Savannah Valley U. D.

Is your municipal water safe? Yes, our water meets all EPA health standards. We have conducted numerous tests for over 80 potential contaminants in municipal water. As shown in the chart at the back, we only detected 8 of these substances.

Where does your water come from? Your water is groundwater drawn from three wells. Our primary goal is to protect our water sources from contamination, and we work with the State to assess vulnerability risks. 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 untreated water sources' vulnerability to potential contamination. To maintain safe municipal supplies, all public water systems treat and regularly test their water. Sources are rated as reasonably susceptible, moderately susceptible or slightly susceptible based on geological factors and human activities near the source. Savannah Valley Utility District sources are rated as reasonably susceptible to potential contamination.

You can view Tennessee's Source Water Assessment Program details at www.tn.gov/environment/dws/dwassess.shtml or contact us for specific assessments. A wellhead protection plan is available by calling Mike Scott at Savannah Valley Utility District between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on weekdays.

Why are there contaminants in my water? Municipal water, including bottled water, may reasonably contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

This report contains important information. Please have someone translate it for you if needed. For more about your municipal water, call Mike Martin at (423) 344-8440 Ext. 122.

How can I get involved? Our Water Board meets on the second Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at our office, located at 10700 Hwy 58. You're welcome to attend these meetings. Commissioners serve four-year terms, with vacancies filled by appointment by the Hamilton County Mayor from a list provided by remaining Commissioners.

Board decisions on consumer complaints can be reviewed by the Utility Management Review Panel of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation according to Section 7-82-702(7) of Tennessee Code Annotated.

Is our water system meeting other regulations? The State and EPA require regular testing and reporting to ensure safety. We've met all requirements. Results of unregulated contaminant analysis are available upon request.

Additional information: Water sources (tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive material, and can pick up substances from animal or human activity.

Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment, septic systems, agriculture, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals, occurring naturally or from urban runoff, industrial/domestic wastewater, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organics from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants, either naturally occurring or from oil/gas production and mining

To ensure tap water safety, EPA and Tennessee regulations limit certain contaminants in public water systems. Our treatment processes reduce these substances to levels well below health concerns. FDA regulations establish similar limits for bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

Should I take special precautions? Some people may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised individuals—such as those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or immune disorders, some elderly, and infants—may face higher infection risks. These individuals should seek advice about drinking water, food preparation, personal hygiene, and precautions when handling infants from healthcare providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing Cryptosporidium infection risk are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Lead in Municipal Water: If present, elevated lead levels can cause serious health issues, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead primarily comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing. Savannah Valley Utility District provides high-quality water but cannot control plumbing component materials. When water sits unused 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 water testing. Information about lead in water, testing methods, and exposure reduction is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Water System Security: Following September 2001, we understand public concerns about drinking water safety. Please report suspicious activities at utility facilities, including treatment plants, pumping stations, tanks, fire hydrants, etc., to 344-8440.

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