West Travis County Regional WS

This report provides essential information about your municipal water supply and the efforts undertaken by the water program to deliver safe water to your home. All water sources, including bottled water, can reasonably be expected to contain at least minimal levels of certain contaminants. The presence of these substances doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

Individuals with compromised immune systems—such as those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly residents, and infants—may be particularly vulnerable to waterborne infections. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers regarding water consumption. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing infection risks from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Elevated lead levels can pose serious health concerns, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in tap water primarily comes from service line materials and household plumbing components. We cannot control the materials used in your home's plumbing. To minimize potential lead exposure, consider flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption if it has been sitting unused for several hours. If concerned about lead, you may wish to have your water tested.

The water source for West Travis County Regional Water Supply is surface water from Lake Austin. The TCEQ has completed an assessment indicating some sources may be vulnerable to certain contaminants. Our sampling requirements are based on this vulnerability assessment and previous testing data.

Water sources (both tap and bottled) typically include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and can pick up substances from various sources:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, and agricultural operations
• Inorganic contaminants including naturally-occurring salts and metals or those resulting from urban runoff and industrial activities
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining

EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure safe drinking water. Similarly, FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

Certain natural constituents (calcium, sodium, iron) may affect taste, color, and odor. These secondary elements are regulated by Texas, not the EPA, and don't pose health concerns though they may impact water's aesthetic qualities.

The following pages list all federally regulated or monitored contaminants found in our water supply. The EPA requires testing for approximately 97 contaminants. For questions about taste, odor, or color, please contact West Travis County Public Utility Agency System Operator at 512-263-0125.

When water meets federal standards, there may be no health advantages to purchasing bottled water or filtration devices. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

Public input regarding our water system can be made at regular meetings held at 10:00 am on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 3000 Galleria Parkway, Bee Cave City Hall, Bee Cave, TX 78738. You may also contact Rob Pugh, General Manager of The West Travis County Public Utility Agency, at 512-263-0100 with questions or concerns about this report.

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