2019 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report pg. 3

 

*Reported LRAA for quarters 1-3 are based on results from previous quarters not reported on this table.

 

 

 

We constantly monitor for various contaminants in the water supply to meet all regulatory requirements.  Our water system was in violation of federal and state water quality standards for Total Trihalomethanes in 2019.  The levels of these contaminants are shown in the Test Results Table.  Some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous systems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.  Our system is correcting the violation by adding an additional GAC (granular activated carbon) filters and a packed tower.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children.  Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing.  Big Bend Water Authority is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components.  When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking.  If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested.  Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

 

 

 

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 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.

 

 

 

SECONDARY CONTAMINANTS TABLE

 

 

 

 

We constantly monitor for various contaminants in the water supply to meet all regulatory requirements.  Our water system was in violation of federal and state water quality standards for Total Dissolved Solids in 2018.  The levels of Total Dissolved Solids are shown in the Secondary Contaminants Table. Total dissolved solids affect the aesthetic quality of the water (taste, smell, etc) and are not considered harmful to human health.

 

 

 

We at the Big Bend Water Authority work around the clock to provide top quality water to every tap. We ask that all of our customers help us protect our water sources, which are the heart of our community, our way of life and our children’s future.

 

 

 

Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

 

 

 

(A)         Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.

 

(B)         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.

 

(C)         Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.

 

(D)         Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.

 

(E)         Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

 

 

 

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA prescribes regulations, which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health.