Water is an essential element of daily life, but how much do you really know about what's in your tap? Every year, water suppliers release local water reports—also known as Consumer Confidence Reports or Water Quality Reports—meant to inform residents about the quality and safety of their drinking water. Yet, for many people, these documents seem filled with jargon and numbers that are difficult to interpret. In this guide, we aim to demystify the process of understanding your local water report so you can make informed decisions about your home’s water quality.
What Is a Local Water Report?
Your local water report is a detailed document released by your municipal water provider, typically once a year. This report outlines the results of regular testing for various contaminants, minerals, and other water quality indicators. It’s designed to keep you informed about what is in your drinking water, where it comes from, and whether it meets state and federal safety standards.
Key Terms and What They Mean
Before diving into the details, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with some common terms you’ll encounter when understanding your local water report:
- MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level): The highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water, set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level Goal): The level of a contaminant below which there is no known or expected risk to health.
- PPM/PPB: Parts per million/billion; these are units used to describe the concentration of contaminants.
- Violation: Indicates if any levels of contaminants exceeded the legal limits during the testing period.
What’s Included in a Water Quality Report?
Understanding your local water report starts with knowing what information it provides. Most reports include:
- Source of Water: Where your water comes from—surface water (lakes, rivers) or groundwater (wells).
- Detected Contaminants: A table listing each contaminant found, its level, the MCL, the MCLG, and the typical source of contamination.
- Explanation of Health Risks: If a contaminant was found above a certain threshold, the report explains the possible health effects.
- Violations and Actions Taken: Any violations of legal standards and how they were addressed.
- Additional Notes: Information about secondary standards, water hardness, and other quality parameters relevant to taste or appearance.
How to Read the Contaminant Table
The table of regulated contaminants is the heart of most water reports. Here’s how to make sense of it:
- Contaminant Name: Examples include arsenic, fluoride, lead, or nitrates.
- Level Detected: The highest or average value measured in your supply during the year.
- Legal Limit (MCL): The EPA’s legal limit for that contaminant.
- Goal (MCLG): The health-based goal, often set lower than the legal limit.
- Violation: Marked as ‘Y’ or ‘N’ to indicate if the legal limit was exceeded.
For example, in a typical Arizona water report, you might see arsenic listed with values such as 10.8 ppb detected (with a legal limit of 10 ppb). While this slightly exceeds the MCL, the report should include an explanation of the potential health impact and what steps are being taken to address it.
Common Contaminants Found in Water Reports
Your local water report will often mention a range of contaminants. Here are a few you might encounter:
- Inorganic Chemicals: Such as arsenic, chromium, nitrate, and fluoride. These can come from natural deposits, industrial discharge, or agricultural runoff.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Including trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene, often from industrial sources or improper disposal.
- Radionuclides: Like gross alpha emitters, which originate from natural deposits.
- Emerging Contaminants: New concerns like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are increasingly being tested for in some areas.
Interpreting Water Hardness and Other Parameters
Besides contaminants, understanding your local water report involves looking at water hardness, pH, sodium, and other parameters that influence taste, scaling, and appliance longevity. For example, hard water (with high calcium and magnesium) is common in Arizona and can cause scale buildup on pipes and fixtures, though it is not a health risk.
What Should You Do if Something Looks Concerning?
If a contaminant exceeds the MCL, or if you simply notice something surprising (such as high sodium or hardness), here are some steps you can take:
- Read the report carefully for explanations. Reports typically describe the source, health effects, and corrective actions.
- Contact your water utility if you have questions. They’re required to provide more detail and answer customer concerns.
- Consider at-home water testing for more in-depth analysis, especially if you have specific health concerns or rely on private well water.
- Take proactive steps if needed, such as installing a certified water filter or treatment system to address particular concerns.
Tips for Understanding Your Local Water Report at a Glance
- Look for substances that exceed their MCL or are close to the limit.
- Review the sources of contaminants—are they naturally occurring or due to human activity?
- Check for any recent violations or changes from previous years.
- Notice water hardness and taste-related factors if you’re experiencing issues at home.
Empowering Yourself with Knowledge
Understanding your local water report is the first step toward protecting your family’s health and making informed choices about water treatment. By learning how to interpret the numbers and terminology, you gain greater control over your water quality and peace of mind at home.
If you have questions about water quality in your area, our team at SentryH2O is here to help. Explore our FAQ for more resources, or reach out for personalized guidance on water wellness solutions.