City of Vero Beach

General Drinking Water Quality Info The sources of water (both tap water and bottled water) consists of rivers, lakes, channels, ponds, reservoirs, suspension springs, and wells. Because the water travels within the surface of the property or through the floor, it dissolves normally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials, and can pick up chemicals resulting from the existence of animals or human activity. Pollutants that may be present in source water consist of Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may originate from sewage treatment vegetation, septic systems, farming livestock operations, and wildlife. Inorganic pollutants, such as salts and metals, which may be naturally-occurring or derive from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or home wastewater discharges, gas and oil production, mining, farming. Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from some sources such because of urban stormwater runoff, agriculture, and home uses. Organic chemical substance contaminants, including man-made and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and may also come from gasoline stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems. Radioactive contaminants, which may be naturally occurring or be the result of coal and oil production and exploration activities. To make sure that tap water is safe to imbibe, EPA prescribes rules which limit the number of certain contaminants in water provided by general public water systems. The FDA regulations establish limitations for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same safety for public wellness. Drinking water, including water in bottles, may reasonably be anticipated to contain in the least small amounts of some contaminants. The existence of contaminants does not always indicate that drinking water poses a wellness risk. More information regarding contaminants and potential health effects can be acquired by calling environmentally friendly Protection Agency's Safe and sound Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4 791 ).

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