Wisconsin Rapids Water Works & Lighting Comm.

Important Health Information Regarding Your Water

Municipal water, including bottled varieties, typically contains small amounts of certain impurities. The presence of these substances doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more detailed information about contaminants and potential health effects, please contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

Certain populations may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than others. Those with compromised immune systems—such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, individuals with HIV/AIDS, elderly residents, and infants—may face increased risks. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers about their water consumption.

The EPA and CDC offer guidelines on reducing infection risks from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants through their safe drinking water hotline (800-426-4791).

Educational Information About Water Sources

Municipal water comes from rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, while also potentially collecting substances from animal or human activities.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

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

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