2024 WATER QUALITY REPORT For Monitoring Period: January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023

IS MY DRINKING WATER SAFE? Yes. Cumberland Heights Utility District and Cunningham Utility District, from whom we purchase our water, are proud to report that your drinking water meets or exceeds all State and EPA health standards. On average 50 water samples are tested each day, between the two Districts, including microbiological testing, to ensure that our water quality remains at safe levels. 

WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF MY WATER?
Our water comes from the Cumberland River south of Clarksville. Our goal is to protect our water from contaminants and we are working with the State to determine the vulnerability to contamination. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has prepared a Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) Report for the untreated water sources serving our water system. The SWAP Report assesses the susceptibility of untreated water sources to potential contaminants. To ensure safe drinking water, all public water systems treat and routinely test their water. Water sources have been rated as reasonably susceptible (high), moderately susceptible (moderate) or slightly susceptible (low) based on geologic factors and human activities in the vicinity of the water source. The Cunningham-East Montgomery Water Treatment Plant is rated as reasonably susceptible (high) to potential contamination. The Source Water Assessment summaries overall TDEC report to EPA can be viewed online at  https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/wr-water-resources/water-quality/source-water-assessment.html . 

 
WHY ARE THERE CONTAMINANTS IN MY WATER?  
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. More information about the contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (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, in some cases, 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:  Microbial Contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, or wildlife. 

Inorganic Contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or may result from storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining or farming.

Pesticides and Herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses.  

Organic Chemical Contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and may also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff and septic systems.  

Radioactive Contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or may be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation prescribe regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems.  Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.  

Cryptosporidium is a microbial parasite which is found in surface water throughout the U.S. Although Cryptosporidium can be removed by filtration, the most commonly used filtration methods cannot guarantee 100 percent removal. Monitoring of our source water indicated the presence of cryptosporidium in 0 out of 9 samples tested. Symptoms of infection include nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Most healthy individuals are able to overcome the disease within a few weeks. However, immuno-compromised people have more difficulty and are at a greater risk of developing severe, life threatening illness. Immuno-compromised individuals are encouraged to consult their doctor regarding appropriate precautions to take to prevent infection. For more information on Cryptosporidium, contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).  

FACTS ABOUT LEAD IN DRINKING WATER   If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from material and components associated with service lines and home plumbing.  Cumberland Heights Utility District is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in you water, testing methods and steps you can take to minimize exposure are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.  

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
The Board of Commissioners meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Cumberland Heights Utility District office located at 925 Briarwood Road. Please feel free to attend these meetings. 

IS OUR WATER SYSTEM MEETING OTHER RULES THAT GOVERN OUR OPERATION?
The State and EPA require us to test and report on our water on a regular basis to ensure it’s safety. We have always met all these requirements.   The management would like you to be aware that we take great pride in our water quality. We adhere to all applicable rules, guidelines and current trends in the water industry. 

 
Do I need to take special precautions?
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised 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 their personal sanitation, food preparation, handling infants and pets, and drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of contaminants are available from the Safe Water Hotline (800) 426-4791.   
For information about your drinking water contact Steve Davis, Manager, Cumberland Heights Utility District (931) 648-2365.   

WATER QUALITY DATA BELOW.