Is my drinking water safe?
Yes, our water meets all of EPA’s health standards. In 2019, we conducted tests for contaminants that may be in drinking water. As you’ll see in the chart on the back, we found all those contaminants to be at safe levels, or below.
Is our water system meeting other rules that govern our operations?
The State and EPA require us to test and report on our water on a regular basis to ensure its safety. We have always met all of these requirements. We want you to know that we pay attention to all the rules.
What is the source of my water?
The Town’s three wells are located just north of Morton Street in the Town Park. Your water
comes from a groundwater source over 200 feet below ground. The water is pumped out of the ground to the water treatment plant where impurities such as iron and manganese are removed by aeration and filtration before being disinfected and entering the water distribution system.
Why are there contaminants in my water?
The sources of drinking water (both tap and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals, and in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include: microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations and wildlife. Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals which can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharge, oil and gas production, mining, or farming. Pesticides and herbicides which may come from a variety of sources such as agricultural, residential use, or storm water runoff. Organic chemicals, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems. Radioactive materials, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental
Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).
How can I get involved?
Your Town Council meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 6:00 pm. Please feel free to participate at these meetings.
DO I NEED TO TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS?
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immune-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).
Other Information
Our Wellhead Protection Plan (WHPP) Phase I was approved by IDEM in September 2003. A copy of the plan is available for review at the Town Hall. Our WHPP Phase II was approved in October 2015. These plans help to increase awareness of proper waste disposal, to further protect the source of our drinking water. These plans also provide direction in case of emergency with our drinking water supply.
