To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. EPA prescribes regulations limiting the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of these contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk.

The sources of drinking water (both tap water 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 can acquire naturally occurring minerals, in some cases, radioactive material, and substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Substances 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, or wildlife;

Inorganic Contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming;

Pesticides and Herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses;

Organic Chemical Contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and may also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems;

Radioactive Contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the U.S. EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800) 426-4791.

Is it Safe to Drink Water From a Garden Hose?
No. Substances used in vinyl garden hoses to keep them flexible can get into the water as it passes through the hose. These chemicals are not good for you nor are they good for your pets. Allow the water to run for a short time in order to flush the hose before drinking or filling your pets' drinking containers. There are hoses made with food-grade plastic that will not contaminate the water. Check your local hardware store for this type of hose.

2006 REPORT TO CONSUMERS ON WATER QUALITY
Water Quality Report   •    Continuing Our Commitment
Community Participation   •    Information on the Internet
Where Does My Water Come From?   •    Source Water Assessment
Substances that might be in Drinking Water    •    Is it Safe to Drink from a Garden Hose?
How is My Water Treated and Purified?    •    Sampling Results
New Arsenic Regulations    •    Important Health Information