Homeowners and Your Water

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    Homeowners and Your Water

    SOURCES OF DRINKING WATER

    FaucetThere are two types of drinking water systems in the United States: public water systems and privately owned water systems. Public water systems are subject to EPA regulations, while privately owned water systems are not.

     

     

     


    PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS

    Public drinking water systems provide water to multiple people through a series of connections. In Utah, a public water supply must include 15 connections, or supply water to 25 or more people, for at least 60 days out of a year.   

    These systems are regulated in multiple ways, including a requirement to meet EPAs safe drinking water limits. Water is tested every year and an annual Consumer Confidence Report is provided to all. This report discloses any contaminants, possible health effects, and information about the water’s source.

    • Utah’s ~1,000 public drinking water systems provide safe drinking water to almost all (over 99%) of Utah residents.
    • Across the country, approximately 155,000 public water systems serve around 286 million people.

    For more information about the regulation and protection of public drinking water systems, See Frequently Asked Questions here


     PRIVATE WATER SYSTEMS     

    well, well, wellApproximately 15% of Americans get their drinking water from private wells. These wells, which tap into local groundwater, are designed to provide clean, safe drinking water. Improperly constructed, or poorly maintained wells, can create a pathway for fertilizers, bacteria, pesticides or other materials to enter the water supply. Once in the groundwater, contaminants can flow from your property to a neighbor's well, or from a neighbor's property to your well. This means that well owners need to take precautions to ensure that their drinking water is safe for human consumption.
    Visit our Water Testing Webpage to learn more.

    DRINKING WATER LINKS

     

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                     Contractor Look Up                  

                        Wellhead Protection               

              Utah Drinking Water Standards       

            National Water Program Guidance     

              Possible Pollutants Fact Sheets       

        Montana State "Well Educated Program"

     

     

    RECORD KEEPING

    Good record keeping is essential to help protect the health of your household and the environment. The folders attached below provide an easy, practical way to keep records of private wells and septic tanks. The folders also contain a description of typical systems (e.g., septic systems), suggestions for maintenance, tables for critical dates, and other important information to help keep systems operating efficiently.

    Well Water Folder

    Septic Tank Folder


     

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

    If you own a small acreage you may want to visit the Small Acreage Water Quality page. If you own a large acreage you may want to visit the Agriculture & Water Quality page.

    If you have any further questions, please contact us at (435) 797-2580.