Water FYI's, Public Works

Water FYI's

Will I know if There is a Problem with My Water?

If the amount of a contaminant exceeds a predetermined safe level in your drinking water (MCL, Action Level, etc.), We will notify you via newspapers, radio, TV and other means within 24 hours. With the notification, you will be instructed on what appropriate actions you can take to protect your family’s health.

Safe Drinking Water Act

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), EPA is responsible for setting national limits for hundreds of substances in drinking water and also specifies various treatments that water systems must use to remove these substances. Similarly, FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health. Each system continually monitors for these substances and reports to the EPA if they were detected in the drinking water. EPA uses these data to ensure that consumers are receiving clean water and verify that states are enforcing the laws that regulate drinking water. This publication conforms to the new federal regulation under SDWA requiring water utilities to provide detailed water quality information to each of their customers annually. We are committed to providing you with this information about your water supply, because customers who are well informed are our best allies in supporting improvements necessary to maintain the highest drinking water standards.

You are invited to participate in our public forum and voice your concerns about your drinking water. The City Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month beginning at 7:00 p.m. at 225 East Weatherspoon Street, Sanford NC.

How Is My Water Treated And Purified?

The treatment process consists of a series of steps. First, raw water is drawn from the Cape Fear River and sent to a 60 million gallon reservoir, which allows some of the sediment to settle out prior to treatment. Also, the reservoir has a 10 day supply of raw water in the case that a emergency situation arises and we are unable to pump raw water from the Cape Fear River. The water then goes to a mixing tank where aluminum sulfate, sulfuric acid, and a catonic polymer are added. The addition of these substances cause small particles to adhere to one another (called "floc") making them heavy enough to settle into a basin from which sediment is removed. Chlorine is then added for disinfection and sodium hydroxide is added for pH adjustment. At this point, the water is filtered through layers of fine coal and silicate sand. As smaller, suspended particles are removed, turbidity disappears and clear water emerges. Chlorine is added again as a precaution against any bacteria that may still be present. (We carefully monitor the amount of chlorine, adding the lowest quantity necessary to protect the safety of your water without compromising taste.) Finally, sodium hydroxide (used to adjust the final pH and alkalinity), fluoride (used to prevent tooth decay) and a corrosion inhibitor (used to protect distribution system pipes) are added before the water is pumped to elevated water tanks, your home, or business through disinfected water lines.

Drinking Water and People with Weakened Immune Systems

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. Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised 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 microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Lead in Drinking Water

Lead is a naturally occurring element in our environment. Consequently, our water supply is expected to contain small, undetectable amounts of lead. However, most of the lead in household water usually comes from the plumbing in your own home, not from the local water supply. EPA estimates that more than 40 million U.S. residents use water that can contain lead in excess of EPA's Action Level of 15 ppb. Lead in drinking water is a concern because young children, infants and fetuses appear to be particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning. A dose that would have little effect on an adult can have a big effect on a small body. On average, it is estimated that lead in drinking water contributes between 10 and 20 percent of total lead exposure in young children. All kinds of water, however, may have high levels of lead. We maintain our drinking water supply at an optimum pH and mineral content level to help prevent corrosion in your home's pipes. To reduce lead levels in your drinking water you should flush your cold-water pipes by running the water until it becomes as cold as it will get (anywhere from 5 seconds to 2 minutes or longer) and use only water from the cold-water tap for drinking, cooking, and especially for making baby formula. Hot water is likely to contain higher levels of lead.

For more information, please contact National Lead Information Center (800-LEAD-FYI) and the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Contamination from Cross-Connections

Cross-connections that could contaminate drinking water distribution lines are a major concern. A cross-connection is formed at any point where a drinking water line connects to equipment (boilers), systems containing chemicals (air conditioning systems, fire sprinkler systems, irrigation systems) or water sources of questionable quality. Cross-connection contamination can occur when the pressure in the equipment or system is greater than the pressure inside the drinking water line (backpressure). Contamination can also occur when the pressure in the drinking water line drops due to fairly routine occurrences (main breaks, heavy water demand) causing contaminants to be sucked out from the equipment and into the drinking water line (backsiphonage).

Outside water taps and garden hoses tend to be the most common sources of cross-connection contamination at home. The garden hose creates a hazard when submerged in a swimming pool or when attached to a chemical sprayer for weed killing. Garden hoses that are left lying on the ground may be contaminated by fertilizers, cesspools or garden chemicals. Improperly installed valves in your toilet could also be a source of cross-connection contamination.

Community water supplies are continuously jeopardized by cross-connections unless appropriate valves, known as backflow prevention devices, are installed and maintained. We have surveyed all industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities in the service area to make sure that all potential cross-connections are identified and eliminated or protected by a backflow preventer. We also inspect and test each backflow preventer to make sure that it is providing maximum protection.

For more information, visit the Web site of the American Backflow Prevention Association for a discussion on current issues.