Arsenic in Water

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reviewing the drinking water standard for arsenic because of special concerns that it may not be stringent enough. Arsenic is a naturally occurring mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations.

Who is Vulnerable

Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 ppm is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If you are caring for an infant you should ask advice from your health care provider.

Lead in Water

Infants and young children are typically more vulnerable to lead in drinking water than the general population. It is possible that lead levels at your home may be higher than at other homes in the community as a result of materials used in your home’s plumbing. If you are concerned about elevated lead levels in your home’s water, you may wish to have your water tested by a private laboratory. Letting the water run for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using tap water may reduce your exposure to lead. Additional information is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline, or online.

Other Contaminants

Some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous systems, and may have increased risk of getting cancer.

All sources of drinking water are subject to potential contamination by substances that are naturally occurring or man made. These substances can be microbes, inorganic or organic chemicals and radioactive substances. All 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 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.

Who is Vulnerable

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. People whose immune system is compromised 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 diseases. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by cryptosporidium (bacteria more commonly found in surface water) and other microbiological contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline

Additional Water Safety Information

If you want additional information about your drinking water, you may contact our certified waterworks operator or you may prefer to log on to the Mississippi Department of Health website and obtain specific information about your system and its compliance history. Information including current and past boil water notices, compliance and reporting violations, and other information pertaining to your water supply including “Why, When, and How to Boil Your Drinking Water” and “Flooding and Safe Drinking Water” may be obtained.

What You Can Do

Our water resources are the heart of our community, our way of life and our children’s future. You can help us in our efforts to provide you with quality water and services by keeping alleys clear of debris, fences, and other obstructions, by protecting your water meter so that it may be read accurately, by preventing backflows and back siphons, by using pesticides wisely, and by not wasting this precious natural resource.