San Antonio Water System Northeast

SOURCES OF MUNICIPAL WATER: The sources of tap water and bottled water include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land surfaces or through soil, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal or human activities.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants: Viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife. SAWS monitors 360 distribution system sites monthly for bacteria, with no E. coli detected in 2017.
• Inorganic contaminants: Salts and metals that occur naturally or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial/domestic wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming.
• Pesticides and herbicides: From various sources including agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential usage.
• Organic chemical contaminants: Synthetic and volatile organic chemicals from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.
• Radioactive contaminants: Naturally-occurring or resulting from oil/gas production and mining activities.

WATER SOURCES: SAWS water originates as groundwater from the Edwards, Carrizo, Trinity and Wilcox aquifers, and in some areas, surface water from Canyon Lake. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is updating a Source Water Susceptibility Assessment for our water sources. This information helps us focus our source water protection strategies.

WATER QUALITY NOTICE: Even when water meets federal standards, it may contain small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

SECONDARY CONSTITUENTS: Many constituents like calcium, sodium, or iron that affect taste, color, and odor are regulated by Texas as secondary constituents. These are not health concerns but may impact water appearance and taste. Secondary constituent results are available on Texas Drinking Water Watch.

LEAD INFORMATION: Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in water primarily comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing. SAWS provides quality water but cannot control plumbing component materials. If water has been sitting for several hours, minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using for drinking or cooking. If concerned, you can have your water tested. Information on lead in water, testing methods, and steps to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

SPECIAL NOTICE: Some people may be more vulnerable than the general population to certain microbial contaminants, including Cryptosporidium. Infants, some elderly, and those with compromised immune systems (such as those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, those on steroid treatment, and people with HIV/AIDS) should seek advice from healthcare providers about drinking water. Guidelines on reducing infection risk from Cryptosporidium are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

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