Wickson Creek SUD

All water sources, whether tap or bottled, originate from rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land surfaces or through soil, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials, while also potentially collecting substances from animal presence or human activity.

Both tap and bottled water may reasonably contain at least minimal amounts of certain contaminants. The presence of these substances doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more detailed information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Municipal Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Common source water contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses and bacteria) from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts and metals) that occur naturally or result from urban runoff, industrial/domestic wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from various sources including agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic compounds, which are byproducts of industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining activities

To ensure safe municipal water, the EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. FDA regulations set similar limits for bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection. Some water quality issues may affect taste, odor, or color without necessarily posing health concerns. For information about these aesthetic aspects, contact your water system's office.

Certain populations may be more vulnerable to specific microbial contaminants like Cryptosporidium. Infants, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems (such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, individuals on steroid treatments, and people with HIV/AIDS) should seek advice from healthcare providers regarding water consumption.

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in water primarily comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing components. While Wickson Creek SUD provides high-quality municipal water, we cannot control the materials used in plumbing fixtures. If your water has been sitting for several hours, minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption. For lead testing information, contact the Safe Municipal Water Hotline or visit http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

1. What contaminants have been found in Wickson Creek SUD water?
2. How often is municipal water quality tested in Brazos County?
3. What health risks are associated with Nitrite, Silver, and Cobalt in water?
4. How can I reduce water hardness in my home?
5. Where does Wickson Creek SUD source its groundwater from?
6. Are there filtration options for removing detected contaminants?
7. How do I read my municipal water quality report?
8. What regulations govern municipal water safety in Texas?