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining

EPA and Tennessee regulations limit contaminant levels in public water. Morristown Utilities processes reduce any such substances to levels well below health concerns. FDA regulations establish similar limits for bottled water.

Special precautions: Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons (cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients, the elderly, and infants) should seek advice about water, food preparation, and personal hygiene from healthcare providers.

Lead in Municipal Water: If present, elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead comes primarily from materials in service lines and home plumbing. Russellville-Whitesburg UD provides quality water but cannot control materials used in plumbing components. To minimize lead exposure, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. For more information on lead testing and exposure reduction, contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or visit http://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family%23water%23water.

Water System Security: Following September 2001, we ask the public to report any suspicious activities at utility facilities, including treatment plants, pumping stations, tanks, hydrants, etc. to 423-586-2232.

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