Wilmington City PWS Water Company

The Wilmington Water Department has prepared this comprehensive report to inform customers about their water quality. This report includes important health information, water testing results, and ways to participate in decisions about your water service.

Our water treatment facility operates with an active, unconditioned license. We primarily draw water from Caesar Creek Lake, located approximately 14 miles northwest of Wilmington. We maintain two reservoirs near Burtonsville as alternate water sources, situated 3 miles south of town. These reservoirs can be filled from either Cowan Creek or Caesar Creek Lake and are typically only utilized when Caesar Creek water becomes difficult to treat.

Wilmington maintains an auxiliary connection with Western Water Company, though no water was exchanged between systems during 2017. Our primary water sources (Caesar Creek Lake and Cowan Creek) are surface waters that are particularly vulnerable to contamination. The protection zone surrounding these water bodies contains numerous potential contaminant sources, including underground storage tanks, airports, cemeteries, and various industrial operations.

The City of Wilmington Water Plant maintains a comprehensive Source Water Protection Plan. For more information, please contact Rick Schaffer at (937) 382-3614.

Potential contaminant sources in municipal water include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage facilities, septic systems, and agricultural operations
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals from natural sources or urban runoff
• Pesticides and herbicides from agricultural and residential usage
• Organic chemicals from industrial processes and petroleum production
• Radioactive contaminants from natural sources or resource extraction activities

The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while the FDA sets similar standards for bottled water. All water sources may contain small amounts of certain contaminants, which doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

1. Where does Wilmington City PWS water come from?
   Wilmington City PWS supplies surface water to Wilmington, Ohio.
2. Does Wilmington City PWS test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, Wilmington City PWS must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact Wilmington City PWS?
   Call 937-382-3614 or visit 1142 Prairie Avenue, Wilmington, OH 45177, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does Wilmington City PWS water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is Wilmington City PWS water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.