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Is Salt Lake City Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:47 pm, July 29, 2022
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Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in Salt Lake City?

Yes, Salt Lake City's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Salt Lake City has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page, the city's water provider website, or Salt Lake City's local Twitter account.

According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Salt Lake City's water utility, Salt Lake City Water System, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Salt Lake City was resolved on July 31, 2017. This assessment is based on the Salt Lake City Water System water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.

While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.

The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.

Water Quality Report for Salt Lake City Tap Water

The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Salt Lake City tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.

Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.

EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.

There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.

We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Salt Lake City's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.

Salt Lake City Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years

Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Salt Lake City Water System for Salt Lake City in Utah. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.

For the compliance period beginning July 1, 2018, Salt Lake City had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Source Water (GWR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Groundwater Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: E. COLI.

For the compliance period beginning Nov. 1, 2017, Salt Lake City had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Source Water (GWR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Groundwater Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: E. COLI.

For the compliance period beginning Oct. 1, 2017, Salt Lake City had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Source Water (GWR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Groundwater Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: E. COLI.

For the compliance period beginning Sept. 9, 2017, Salt Lake City had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Treatment Technique Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Failure To Address Deficiency which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Groundwater Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: Groundwater Rule.

From July 1, 2017 to July 31, 2017, Salt Lake City had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Routine (RTCR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Total Coliform Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

From Oct. 1, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2012, Salt Lake City had 2 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violations with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) which falls into the Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code group, and the Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code family for the following contaminant codes: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

From July 1, 2012 to Sept. 30, 2012, Salt Lake City had 24 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violations with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Regular which falls into the Chemicals rule code group, and the Synthetic Organic Chemicals rule code family for the following contaminant codes: Endrin, BHC-GAMMA, Methoxychlor, Dalapon, OXAMYL, Picloram, Dinoseb, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Carbofuran, LASSO, Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide, 2,4-D, 2,4,5-TP, HEXACHLOROBENZENE, Benzo(a)pyrene, Pentachlorophenol, Total Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB), Chlordane, Simazine, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Toxaphene, Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, Atrazine.

Is there Lead in Salt Lake City Water?

Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Salt Lake City water system, Salt Lake City Water System, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.00277575 mg/L of lead in Salt Lake City water. This is 18.5% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Salt Lake City contained more lead.

While Salt Lake City water testing may have found 0.00277575 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.

No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.

Are there PFAS in Salt Lake City Tap Water?

Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Salt Lake City International Airport - near Salt Lake City with suspected leaks.

With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Salt Lake City has been evaluated for yet.

Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.

Salt Lake City SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years

Compliance Period Status Health-Based? Category Code Code Rule Code Contaminant Code Rule Group Code Rule Family Code
07/01/2018 - Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Source Water (GWR) (34) Ground Water Rule (140) E. COLI (3014) Microbials (100) Groundwater Rule (140)
11/01/2017 - Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Source Water (GWR) (34) Ground Water Rule (140) E. COLI (3014) Microbials (100) Groundwater Rule (140)
10/01/2017 - Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Source Water (GWR) (34) Ground Water Rule (140) E. COLI (3014) Microbials (100) Groundwater Rule (140)
09/09/2017 - Resolved Yes Treatment Technique Violation (TT) Failure To Address Deficiency (45) Ground Water Rule (140) Groundwater Rule (0700) Microbials (100) Groundwater Rule (140)
07/01/2017 - 07/31/2017 Resolved No Monitoring Violation (MON) Monitoring, Routine (RTCR) (3A) Revised Total Coliform Rule (111) Revised Total Coliform Rule (8000) Microbials (100) Total Coliform Rules (110)
10/01/2012 - 12/31/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) (27) Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) TTHM (2950) Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220)
10/01/2012 - 12/31/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) (27) Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) (2456) Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220)
07/01/2012 - 09/30/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Endrin (2005) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
07/01/2012 - 09/30/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) BHC-GAMMA (2010) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
07/01/2012 - 09/30/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Methoxychlor (2015) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
07/01/2012 - 09/30/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Dalapon (2031) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
07/01/2012 - 09/30/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) OXAMYL (2036) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
07/01/2012 - 09/30/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Picloram (2040) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
07/01/2012 - 09/30/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Dinoseb (2041) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
07/01/2012 - 09/30/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Hexachlorocyclopentadiene (2042) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
07/01/2012 - 09/30/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Carbofuran (2046) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
07/01/2012 - 09/30/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) LASSO (2051) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
07/01/2012 - 09/30/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Heptachlor (2065) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
07/01/2012 - 09/30/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Heptachlor epoxide (2067) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
07/01/2012 - 09/30/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) 2,4-D (2105) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
07/01/2012 - 09/30/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) 2,4,5-TP (2110) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
07/01/2012 - 09/30/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) HEXACHLOROBENZENE (2274) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
07/01/2012 - 09/30/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Benzo(a)pyrene (2306) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
07/01/2012 - 09/30/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Pentachlorophenol (2326) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
07/01/2012 - 09/30/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Total Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) (2383) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
07/01/2012 - 09/30/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Chlordane (2959) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
07/01/2012 - 09/30/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Simazine (2037) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
07/01/2012 - 09/30/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (2039) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
07/01/2012 - 09/30/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Toxaphene (2020) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
07/01/2012 - 09/30/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (2035) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
07/01/2012 - 09/30/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Atrazine (2050) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)

What do these Violations Mean?

Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.

Health Based Violations

  1. Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
  2. Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
  3. Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.

Non-Health Based Violations

  1. Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
  2. Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
  3. Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.

SDWA Table Key

Field Description
Compliance Period Dates of the compliance period.
Status Current status of the violation.
  • Resolved - The violation has at least one resolving enforcement action. In SDWIS, this indicates that either the system has returned to compliance from the violation, the rule that was violated was no longer applicable, or no further action was needed.
  • Archived - The violation is not Resolved, but is more than five years past its compliance period end date. In keeping with the Enforcement Response Policy, the violation no longer contributes to the public water system's overall compliance status. Unresolved violations are also marked as Archived when a system ceases operations (becomes inactive).
  • Addressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and is addressed by one or more formal enforcement actions.
  • Unaddressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and has not been addressed by formal enforcement.
show details
Health-Based? Whether the violation is health based.
Category Code
The category of violation that is reported.
  • TT - Treatment Technique Violation
  • MRDL - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
  • Other - Other Violation
  • MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
  • MR - Monitoring and Reporting
  • MON - Monitoring Violation
  • RPT - Reporting Violation
show details
Code A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table.
Contaminant Code A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation.
Rule Code Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rule
  • 121 - Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 122 - Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 123 - Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Ground Water Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 331 - Nitrates
  • 332 - Arsenic
  • 333 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 111 - Revised Total Coliform Rule
show details
Rule Group Code Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
  • 120 - Surface Water Treatment Rules
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Groundwater Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 330 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rules
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
show details
Rule Family Code Code for rule family.
  • 100 - Microbials
  • 200 - Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 300 - Chemicals
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
show details

For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.

Salt Lake City Water - Frequently Asked Questions

WHERE DOES OUR WATER COME FROM? HOW IS IT TREATED?
Our water is blended with different sources depending on demand and supply. We have also built redundancy into our system to avoid disruption in service and to provide for future water needs. Our source waters include mountain streams, surface water reservoirs, and a network of groundwater wells and springs. During the summer months, when mountain stream runoff declines, groundwater from wells is mixed with the stream water throughout Public Utilities’ system. This allows us to meet the increased summer water demand and maintain pressure in the water system to ensure fire flow protection for public safety. SLC Public Utilities owns and operates three surface water treatment plants and purchases water from the MWDSLS. Like many public water systems around the country, the surface water treatment for SLC Public Utilities uses a multi-step treatment process, including coagulation and flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. The primary disinfectant used is sodium hypochlorite, which is a chlorine compound often used as a disinfectant. We typically use our network of wells in the summer months to meet high demand. Because of SLC Public Utilities’ excellent groundwater resources, groundwater does not require special treatment. However, similar to the filtration process of surface water, groundwater is continually filtered through a natural process as it passes through the subsurface geology. After the water leaves the treatment plants and wells, SLC Public Utilities routinely collects samples throughout the distribution system to monitor the quality of water as it travels from the source to your tap.
WHAT CAN WE FLUSH?
Every year, Utah homeowners and our sewer systems in the state spend million of dollars unclogging pipes and repairing damage caused by back-ups resulting from people flushing baby wipes and other wipes marketed as “flushable.” Keep Your Flush Pure- Follow The 3P Rule. 3P Rule: Only three things belong in the toilet – Poo, pee, paper. Working together, we can keep our wastewater flowing smoothly.
HOW DO I CONTACT SALT LAKE CITY CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the Salt Lake City water provider, Salt Lake City Water System, please use the information below.
By Mail: 1530 S West Temple
SALT LAKE CITY, UT, 84115
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR SALT LAKE CITY WATER SYSTEM
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their Salt Lake City Water System account to pay their Salt Lake City water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your Salt Lake City Water System bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Salt Lake City water bill.

Want to pay without an account?

If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Salt Lake City water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.

HOW TO START & STOP SALT LAKE CITY WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

Moving to a new house or apartment in Salt Lake City means you will often need to put the water in your name with Salt Lake City Water System. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.

Start Service Form

Want to create a new account?

Leaving your house or apartment in Salt Lake City means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Salt Lake City Water System. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.

Stop Service Form

Is Salt Lake City Tap Water Safe to Drink? Tap water & safety quality

The estimated price of bottled water

$2.18 in USD (1.5-liter)

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

Salt Lake City tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 22% Low
  • Water Pollution 43% Moderate
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 78% High
  • Water Quality 57% Moderate

The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Salt Lake City, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).

Related FAQS

Salt Lake City Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)

The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Salt Lake City's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.

KEEP IT PURE

From your Mountains to your Tap

Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities

Water Quality Report 2021

PWSID# UTAH 18026

¡Attencion! El informe contiene información importante sobre la calidad del agua en su comunidad. Tradúzcalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.

OUR PRIMARY GOAL at Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities (SLC Public Utilities) is to always deliver the best drinking water possible. This means water that meets and exceeds all state and federal regulations. Federal law requires regular updates of these rules. SLC Public Utilities will continue to support and contribute to ongoing research efforts with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), state and local agencies, and universities. Our community’s health and safety are our top priorities. During the year we faced various challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, earthquakes, and

a windstorm. We want to assure you these events did not impact our water supplies and water quality. If you have any questions or concerns about your drinking water, we invite you to contact our office.

This Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is a snapshot of last year’s (2020) water quality data. This report includes details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to the EPA and State of Utah Division of Drinking Water (Utah DDW) standards. SLC Public Utilities is committed to accuracy and transparency in providing this information.

OUR SERVICE AREA AND

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

SLC Public Utilities’ service area includes Salt Lake City and portions of Millcreek, Holladay, Cottonwood Heights, and other communities. A map of our service area can be found at www.slc.gov/utilities. We are committed to building trust with our community. We invite you to engage with us on our social media sites: facebook.com/slcpu, instagram.com/slcpu, and twitter.com/slcpu. You may also contact Holly Mullen, Communications and Engagement Manager, for information at holly.mullen@slcgov.com. We encourage your participation in decisions that affect our community’s drinking water. The SLC Public Utilities Advisory Committee (PUAC) meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. We welcome you to these open meetings. Please note, the PUAC generally does not meet during the summer months. For more information, please visit www.slc.gov/boards/boards-commissions/ public-utilities-advisory-committee or contact us at 801.483.6770.

WATER ASSIST PROGRAM

We recognize paying utility bills may be an economic hardship for some customers or at certain times. SLC Public Utilities, in partnership with the Salt Lake City Chapter of the Salvation Army (which administers the program), offers Project Water Assist for Salt Lake City customers who qualify for financial aid to pay their utility bills. For assistance, a customer must qualify at 150 percent of poverty level and/or have a family member who meets one or more of the following criteria: age 60 or older; has a disability; or who qualifies for the Salt Lake County Tax Abatement Program. To learn more about the program, please visit www.slc.gov/ utilities/pay-my-bill/water-bill-assistance or www.saltlakecity. salvationarmy.org. If you would like to donate to Project Water Assist, you can check the box that appears on your utility bill or your online account.

Source Protection

We are serious about protecting our source waters as the first stage of treatment. Clean water at the start means higher quality water from your tap. We regularly monitor our source waters in the nearby Wasatch Mountains and groundwater, as well as prepare source protection plans.

SURFACE WATER SOURCE PROTECTION

Our primary source waters are from mountain streams including City Creek, Parleys Creek, Big Cottonwood Creek, and Little Cottonwood Creek, which are in the protected watersheds located south and east of Salt Lake City in the Wasatch Mountains. Salt Lake City Ordinances 17.04 and 17.08 were adopted to protect these mountain streams from pollution. To see a map of our protected watershed area, visit www.slc.gov/utilities/watershed. Furthermore, we have invested in and receive treated water from our wholesale water supplier, Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake & Sandy (MWDSLS). In addition to Little Cottonwood Creek, sources of this water include the Provo, Duchesne, and Weber Rivers, stored in the Jordanelle and Deer Creek reservoirs.

For several years, our “Keep It Pure” campaign has helped to educate the community on the value of protecting our watershed and water resources. Please help us maintain good water quality by protecting your culinary drinking water watershed. For more information, visit www.slc.gov/utilities/ watershed.

GROUNDWATER SOURCE PROTECTION

Just like our mountain streams from the Wasatch Mountains, our groundwater must be protected. SLC Public Utilities’ wells and springs are spread across the valley from Cottonwood Heights to the mouth of City Creek Canyon. The quality of our groundwater is affected by what happens on the ground above. Salt Lake City zoning Ordinance 21A.34.060 was adopted

to help protect our groundwater resources. In addition, Salt Lake County Ordinance 9.25 helps protect groundwater resources outside of the Salt Lake City boundaries. Never dispose of chemicals or hazardous materials on the ground. These materials can migrate through the soils and impact groundwater.

SLC Public Utilities routinely monitors the quality of the groundwater and remains a concerned and active stakeholder for sites where groundwater contamination has been identified. As such, we work with the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, the EPA, and others

to protect our residents and their interests. For more information on protecting groundwater sources, please visit www.slc.gov/utilities/ groundwater-source-protection.

Where does our water come from? How is it treated?

Our water is blended with different sources depending on demand and supply. We have also built redundancy into our system to avoid disruption in service and to provide for future water needs. Our source waters include mountain streams, surface water reservoirs, and a network of groundwater wells and springs. During the summer months, when mountain stream runoff declines, groundwater from wells is mixed with the stream water throughout Public Utilities’ system. This allows us to meet the increased summer water demand and maintain pressure in the water system to ensure fire flow protection for public safety.

SLC Public Utilities owns and operates three surface water treatment plants and purchases water from the MWDSLS. Like many public water systems around the country, the surface water treatment for SLC Public Utilities uses a multi-step treatment process, including coagulation and flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. The primary disinfectant used is sodium hypochlorite, which is a chlorine compound often used as a disinfectant. We typically use our network of wells in the summer months to meet high demand. Because of SLC Public Utilities’ excellent groundwater resources, groundwater does not require special treatment. However, similar to the filtration process of surface water, groundwater is continually filtered through a natural process as it passes through the subsurface geology.

After the water leaves the treatment plants and wells, SLC Public Utilities routinely collects samples throughout the distribution system to monitor the quality of water as it travels from the source to your tap.

Source Water

Mountain Streams

& Reservoirs

Chemical Addition

Coagulant – Ferric Chloride

Disinfectant - Chlorine

Mixing & Coagulation

Coagulant causes small particles to stick together and form larger particles

Flocculation &

Sedimentation

Filtration

remove small particles

Fluoridation

Fluoride added per Salt Lake County,

Rule #33

Storage Reservoirs & Distribution

Treated water to your tap

CONSERVATION, CLIMATE, & WATER SUPPLY

In December 2020, the Salt Lake City Council adopted the Salt Lake City Water Conservation Plan. This plan provides information on water supply, historical water demand, and establishes new water conservation goals. It also describes the dozens of water conservation programs and practices that will help us achieve our short and long-term conservation goals. Since the beginning of our Conservation Program in 2001, we have reduced water use by more than 27 percent. However, we can all do more to protect and sustain our limited water resources. Want to use less indoors? Join the 7-Gallon Challenge! Or maybe you want to learn how to use less water outdoors? Sign up for a FREE Water Check! Or maybe you work at or own a local business and want to help? Visit www.slc.gov/utilities/conservation to learn about these opportunities and more!

CONSERVATION, CLIMATE, & WATER SUPPLY

The climate conditions of 2020/2021 produced above average temperatures, below average snow accumulation, dry soils and below average stream flows. We are engaged with many stakeholders to understand and prepare for annual variations in climate as well as potential long-term climate change scenarios. Regardless of snow totals, spring runoff, or supply levels, please remember: We are situated in an arid climate and conservation is always the best practice.

Lead and Copper

Lead and copper in drinking water is a topic of important national discussion. Lead is a naturally occurring soft metal used in a wide range of products and can be found throughout the environment and home. Possible sources of lead include flaking of lead-based paint, gasoline, consumer products, the soil, hobby materials such as solder, and plumbing. Lead and copper in drinking water are primarily caused by leaching (discharging) from plumbing materials containing lead or copper in home plumbing.

We are fortunate that due to the high-quality drinking water sources, we have not detected lead in the distribution system that feeds drinking water to homes. Furthermore, SLC Public Utilities removed lead water main pipes from the drinking water distribution system many years ago. However, we do not control the materials used in household plumbing components and private service lines.

HEALTH IMPACTS OF LEAD AND COPPER

Identifying and controlling sources of lead and copper in the home and drinking water is important for public health. Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems.

SALT LAKE CITY’S LEAD AND COPPER SAMPLING PROGRAM FOR DRINKING WATER IN HOMES

and analysis from high-risk homes. These high-risk homes are known to contain lead and/or copper pipes and lead solder, which is more likely to contribute to elevated lead levels. Due to the high quality of our water, SLC Public Utilities is on the triennial (three year) schedule. Our 2018 results for lead and copper were very similar to our historical levels and in line with those across the state. This year, 2021, we will be performing our triennial lead and copper sampling and analysis from high-risk homes. If you are interested in taking part, please complete the form at www.slc.gov/utilities/ leadandcoppersurvey or contact Arlene Larsen at 801.483.6832 or arlene. larsen@slcgov.com.

For more information including how to reduce exposure to lead and copper in drinking water, visit www.slc.gov/utilities/leadandcopper.

To control lead and copper in drinking water, in 1991 the EPA established the Lead and Copper Rule. Under the EPA Lead and Copper Rule, public water systems take part in annual to triennial lead and copper sampling

Cross Connection Control & Backflow Prevention

Our cross-connection control program provides oversight and monitors connections to our system to prevent water back-flowing from residential, commercial, or industrial consumers into our distribution system. Backflow is the unwanted reversal of flow of water created by a hydraulic condition caused by backpressure or back-siphonage. Backflow preventer assemblies, devices, and other methods are installed at cross connections to prevent backflow and protect water quality. A cross-connection is any actual or potential connection between the water you want to drink with any fixture, equipment, apparatus or non-potable system that may pollute (non-health hazard) or contaminate (health hazard) your drinking water. You can do your part by monitoring your own water use and connections within your home or business. Please be mindful that without proper backflow prevention measures, any connections made to your water system could potentially end up in your drinking water. For more information regarding cross-connection, please visit www.slc.gov/utilities/water-quality/cross-connections.

TYPICAL RESIDENTIAL CROSS CONNECTIONS:

Hose

Toilet

Lawn

Bibs

Ball-Cocks

Irrigation

Swimming Pools

Hot Tubs

Drinking Water Contaminants

Drinking water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and can pick up contamination from animal or human activity. Contaminants include microbial contaminants (viruses and bacteria), inorganic contaminants (salts and metals), pesticides and herbicides, organic chemicals (synthetic and volatile organic chemicals), and radioactive contaminants. The EPA prescribes regulations limiting the amount of certain contaminants in public water systems. We support these regulations and work daily to provide you with the best possible drinking water.

Your drinking water is treated and tested for more than 170 individual contaminants to ensure it meets all state and federal standards. Last year we conducted more than 18,000 tests. The state allows us to monitor for some contaminants less often than annually because their concentrations do not change frequently. Some of our data, though representative, is more than one year old. The table provides a listing of some compounds we analyze. Potential contaminants not detected are not listed.

EPA UNREGULATED CONTAMINANT MONITORING RULE

We also take part in federal programs aimed to assist with the development and refinement of regulatory levels for possible contaminants. We recently completed monitoring for the EPA 4th Unregulated Contaminants Monitoring Rule (UCMR) program, which spanned from 2018 to 2020. The UCMR provides EPA and other interested parties with scientifically valid data on the occurrence of contaminants in drinking water. This national survey is one of the primary sources

of information on occurrence and levels of exposure that EPA uses to develop regulatory decisions for contaminants in the public drinking water supply. Results from this and previous programs and have not raised concerns. Many compounds were not detected during the UCMR4 sampling effort. The following table lists only the compounds that were detected. The presence of these compounds in the water does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk, rather the results will allow the EPA to best assess future regulations. For a list of all compounds sampled for UCMR4, please visit www.slcdocs.com/utilities/ PDF%20Files/UCMR4.pdf. For more information on UCMR4, please visit www.epa.gov/dwucmr/fourth-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule.

Health Alert

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain trace amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants in drinking water does not necessarily indicate a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800.426.4791. Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population.

Immunocompromised people, such as those with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, those who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly people, and infants can be particularly at risk for infections. If you fall within any of these categories, please seek advice about drinking water from your health care providers.

Fluoridation of Drinking Water

In the year 2000, residents of Salt Lake County voted to fluoridate drinking water. As a result, since October 2002 Salt Lake County Health Department Regulation #33 has mandated public water suppliers, such as SLC Public Utilities, to fluoridate the water delivered to their customers. The purpose of Regulation #33 is to promote public health through the protection and maintenance of dental health. Salt Lake County Health Department is responsible for oversight of this regulation.

Water picks up a variety of minerals as it flows through the ground and over geologic features; therefore, fluoride is naturally present in our water sources. However, as these levels are below the regulatory mandate, SLC Public Utilities adds additional fluoride to our water supply to meet the Regulation #33 requirement of 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L) (700 ppb).

As with all of our water treatment, there are multiple safeguards and redundancies in place to protect against an accidental overfeed of fluoride. The equipment used to deliver fluoride to the drinking water is carefully monitored, which includes regular inspections, alarms, back-up power, and server redundancy.

For more information, please contact us or Salt Lake County Health Department at 385.468.4100.

© 2021 Goldstreet Design Agency, Inc. All Rights Reserved

2021 Water Quality Report (2020 Data)

TREATED SURFACE WATER SOURCES

 

 

MCL or TT

 

Parleys Water

 

Big Cottonwood

City Creek

MWDSLS Little

 

MWDSLS Point of

Jordan Valley Water

 

Range on

Source of Contaminate

 

 

Standardsa

 

Treatment

 

Water Treatment

Water

Cottonwood Water

 

the Mountain Water

Conservancy

 

Salt Lake

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plant

 

Plant

Treatment Plant

Treatment Plant

 

Treatment Plant

District (JVWCD)

 

City Wells

 

 

NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING WATER STANDARDSa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Primary MCL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arsenic

10 ppb

 

ND

 

ND

ND

 

ND

 

 

ND

 

1.1

 

ND - 1.3

Erosion of natural deposits

Barium

2000 ppb

 

59.0

38.0

25.0

59.8

 

63.1

 

53.0

16 - 114

Erosion of natural deposits

Chromium

100 ppb

 

ND

 

ND

ND

1.79

 

1.68

 

0.30

 

ND

Discharge from steel and pulp mills

Fluorideb

4000 ppb

 

650

710

710

621

 

643

 

600

100 - 600

Erosion of natural deposits and added fluoride

Nickel

100 ppb

 

ND

 

ND

ND

2.38

 

2.35

 

0.30

 

ND - 7

Erosion of natural deposits

Nitrate

10 ppm

 

ND

0.20

0.10

0.24

 

0.20

 

0.50

0.2 - 4.3

Fertilizer runoff, septic tanks

Selenium

50 ppb

 

ND

0.5

0.5

 

ND

 

 

ND

 

0.30

 

ND - 1.9

Mine discharge

RADIONUCLIDES (pCi/L)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Alpha

15 pCi/L

 

-

-

-

 

ND

 

0.6

 

2.7

 

ND

Erosion of natural deposits

Radium 228

5 pCi/L

 

-

-

-

 

ND

 

 

ND

 

0.4

0.34 - 0.63

Erosion of natural deposits

NATIONAL SECONDARY DRINKING WATER STANDARDSa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secondary MCL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aluminum

200 ppb

 

60

70

50

2.8

 

10.6

 

1

 

ND - 0.1

Treatment chemicals

Chloride

250 ppm

 

78.0

28.0

9.0

29.7

 

27.5

 

23.0

17.4 - 207

Erosion of natural deposits

Iron

300 ppb

 

ND

 

ND

ND

160

 

165

 

24.0

20 - 30

Erosion of natural deposits

Manganese

50 ppb

 

0.9

 

ND

ND

 

ND

 

 

ND

 

3.6

 

ND - 2.2

Erosion of natural deposits

pH (in Units)

6.5 - 8.5

 

7.91

7.94

7.94

7.63

 

7.77

 

7.7

7.17 - 7.86

Erosion of natural deposits

Sulfate

250 ppm

 

19

38

11

38

 

38.5

 

40

30 - 279

Erosion of natural deposits

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

500 ppm

 

344

224

240

233

 

234

 

209

240 - 804

Erosion of natural deposits

Zinc

500 ppb

 

ND

 

ND

ND

 

ND

 

 

ND

 

1.0

 

ND - 10

Erosion of natural deposits

ADDITIONAL DATA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unregulated (ur)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alkalinity as CaCo3

ur-ppm

 

166

125

205

113

 

121

 

103

113 - 270

Erosion of natural deposits

Bromide

ur-ppm

 

ND

 

ND

ND

 

ND

 

 

ND

 

0.002

 

ND - 0.07

Erosion of natural deposits

Calcium

ur-ppm

 

67.7

41.3

59.6

-

 

-

 

36.6

37 - 134

Erosion of natural deposits

Hardness as CaCo3

ur-ppm

 

211

162

212

159

 

164

 

146

149 - 486

Erosion of natural deposits

grains/gallon

calculated

 

12.3

9.5

12.4

9.3

 

9.6

 

8.6

8.7 - 28.4

Erosion of natural deposits

Non-Carbonate

calculated

 

45

37

7

46

 

43

 

43.6

36 - 216

Erosion of natural deposits

Lead

ur-ppb

 

ND

 

ND

ND

 

ND

 

 

ND

 

0.1

 

ND - 0.6

Erosion of natural deposits

Magnesium

ur-ppm

 

0.9

 

ND

ND

-

 

-

 

12

 

ND - 2.2

Erosion of natural deposits

Molybdenum

ur-ppb

 

ND

 

ND

ND

1.02

 

 

ND

 

0.7

 

ND

Erosion of natural deposits

Phosphate

ur-ppb

 

ND

0.03

ND

 

ND

 

 

ND

 

0.002

 

ND - 40

Erosion of natural deposits

Potassium

ur-ppm

 

1.1

0.9

0.5

 

ND

 

 

ND

 

1.6

1 - 3.6

Erosion of natural deposits

Sodium

ur-ppm

 

32.5

16.4

5.7

21.9

 

11.9

 

12.9

10.3 - 71.8

Erosion of natural deposits

Specific Conductance

µS/cm

 

565

398

417

408

 

416

 

360

346 - 1246

Erosion of natural deposits

Total Organic Carbon

ur-ppm

 

1.9

0.7

0.8

1.85

 

2.02

 

1.4

 

ND - 0.6

Decomposition of organic material

(TOC)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UV-254

ur-1/cm

 

0.03

0.02

0.03

0.02

 

0.02

 

0.03

 

ND - 0.04

Decomposition of organic material

TURBIDITY* (Clarity)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finished Water Annual

NTU

 

0.04

0.02

0.02

0.03

 

0.03

 

0.03

0.07 - 0.54

Soil runoff

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* SLC Public Utilities sets a goal of 0.1 NTU turbidity. All SLC Water Treatment Plants received the Partnership for Safe Water 15-Year Director’s Award for superior water quality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM COMPLIANCE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Microbials

 

Presence/Absence

# Samples

 

% positive

Highest Monthly %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.coli

 

0%

 

2,862

 

0%

0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feces of humans and animals

 

Total Coliform

 

<5%

 

2,862

 

0.38%

2.16%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Naturally occuring and feces of humans and animals

Disinfection By-Products

 

MCL

SLC Avgb

 

SLC Max

SLC Min

 

MWDSLS LCW Avg

MWDSLS POMW Avg

JVWCD Avg

 

 

 

 

Total Trihalomethanes

 

80 ppb

40

 

63

12

 

17

 

 

40

 

20

 

By-product of chlorination

 

Total Haloacetic Acids

 

60 ppb

36

 

59

6

 

15

 

 

43

 

15

 

By-product of chlorination

LEAD AND COPPER SAMPLING AT HIGH-RISK RESIDENTIAL WATER TAPSc

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Action Leveld

# Samples Before Flushing

90th Percentile Before Line Flushinge

 

90th Percentile After Line Flushinge

 

 

 

 

Lead

 

15 ppb

 

56

 

3.58

 

 

 

1.46

 

 

Corrosion of household plumbing

 

Copper

 

1300 ppb

 

56

 

432.5

 

 

 

78.35

 

 

Corrosion of household plumbing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOW TO READ THE CHART

 

 

2020 UCMR4 Data (Detected)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MCL

Units

Range

Average

 

Our water is routinely tested. The chart lists the most recent test

ppm

Parts per million (mg/L, 1 penny in $10,000)

Bromochloroacetic Acid

 

Unregulated

ppb

1.8 - 4.4

3.2

 

results for the facilities listed and indicates the most likely source

ppb

Parts per billion (ug/L, 1 penny in

 

 

of the contaminant. The well data is a range of lowest and highest

 

$10 million)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bromodichloroacetic Acid

 

Unregulated

ppb

1.4 - 4.6

2.9

 

 

 

levels for wells.

TT

Treatment Technique

Chlorodibromoacetic Acid

 

Unregulated

ppb

0.32 - 0.9

0.6

 

 

MCL Federal Maximum Contaminant Level: highest level of

ur

Unregulated with no EPA standard set

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water

µS/cm

Micro Siemens/centimeter

Monobromoacetic Acid

 

Unregulated

ppb

ND - 0.43

0.1

 

 

 

 

 

ND Non detected: less than the analytical method can see

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

Not Analyzed

Dibromoacetic Acid

 

Unregulated

ppb

0.3 - 0.95

0.5

 

 

NTU Nephelometric Turbidity Units (turbidity is cloudiness)

 

 

 

 

 

Dichloroacetic Acid

 

Unregulated

ppb

5.7 - 19

11.9

 

 

pCi/L Picocuries per Liter (radioactivity unit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trichloroacetic Acid

 

Unregulated

ppb

3.4 - 17

10.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a The US-EPA sets regulatory limits for the amounts of certain contaminates in water provided by public water systesm.

Total Organic Carbon

 

Unregulated

ppb

ND - 2200

627

 

 

 

 

For more information visit www.epa.gov/dwreginfo.

 

 

Bromide

 

Unregulated

ppb

ND - 36

7.6

 

b Highest monthly average or annual average.

 

 

Germanium

 

Unregulated

ppb

ND - 0.62

0.1

 

 

 

 

c

Most recent results for lead and copper are from 2018; additional sampling will be performed in 2021.

Manganese

 

Unregulated

ppb

ND - 100

10

 

d

Exceedence of the 90th Percentile Action Level for Lead and Copper would require additional actions to be taken.

1-Butanol

 

Unregulated

ppb

ND - 19

1.1

 

 

 

 

e

90% of the results are less than or equal to this concentration.

 

 

800 South 500 East Artesian

Well Park and Liberty Park

Drinking Fountain

Although not part of the SLC Public Utilities drinking water system, the 800 South 500 East artesian well and the Liberty Park artesian drinking fountain are routinely monitored by our staff. These natural water sources meet federal and state requirements for drinking water. However, low levels of perchlorate, a compound that may be naturally occurring or related to explosives manufacturing, have been detected

in the 800 South 500 East artesian well. The levels detected are below what the EPA considers a concern and this compound is not currently regulated in Utah. For more information on the artesian well parks, please visit www.slc.gov/parks. If you have questions about the water quality data, please contact us.

Stormwater

We monitor stormwater discharges to ensure that stormwater is as clean as possible before discharging to our creeks and rivers. Please help us in this effort by keeping the gutter in front of your homes clean and free of debris such as plastic bottles, leaves, grass, and other pollutants that can enter the storm drains. If you observe a clogged storm drain or illegal discharge, please report the incident to 801.483.6700 (SLC Public Utilities 24-hour dispatch) or 801.580.6681 (Salt Lake County Health Department 24-hour hotline).

Yes, it’s true. Those soft and durable moisturized wipes that are oh so convenient and leave you feeling clean and fresh are wreaking havoc on our sewer systems in Utah and across the nation.

What Can We Flush?

Every year, Utah homeowners and our sewer systems in the state spend million of dollars unclogging pipes and repairing damage caused by back-ups resulting from people flushing baby wipes and other wipes marketed as “flushable.”

Keep Your Flush Pure- Follow The 3P Rule.

3P Rule: Only three things belong in the toilet – Poo, pee, paper. Working together, we can keep our wastewater flowing smoothly.

AFFILIATIONS

SLC Public Utilities is a member of American Water Works Association, American Water Research Foundation, Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, American Water Resources Association, Partnership for Safe Water, Utah Water Quality Alliance,

RESOURCES

Information about contaminants and potential health effects, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure can be obtained by calling EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline

at 800.426.4791, or www.epa.gov/ ground-water-and-drinking-water.

The Utah DDW and the EPA have excellent websites regarding lead in drinking water at deq.utah.gov/division-drinking-water and

SALT LAKE CITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES CONTACT INFORMATION

SLC Public Utilities Customer Service: 801.483.6900

SLC Public Utilities 24-hour Emergency:

801.483.6700

SLC Water Quality Division: 801.483.6832 or 801.483.6765

www.slcgov.com/utilities

ADDITIONAL CONTACTS

Utah Division of Drinking Water:

801.535.4200

deq.utah.gov/division-drinking-water

Salt Lake County Health Department:

385.468.4100 www.slco.org/health

EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline:

800.426.4791

National Association of Clean Water Agencies, Western Urban Water Coalition, Salt Lake County Stormwater Coalition, as well as others.

www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/basic- information-about-lead-drinking-water.

For more information on fluoride in drinking water, please visit Salt Lake County Health Department at slco.org/health/water- quality/drinking-water/ or 385.468.4100.

FOR QUESTIONS ON THIS REPORT:

Marian L. Rice

Deputy Director

Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities

801.483.6700 (24-hour Customer Service)

Contaminants


Salt Lake City Water System

EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

Utility details

  • Serves: 343850
  • Data available: 2012-2017
  • Data Source: Surface water
  • Total: 28

Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines

  • Arsenic
  • Bromodichloromethane
  • Chloroform
  • Chromium (hexavalent)
  • Dibromochloromethane
  • Dichloroacetic acid
  • Nitrate
  • Nitrate and nitrite
  • Radium%2C combined (-226 & -228)
  • Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
  • Trichloroacetic acid

Other Detected Contaminants

  • Aluminum
  • Barium
  • Bromide
  • Chlorate
  • Chromium (total)
  • Cyanide
  • Fluoride
  • Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
  • Manganese
  • Molybdenum
  • Nitrite
  • Selenium
  • Silver
  • Strontium
  • Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene)
  • Thallium
  • Vanadium

Reminder

Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.

Sources and Resources

Salt Lake City Tap Water

You might not be aware of it, but when you buy Salt Lake City Tap Water, you help the ecosystem do a better job of removing contaminants. In particular, the Environmental Protection Agency and Utah’s Department of Health and Welfare recommend that people with individual families buy and use bottled or filtered water. The reason is relatively obvious-filtration removes more contaminants than just boiling or filtering your own water.

Salt Lake City is known for its water quality. Even though the contaminants in city water are already among the highest in the country, the government and companies there are working hard to make sure residents continue to get what they need. Salt Lake City water has been found to have high levels of microorganisms, good for the body. However, excessive levels of microorganisms can create the perfect environment for cancer-causing carcinogens to develop. It can also lead to damage to the immune system and create problems with digestion.

There is no doubt that many people already have home water filters. They are your best defense against contaminated tap water. The problem is, not all of us are using them due to cost and convenience. If you’ve got a whole house filter, you may not even need to worry about contaminated water coming from the taps in your house. But if you only have a refrigerator or countertop water filter, it doesn’t make sense to leave that on all the time. Even if you only use the tap water in your shower or fill up a bottle for drinking, the contaminants left in that water could be harming you.

Salt Lake City Drinking Water

Salt Lake City, Utah, is a popular tourist destination, home to more than two million people. The area has plenty of recreation and leisure opportunities, including Salt Lake City attractions like the Winterville Spa and Muscle Park. But did you know that there’s a significant cause for concern over our drinking water? You may not be aware of it, but the fact is that one of the biggest reasons for alarm in Utah is from the Great Salt Lake City sewer system. What does that mean? In a nutshell, if you have a great deal of salt in your water supply, you might end up putting a lot of salt into your water supply, which can really damage your water quality.

Salt Lake City is part of the Western States region, which means that its water comes from mountain slopes running through the state’s center. That means that all of the water that makes it up must go somewhere. And where it goes, lots of it goes down into the sewer system. The problem is that this sewage water-laden water doesn’t have anywhere else to go. The pipes in the city create so much waste that the treated water backs up into other areas of the state, and those other areas have even worse problems with pollution.

What is causing this excess wastewater? There’s no one particular reason that all of this is happening, but some trends have been identified. Over the last couple of decades, it has been found that more residents of the greater Salt Lake City area are making their way to Las Vegas. It’s not that they’re greedy or anything like that-no. It’s just that it has become more necessary for them to find ways to get their hands on as much cheap water as they can-so that they can use it for whatever purpose they see fit.

Salt Lake City Water Safe to Drink

If you are searching for a place where you can get water that is safe to drink, then Salt Lake City is the ideal place for you. Salt Lake is located in Utah, where the Rocky Mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean. This city has the highest per capita consumption of salt in the country, which is more than a hundred pounds per person per year. Thus, there are strict laws regarding its water supply and the treatment systems that are put into place to ensure that every person is provided with safe drinking water. The water that is offered is tested for bacteria and other impurities, ensuring that the water you consume is pure and safe.

Salt Lake City has many residents who enjoy taking in the outdoors. There are many great outdoor activities in this city, and a lot of them revolve around water. If you want a chance to go hiking, biking, boating, or just catching a breeze on the river, you will find all of these things possible if you decide to head to Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City is also home to the West Coast Jazz Festival, an annual event that allows the city residents to get together and take in the jazz culture.

Salt Lake City’s water is carefully treated and purified, making sure that it is healthy enough for consumption. In addition to this, the water is guaranteed to be safe to drink, with no contaminants present in it that can cause harm to your body. You will definitely want to consider visiting once you have made the decision to see this fantastic city.

Salt Lake City Water Quality

Salt Lake City is a popular tourist spot that draws thousands of visitors each year to its shallow, soft waters and scenic overlooks. Yet, despite its popularity, many people do not realize that the water in Salt Lake City, Utah is among the nation’s best. This is because the city has made significant strides in improving its water quality over the past few decades. Much of this has to do with better education and information sharing. Salt Lake City has made great strides in protecting its natural resources. Here are some examples:

The Salt Lake City Water Quality Commission tests all of the city’s water three times each year. If these tests indicate that there may be an issue with the quality of the water, then the treatment station will perform corrective measures to correct it before it causes damage. These punitive measures can range from changing filter cartridges or re-contaminating the water. If such corrective steps are not enough to correct the problem, then the treatment station can step in and provide chlorination or other types of disinfection.

There are several treatment facilities in Salt Lake City. These treatment stations range from small rural treatment stations to major cities such as Salt Lake City. The rural treatment stations cannot treat large amounts of water, so they cannot be relied upon as a source for drinking water. However, smaller towns that do not have the facilities to meet the standards set forth by the commission can take on the responsibility of providing treatment for their own citizens.

Salt Lake City Water Treatment

One of the most popular water treatment facilities in the Salt Lake Valley is the Utah treatment center. The facilities offer a wide range of services to help you keep your water clean and healthy no matter what the contaminants are. The treatment centers use many different methods, including reverse osmosis, carbon filtration, ultra-violet light, and ultraviolet light, to ensure that everything is filtered and safe for human consumption. The water from the Utah treatment centers is also de-mineralized, so you don’t have to worry about any problems with harmful metals in your water. You should be aware that these treatment centers can be expensive, but if you are serious about keeping your family safe, you need to invest in one of their water treatment systems.

When you compare the cost of a complete treatment versus a partial one at a Salt Lake City water treatment center, you will quickly see how much it is cheaper to get one of these systems instead of paying for bottled water each time you want to take a shower or bathe. Since there are so many contaminants in the water that can make your skin break out or make you feel ill, you must treat your water with as much care as you would treat your food. Unlike food, you can’t just throw away any potentially contaminated food and expect the same results from the water. When you use the right treatment system, all of the water in your home will be clean and healthy for you and your family to enjoy for many years to come.

If you are in the Salt Lake City area, you may want to look at some of the various filters available on the market. It may seem like many hassles to install one of these filters, but the money you save when it is all said and done is worth it. Once you have installed your system, you will never have to worry about drinking unsafe water again. There are also many types of filters available, so you can choose the one that suits your needs the best. Even if you decide to use bottled water from a certified company as having the best treatment standards in the state, you still need to have a filter on your tank to get the most health benefits from your purchased water.

Salt Lake City Water Public Utilities

The Salt Lake City Water Public Utilities Division is responsible for ensuring that all residents have access to safe and clean drinking water. In fact, they have the job of ensuring that the sewage treatment plant in Salt Lake City operates at its peak every day. They also monitor storm drainage so that flooding in the area does not happen. And they are responsible for ensuring that the sewage treatment plant does not experience a significant malfunction. Without their help, the city would not be able to function as it does today.

The city’s three primary sewage treatment plants include the West Woods Pump Station, the South Fork Sewage Treatment Plant, and the Cache La Paz sewer line plant. Each one of these plants handles approximately fourteen million gallons of wastewater each day. If the sewage treatment plants did not exist, Salt Lake City would have to process this wastewater quantity by hand. This would take many hours and cost a lot of money. But without the division of water and sewer maintenance, it would be much more difficult for Salt Lake City to process all of this wastewater.

Without the services that Salt Lake City Water Public Utilities Division offers, many things would not be processed as smoothly as they are right now. The city’s trash service alone would have a hard time keeping up with all of the trash that they would have to process if they did not have the division on staff. Trash collectors, police, firefighters, and other first responders would all be unable to function correctly without the city’s services. It’s in the city’s best interest to have a division of water and sewer on hand because it saves the city a lot of money in repairs and prevents other cities from suffering as a result. Without the division available, Salt Lake City would find itself in a challenging economic situation, which would most likely lead to the water plant’s shutdown. Without the water plant operational, Salt Lake City would not generate any revenue, and without sewage treatment, the city would soon become uninhabitable.

Salt Lake City Water Systems

Salt Lake City water systems provide a wide range of services that Utah residents can use to help keep their homes healthy. The city is served by the Wasatch Mountains and is considered one of the world’s thirty-seven natural wonders. Throughout history, people worldwide have flocked to Utah due to the scenic beauty it has to offer. Salt Lake City is home to the fifth-largest national park in the United States and a wide variety of natural wildlife. All these factors make it a popular tourist destination.

Salt Lake City water systems can provide all the essential services for homes and businesses. These systems offer three main options. The first is called the point-of-entry system. These systems are usually installed by the city to bring the water to the individual homes. The second option is known as the point-of-use systems, and these are used when large amounts of water are needed for personal use, such as bathing.

The third option is known as whole house water systems. This system is used when many people in the household will be using the water simultaneously. It is usually installed by the sprinkler system company. The various systems that Salt Lake City water systems offer cater to all types of needs. The residents of Utah can now take advantage of these systems to enjoy all the health benefits and the city’s aesthetic beauty.

Salt Lake City Surface Water

The Salt Lake City Surface Water Treatment and Planning Commission was created in 1920. It was founded as a result of the lack of pure water for the Salt Lake City residents. Salt Lake City is located in southwestern Utah, which is on the border of Utah and Colorado. The second-largest city in Utah is actually Las Vegas. Salt Lake City is known for having clean, fresh drinking water. It is a small city, but it is filled with beautiful attractions and activities.

The Salt Lake City, water treatment facility is responsible for cleaning up the water and disinfecting the lakes. All the lakes have been tested and treated to ensure that they are safe for human consumption. Most of the lakes are fed by the Des Moines River, which is a natural river. However, there are times when the dam reservoirs aren’t enough to support the algae’s average growth. In this case, additional treatment and regulation methods are used to help clean up the water.

During the treatment process, the excess sediment and garbage that float on the water’s surface are removed. This material is removed by an advanced water treatment plant. It is important to note that most of these lakes receive two treatment processes since it is believed that some metals, such as lead, can be present in both the water and the sediments. Salt Lake City, water treatment plants use reverse osmosis to clean the water.

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