TOC

SUBSTANCES THAT COULD BE IN WATER To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that 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 water poses a health risk. 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 uses. • Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts 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. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800) 426-4791. IMPORTANT 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 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. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800) 426-4791. COVID-19 Virus transmission is not a risk in treated drinking water. Disinfectants like chloramine and chlorine inactivate COVID-19 in drinking water. In March 2020, Governor Roy Cooper issued a statewide Stay-at-Home order in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic that mandated the closure of schools and non-essential businesses. As these businesses prepare to reopen, there are some essential tasks that, based on CDC guidance, need to be completed before they are ready to welcome employees, customers, students or other visitors. These tasks include flushing the building's water system and devices to ensure water is fresh. See the Town of Cary website for specific recommendations for flushing water systems. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION Cary is committed to being open, transparent and accessible and encourages public input in decisions affecting our community's drinking water. Regular meetings of the Cary Town Council are typically held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall located at 316 N. Academy Street in Cary. The public is welcome. Meetings may be virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More information about Council meetings can be found at www.townofcary.org.

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