V.A.W. Water System, Inc

V.A.W. Water System's 2017 Annual Water Quality Report has been prepared to enhance communication with our customers as required by Environmental Protection Agency amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act. This report details the quality of water and services provided to you from January 1 through December 31, 2017.

We're pleased to report that V.A.W. Water System experienced NO VIOLATIONS of the Alabama Safe Drinking Water Law during 2017, and we anticipate maintaining this perfect record in the coming year. Our commitment to ensuring your water quality remains unwavering.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
All water sources, including bottled products, naturally contain some 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 at 1-800-426-4791.

Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals, sometimes radioactive material, and can pick up substances from animal or human activities.

Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) from natural sources, urban runoff, wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential use
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants from natural sources or oil/gas production activities

EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure safety, while FDA sets similar standards for bottled water.

HEALTH INFORMATION
Certain populations may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general public. People with compromised immune systems (cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients, and those with other immune disorders), as well as the elderly and infants, face higher risks. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about their water consumption. Guidelines on reducing infection risks from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

LEAD STATEMENT
Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, particularly for pregnant women and young children. While V.A.W. provides quality water, we can't control materials used in household plumbing. When water sits unused for several hours, minimize lead exposure by running taps for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If concerned, have your water tested. Information about lead in water, testing methods, and exposure reduction is available at http://www.EPA.gov/safewater/lead.

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

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

V.A.W. certified operators occasionally add supplemental chlorine to maintain ADEM guidelines. Both water sources have completed required EPA "source water protection plans" documenting potential contamination sources.

Is the Town of Milton water safe for consumption?
Yes, Milton's municipal water meets or exceeds all state standards and undergoes weekly testing for quality assurance.

Why does my water appear cloudy or milky?
This cloudiness typically results from air in the water, commonly occurring after a water main break or service disruption. Running each faucet briefly usually resolves this issue.

What causes the yellowish tint in my water?
Small amounts of iron naturally present become more noticeable when exposed to air. While unattractive, this discoloration poses no health risks. Service disruptions often temporarily worsen this issue. We recommend running cold water for several minutes until it clears. Avoid using hot water during discoloration episodes, as rust particles can enter your water heater and potentially stain laundry. Contact us for rust-removing chemicals if needed.

My hot water appears rusty—what's happening?
Since water enters your home cold, discoloration only in hot water typically indicates an issue within your home plumbing system rather than the municipal supply. Consult a licensed plumber for assessment.

Could my unusually high water bill indicate a meter problem?
Water meter malfunctions are rare. Our newly installed meters were all pre-tested and accurately record water flow. Mechanical meters typically slow with age rather than accelerate. Check the small blue leak indicator dial on your meter—if it moves when no water should be running, you may have a leak requiring investigation by our technician or a plumber.

Why are my neighbor's bills lower than mine?
Bills reflect actual consumption with our new metering system. Usage patterns vary significantly between households of similar size due to differences in laundry frequency, shower duration, faucet use habits, water-efficient appliances, and conservation practices.

How can I check for leaks myself?
While some leaks are obvious (dripping faucets, running toilets), others remain hidden. To check thoroughly: read your meter, ensure no water is used for 1-2 hours, then read again—any change indicates a leak. For "silent" toilet leaks, place food coloring drops in the tank without flushing, then check after 30 minutes—color appearing in the bowl indicates a faulty seal requiring professional attention.

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