Southern Madison Water District

This statement aims to educate the public about the quality of water and services provided daily. Our mission is to deliver a safe, clean, and reliable supply of municipal water. We assure you that we continuously monitor, enhance, and protect our water systems to deliver premium quality products.

SMWD purchases water from Berea Municipal Utilities (BMU), which treats surface water from four reservoirs: Upper Silver Creek, Lower Silver Creek, Cowbell, and Owsley Fork Lakes. The latest source water assessment for their system is complete and included in the Madison County Source Water Assessment & Safety Plan.

An evaluation of Berea's water supply vulnerability to contamination indicates moderate susceptibility overall. However, certain areas within the protection zones of Upper & Lower Silver Creek reservoirs and Cowbell Lake raise specific concerns. Forested areas in these protected zones may produce runoff containing natural contaminants from the forest floor. Similar forest areas around Owsley Fork reservoir are also identified as significant contamination threats. Portions of four major roadways (KY 04, KY3447, US421, and KY21) run through this protection zone, each considered medium-level threats to the reservoir supply.

A copy of the source water plan is available for review at the BMU office during regular business hours. All municipal water, including bottled varieties, may contain small amounts of certain 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).

Water sources (both 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, in some cases, radioactive materials, and may pick up substances resulting from animal presence or human activity. Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria from sewage plants, septic systems, livestock operations, or wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals (naturally occurring or from stormwater runoff, wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming)
• Pesticides and herbicides from stormwater runoff or agricultural/residential use
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, stormwater runoff, or septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants, either naturally occurring or from oil/gas production or mining activities

To ensure tap water safety, EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. FDA regulations set similar limits for bottled water to provide equal public health protection. 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 heightened infection risks. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers regarding municipal water consumption.

Lead Information: If present, elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in municipal water primarily comes from materials and components of service lines and household plumbing. Your local water system provides high-quality water but cannot control the materials used in plumbing components. When water sits unused for several hours, minimize 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 testing. Information about lead in water, testing methods, and exposure reduction steps is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Why is Chlorine added to my municipal water?

Chlorine is added to your water for your protection and serves as a disinfectant to eliminate harmful organisms, including bacteria and viruses, during the treatment process.

Are there alternative methods to remove the Chlorine taste or odor from my water?

To eliminate chlorine taste from your water, try these approaches:

1. Store water in a glass container in the refrigerator overnight, uncovered. This allows chlorine to dissipate.
2. Bring water to a rolling boil for 5 minutes, then allow it to cool.
3. Add a lemon slice or a few drops of lemon juice to your glass of water.

Will my home treatment device remove Chlorine?

Some home treatment systems can eliminate chlorine. Once removed, treat the water like any perishable beverage and consume promptly. We recommend following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions to ensure water quality.

What causes the white or colored deposits on my dishes and faucets?

Typically, these deposits or sediments left behind after water evaporation are calcium carbonate. The calcium concentration in water is referred to as hardness. Cleaning with white vinegar can help dissolve and remove these deposits. Using commercial conditioners, liquid detergents, or the "air-dry" option in dishwashers can reduce calcium carbonate buildup on dishes.

Are these deposits or hard water harmful?

Water hardness and resulting deposits pose no health risks and may actually offer health benefits. We don't treat municipal water specifically for hardness that might cause these deposits.

What is the hardness level in my water?

The hardness in your water measures approximately 17 grains per gallon (gpg).

Why does my water appear cloudy or milky when it first comes out of the tap?

Water with a cloudy or milky appearance typically contains trapped air (tiny bubbles). Simply allow the water to stand for a few minutes—the air will escape, leaving clear water.