MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Advisory
June 23, 2010   

For More Information:
John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798
Web – Facebook – Twitter

City of Columbus Drinking Water Quality Surpasses State and Federal Minimum Standards
Annual Water Report Arriving This Week

(Columbus) – The City of Columbus’ 2009 Drinking Water Consumer Confidence Report will begin appearing in customer mailboxes today.  The report shows that the water pumped to more than one million customers again meets or surpasses all minimum requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act and all other state and federal health standards.  It also provides details about the city's drinking water quality from its three treatment plants, the treatment process and source water information.

“We are proud that our drinking water passes all federal and state standards, but we must continue our efforts on maintaining the quality of our drinking water and improving our local waterways,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman.  "We can all help protect our water supplies by disposing of household hazardous waste properly, using lawn chemicals responsibly and by conserving water."

The report includes a comparison chart that provides ideas on how customers can conserve water including installation of low-flow water fixtures; using shorter wash cycles for laundry and dishes and running only full loads.  More money-saving conservation tips are available on the department's Web site at www.utilities.columbus.gov..

“Columbus’ investment in clean, safe drinking water is an investment that will make our city stronger for decades to come,” said Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley, chair of the Public Utilities Committee. “I am confident that as the Columbus region grows, our Department of Public Utilities will continue to meet the demand for services with unparalleled excellence.”

Each year, Columbus conducts thousands of tests on its drinking water, going beyond the minimum water testing standards.  In 2009, the Water Quality Assurance Laboratory staff completed nearly 45,000 tests related to 29 different organic, inorganic and microbiological water quality parameters.

The Columbus Department of Public Utilities publishes the Drinking Water Consumer Confidence Report annually.  The Environmental Protection Agency requires that all water utilities provide such information on source water and treated water quality to their customers.  Residents can request a copy of the report by calling 311, 645-3111 or it can viewed on the department's Web site at: http://utilities.columbus.gov/water/pdfs/CCR2009.pdf.   City of Columbus water customers who have questions on drinking water quality should direct them to Columbus' Water Quality Assurance Laboratory at (614) 645-7691.

- 30 -