South Stickny SD

The sources of municipal water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water flows over land surfaces or through underground layers, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and may collect substances resulting from animal presence or human activities.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants - such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants - such as salts and metals, which can occur naturally or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides - which may originate from various sources including agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants - including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and may also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants - which can occur naturally or result from oil and gas production and mining activities

To ensure tap water safety, EPA establishes regulations limiting certain contaminant levels in public water systems. FDA regulations set similar limits for contaminants in bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection. Municipal water, including bottled water, may reasonably contain 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 Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Municipal Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons, such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune disorders, some elderly, and infants may face increased infection risks. These individuals should seek advice about municipal water from healthcare providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate measures to reduce infection risk from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the EPA's Safe Municipal Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

If present, elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead primarily comes from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The water supply system is responsible for providing high-quality water but cannot control materials used in plumbing components. You can minimize potential lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If concerned about lead in your water, consider having it tested. Information on lead in municipal water, testing methods, and steps to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Municipal Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

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