San Luis Obispo Water Department

Potential Substances in Your Water Supply: The water that flows from your tap originates from various natural sources including rivers, lakes, reservoirs, springs, and underground aquifers. As water journeys through these environments, it naturally absorbs minerals and, in some cases, radioactive elements. It may also collect substances from animal activity or human development.

To ensure your safety, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State Water Resources Control Board establish strict regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. Similarly, the FDA and California state laws regulate bottled water quality to provide comparable health protection.

It's important to note that all water sources, including bottled options, will contain minimal amounts of some contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health hazard. Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial Contaminants: Viruses and bacteria from sewage facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic Contaminants: Naturally occurring or human-sourced salts and metals from urban runoff, wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and Herbicides: From agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential usage
• Organic Chemical Contaminants: Industrial byproducts, petroleum production derivatives, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive Contaminants: Natural sources or from oil/gas production and mining operations

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

The CDC provides essential health guidelines related to municipal water systems, including information about waterborne disease prevention, proper household water treatment, and recommendations for immunocompromised individuals. Their resources help residents understand potential health risks and appropriate precautions.