Sidney City PWS

The City of Sidney's public water system obtains water from two main sources: groundwater and surface water. Groundwater is pumped from 4 water supply wells situated along the Great Miami River and from our new well field in Washington Township. Surface water comes from collection points at the low head dams on Tawawa Creek and the Great Miami River.

These multiple water sources allow us to select from any source or combination to achieve optimal quantity and quality. Going forward, we aim to rely more heavily on our groundwater sources to reduce potential contamination risks. Surface waters are naturally vulnerable to contamination, with numerous potential contaminant sources along their banks making them particularly susceptible.

The protection areas surrounding Tawawa Creek, the Great Miami River, and the well field contain a typical number of potential contamination sources, including agricultural runoff, inadequate septic systems, and road and rail crossings. Consequently, Sidney's public water system is considered to have high contamination susceptibility.

Potential Contamination Sources:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) 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 from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants from natural sources or oil/gas production and mining

To ensure tap water safety, the EPA prescribes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. FDA regulations establish similar limits for bottled water. All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably contain at least small amounts of some contaminants, which doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

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, elderly individuals, and infants) should seek advice from healthcare providers regarding drinking water. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminant risks are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

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