Annual Water Quality Report for 2006
Why Are Contaminants Present in Drinking Water? 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, and wildlife. ! Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban stormwater 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 stormwater runoff, and residential areas. ! Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems. ! Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA prescribes regulations, which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health. 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 Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
Health Information 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 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. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).
Annual Water Quality Report for 2006
Water Conservation Water conservation should be a way of life year round for South Floridians. Awareness of water as a precious commodity is becoming part of the subtropical lifestyle. The Town of Lantana encourages everyone to conserve water by using water wisely. Water usage indoors is going down for the typical American home, but water usage outdoors has been going up. Outdoors is where the biggest savings can occur! Here are a few ways to save significant amounts of unnecessary water usage even if water restrictions are lifted:
!
Water your lawn and garden only when they need it. Most lawns receive twice as much water as needed. In addition to being a major waste of water, watering too frequently causes shallow root growth, which is bad for plants.
!
Water lawns early in the morning. Try to avoid watering on windy days to reduce water loss to evaporation.
!
Adjust or check an automatic sprinkler system at least once a month, or, better yet, set it by hand each time you use it.
!
Make sure sprinkler heads are working correctly and not watering the driveway, street or sidewalk.
!
Use drip irrigation for shrubs and flower gardens. Much less water is lost to evaporation with drip systems than spray systems.
!
Mulch gardens and shrubs. (It’s good for the plants, as well as being a water saver.)
! Reduce the size of your lawn and use plants in other areas that prosper with very little water. In addition to conserving resources, water-wise landscapes are low-maintenance.
Additional Information If you have any questions about this report or your water quality please contact Jerry L. Darr, Director of Utilities at (561) 540-5750, 510 W. Pine Street, Lantana, Florida 33462. Also, the Town of Lantana conducts regular meetings on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m. To receive meeting schedules and itineraries, contact Town Hall at (561) 540-5000, 500 Greynolds Circle, Lantana, Florida 33462.
!
Cover pools and spas when not in use. A pool left uncovered loses about 1,000 gallons a month to evaporation, notes the American Water Works Association (AWWA).
!
Use a broom rather than a hose to clean sidewalks and driveways.
To w n o f L a n t a n a
Health Information 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 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. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).
Annual Water Quality Report for 2006
Water Conservation Water conservation should be a way of life year round for South Floridians. Awareness of water as a precious commodity is becoming part of the subtropical lifestyle. The Town of Lantana encourages everyone to conserve water by using water wisely. Water usage indoors is going down for the typical American home, but water usage outdoors has been going up. Outdoors is where the biggest savings can occur! Here are a few ways to save significant amounts of unnecessary water usage even if water restrictions are lifted:
!
Water your lawn and garden only when they need it. Most lawns receive twice as much water as needed. In addition to being a major waste of water, watering too frequently causes shallow root growth, which is bad for plants.
!
Water lawns early in the morning. Try to avoid watering on windy days to reduce water loss to evaporation.
!
Adjust or check an automatic sprinkler system at least once a month, or, better yet, set it by hand each time you use it.
!
Make sure sprinkler heads are working correctly and not watering the driveway, street or sidewalk.
!
Use drip irrigation for shrubs and flower gardens. Much less water is lost to evaporation with drip systems than spray systems.
!
Mulch gardens and shrubs. (It’s good for the plants, as well as being a water saver.)
! Reduce the size of your lawn and use plants in other areas that prosper with very little water. In addition to conserving resources, water-wise landscapes are low-maintenance.
Additional Information If you have any questions about this report or your water quality please contact Jerry L. Darr, Director of Utilities at (561) 540-5750, 510 W. Pine Street, Lantana, Florida 33462. Also, the Town of Lantana conducts regular meetings on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m. To receive meeting schedules and itineraries, contact Town Hall at (561) 540-5000, 500 Greynolds Circle, Lantana, Florida 33462.
!
Cover pools and spas when not in use. A pool left uncovered loses about 1,000 gallons a month to evaporation, notes the American Water Works Association (AWWA).
!
Use a broom rather than a hose to clean sidewalks and driveways.
To w n o f L a n t a n a
