More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

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 radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

1. Microbial contaminants: such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural live stock operations, and wildlife.
2. Inorganic contaminants: such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
3. Pesticides and herbicides: which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, storm water runoff, and residential uses.
4. Organic chemical contaminants: including synthetic and volatile organics, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems.
5. Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

To ensure the tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

If you have any questions or comments regarding this report, please call the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County's Customer Service Department at 724-834-6500 ext. 125.