Silver Creek Water Corporation

Important Information About Your Water

Various devices on your residential water service can affect pressure and flow. Equipment such as water softeners, filters, and pressure regulators should undergo annual maintenance. Be prepared for emergencies by knowing the location of your main shut-off valve and meter.

Fire Safety Requirements
All hydrants require three feet of clearance in every direction for fire operations and flushing, including vegetation.

Cross-Connection Safety
Silver Creek Water Corporation must implement a cross-connection control program as required by Indiana state law. While we track backflow prevention devices, customers are responsible for installation and maintenance.

Understanding Cross-Connections
When water pipes connect to plumbing fixtures or water-using equipment, this creates a cross-connection. Without proper protection, water can become contaminated during backflow events.

What is Backflow?
Backflow occurs when water flows opposite its normal direction, typically during main breaks, firefighting, or when using booster pumps. This can introduce contaminants into the water supply.

EPA Information
The EPA wants consumers to understand that all drinking water, including bottled varieties, may contain small amounts of contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

Water Sources and Contaminants
Municipal water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves minerals and can pick up substances from animal or human activity. Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals from urban runoff, sewage, or agricultural activities
• Herbicides and nitrogen compounds from various sources including agriculture
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes and petroleum production
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from oil/gas production

Arsenic Information
While your water meets EPA standards for arsenic, it may contain low levels. EPA continues researching health effects of low arsenic levels, which can cause cancer at high concentrations.

Water Source Information
We purchase all water from Indiana American Water Co., Inc., which uses groundwater from 19 wells in two Jeffersonville well fields. The water is treated at the Southern Indiana Operations and Treatment Center.

Contact Information
For more information, contact Scott A. Ham, Manager, at scott@silvercreekwater.org or 812-246-2889. Annual meetings occur on the first Monday in March at 6:30 PM at 8104 County Line Road in Sellersburg.

Radon and Lead Information
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas in some groundwater. Silver Creek's water tested at 150 pCi/L for radon in 2003. EPA is planning regulation between 300-4,500 pCi/L. While radon gas inhalation has been linked to lung cancer, the effects of ingested radon remain unclear.

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead primarily comes from service lines and home plumbing materials. After water sits for several hours, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using for drinking or cooking.

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