what is safe drinking 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. The enclosed table lists the trace contaminants, and the standards for each, found in Sweetwater Authority's water sources. It is important to note that drinking water standards are based on research to protect the general public and may not be sufficient to protect certain persons, as noted (right). To learn more about Sweetwater Authority operations or the contents of this report, please visit www.sweetwater.org or call one of our laboratory chemists, at (619) 475-9047. To learn more about contaminants and potential health effects, please call the USEPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

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 drinking water from their health care providers. To obtain USEPA/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants, please call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

High levels of trihalomethanes (THMs) may lead to an increased risk for miscarriage during the first trimester of pregnancy. THM levels vary throughout the year and are most likely to be highest during the summer. To obtain information about current THM levels, customers may contact a Sweetwater Authority chemist at (619) 475-9047. Pregnant women concerned about this risk should seek advice from their health care providers.