Take a moment to understand why the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is important to you and what you will learn about your local water supply. Each year, your water supplier publishes the annual drinking water report to ensure consumers are provided information regarding their drinking water such as:
- Source of drinking water (lake, river, aquifer, etc.)
- Summary of the risk of contamination of the drinking water source
- Regulated contaminant found, if any, of drinking water source
- Potential health effects of contaminant detected in violation of EPA health standard
- Water supplier’s actions to restore safe drinking water, if applicable
- Educational statement pertaining to vulnerable populations to avoid cryptosporidium
- Educational information on nitrate, arsenic or lead in areas of concern, if applicable
- Phone numbers to obtain additional information
- EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline number
Safe Water Drinking Act
2019 marks the 45th anniversary of the Safe Water Drinking Act (SWDA) which establishes health-based standards for drinking water by enforcing maximum contaminant levels for naturally occurring and man-made substances found in the water supply. The SWDA also identifies best practices to mitigate pollution by requiring suppliers to conduct frequent water quality testing, conduct vulnerability studies, and publish findings annually via the CCR.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides direct oversight of drinking water standards that include identification of contaminants that may pose a threat to public health, determines the maximum acceptable contaminant level for identified contaminants, and specifies a maximum contaminant level of an identified contaminant that is delivered to users within the public water supply. National drinking water standards aid in delivering safe, potable water and safeguard the public from exposure to high risk contaminants.
Going a Step Further
The Middlesex Family of Companies complies with all Federal and State laws and regulations associated with the SWDA. Furthermore, our commitment to delivering safe water is demonstrated by the following actions and related benefits:
| Activity | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Consumer Confident Reports | Prepared annually, this report includes information on contaminants, potential health effects, and source of water |
| Utilization of Drinking Water State Revolving Fund | Utilize state funds to invest in infrastructure to improve operations and/or protect water source |
| Employment of Certified Water Operators | Employees who are directly responsible for the operation of water plants are licensed and certified by the State |
| Monitoring of Microbial Contaminants and Disinfection Byproducts | Enhanced sampling and monitoring to reduce potential exposure |
| Cost-Benefit Analysis | Periodic evaluation of systems to ensure operational efficiencies and inter-connect systems to leverage highest water quality available |
| Public Information | Consumer information available 24/7 online via the applicable CCR regarding the water system, where the water comes from, how it is treated, how to protect it, link to EPA SWDA website and EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline |
Be a Water Warrior
We encourage you to do your part in helping to protect and conserve the water supply. Together, we can preserve this valuable resource to ensure we have a sustainable drinking water supply for the future. Here’s how you can help:
- Use and dispose of household hazardous waste properly (paint, motor oil, household cleaners)
- Don’t overuse pesticides or fertilizer; the runoffs from these chemicals can travel through the soil and enter the ground water
- Never flush unwanted or out-of-date medicines down the toilet or dispose down the drain
- Don’t sweep yard clippings or other items down storm water drains
- Clean up after your pets, if left on the ground, storm water can carry bacteria into the ground water
More Questions?
If you would like to learn more about your water supply you can find your CCR here or email your inquiry to [email protected].
