V.A.W. Water System, Inc

V.A.W. Water System, Inc presents our 2017 Annual Water Quality Report to enhance communication with our customers. This Consumer Confidence Report follows Environmental Protection Agency guidelines established through Safe Drinking Water Act amendments.

We're pleased to inform you that from January 1 through December 31, 2017, V.A.W. Water System experienced NO VIOLATIONS of Alabama Safe Drinking Water Law, and we anticipate maintaining this perfect record. Our commitment to water quality remains steadfast.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
All water sources, including bottled products, may contain small amounts of contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For detailed information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791.

WATER SOURCES:
Municipal water (both tap and bottled) comes from rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals (sometimes including radioactive material) and can pick up substances from animal or human activities.

POTENTIAL CONTAMINANTS INCLUDE:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, wastewater discharge, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants (synthetic and volatile compounds) from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants occurring naturally or from oil/gas production and mining

EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA establishes limits for bottled water.

HEALTH INFORMATION:
Certain populations may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general public. Immunocompromised individuals (cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients), the elderly, and infants face higher infection risks. These vulnerable individuals should consult healthcare providers about water consumption. Guidelines to reduce Cryptosporidium and microbial infection risks are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791.

LEAD STATEMENT:
Elevated lead levels can cause serious health issues, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in water primarily comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing. While V.A.W. provides quality water, we can't control plumbing component materials. After water sits for several hours, minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. For lead testing information, call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or visit HTTP://www.EPA.gov/safewater/lead.

WATER SUPPLY SOURCES:
V.A.W. Water System has two water sources:

1. Water purchased from City of Cullman, drawn from Lake Catoma and treated at their 24 MGD capacity plant
2. Water purchased from West Morgan Eastern Lawrence Water and Sewer Authority (WM-EL), sourced from Wheeler Lake Reservoir on Tennessee River and processed at Robert Milton Hames Water Treatment Plant

Both water sources have completed EPA-required "source water protection plans" documenting potential contamination sources, available at their respective offices.

Is Milton water safe for consumption?
Yes, Milton's water meets or exceeds all state standards and undergoes weekly testing.

Why does my water appear cloudy or milky?
This typically indicates air in the water, common after a main break or service disruption. Running each faucet briefly usually resolves the issue.

What causes the yellowish tint in my water?
Small amounts of iron become noticeable when exposed to air. While not a health hazard, this discoloration often increases after service disruptions. Run cold water for several minutes until it clears. Avoid using hot water during discoloration as rust particles can enter your water heater and affect laundry. Contact us for rust-removing chemicals if needed.

My hot water appears rusty – what should I do?
If only hot water shows discoloration, the issue lies within your home's plumbing system. Consult a plumber for assistance.

Could my unusually high water bill indicate a meter problem?
Water meter malfunctions are rare. Our newly installed meters were pre-tested and correctly register water flow. Mechanical meters typically slow with age rather than accelerate. Check the blue leak indicator dial – movement when no water is being used suggests a leak requiring investigation. Consider scheduling an inspection with our technician or a plumber.

Why are my neighbors' bills lower than mine?
Bills reflect actual consumption with our new metering system. When comparing with neighbors, consider lifestyle differences – identical households may use water differently through laundry frequency, shower duration, tap habits while shaving/brushing teeth/washing dishes. Water-efficient appliances and conservation practices also significantly impact usage.

How can I check for household leaks myself?
While dripping faucets and running toilets are obvious, hidden leaks require monitoring your meter. Read it, avoid water use for 1-2 hours, then check again – any change indicates a leak. For "silent" toilet leaks, add food coloring to the tank without flushing. After 30 minutes, color in the bowl reveals seal problems requiring plumber attention. Remember even small leaks accumulate on your bill.

Does Milton offer senior citizen discounts on water bills?
No special senior discounts exist. However, all accounts receive reduced minimum rates for water and sewer consumption between 0-600 cubic feet quarterly.