The sources of drinking water (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, 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. Water can also pick up microscopic organisms resulting from the presence of humans and animals.
Contaminants that may be present in your source water include:
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Microbial contaminants such as viruses and bacteria which may come from septic systems, agricultural livestock and wildlife.
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Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from man-made activities such as mining, industry or gas production.
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Pesticides and herbicides which come from a variety of sources such as agricultural and residential use.
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Organic contaminants including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production.
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Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be a result of oil and gas production or mining activities.
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The Hampton Township Municipal Authority, as well as their bulk suppliers, routinely monitor for a wide array of contaminants according to Federal and State laws. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. It’s important to remember that the presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791. Maximum contaminant levels set by Federal and State regulations are set at stringent levels for health effects. Keep in mind that the drinking water supplied to you by the Authority has met all of the stringent State and Federal standards.
