2009 CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT

Central Laboratory
(615) 862-4562

(615) 862-4591

NASHVILLE,TN
U.S. POSTAGE

PERMIT 1078
Inspection

PRSRT STD

PAID
Preventer
Backflow
The Journey of Your Water Delivering A Clean and
Nashville’s water supply comes from the Cumberland River, Safe Water Supply
which provides a steady and excellent source of water for both

connection permits
the K.R. Harrington and Omohundro water filtration plants. At Metro Water Services, our top priority is to provide our

(615) 862-7225
Water and sewer
As the water journeys from the river to your tap, it goes

Connections
customers with a clean and safe water supply. As a department

Customer
through several steps to ensure its quality. First, it is screened to of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson
remove twigs and other sizable objects. Next, chemicals, known County, we service 174,286 water accounts, providing drinking
as coagulants, are added to the water and mixed well. As these water to customers in Davidson County and portions of
chemicals leave the water, they remove contaminants such as Rutherford and Williamson counties.
mud and algae. pipes
Alternate We are pleased to deliver our 2009 Consumer Confidence
The water then slowly flows through settling tanks, where

water quality concerns or

Report, which shows your water meets or exceeds all of the

Emergency Number

Construction questions,
larger particles are allowed to sink to the bottom. The water United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) health
from the settling tanks passes through filters and becomes crystal standards and all state and federal requirements. For more

(615) 862-4600
clear. Before it enters the distribution system, a small amount

to report a leak
information about Metro Water Services and the quality of your
of chlorine and fluoride are added to prevent bacteria from water, visit our Web site at www.nashville.gov/water.

in the street
24-Hour
developing and help in preventing tooth decay.
Este informe contiene información muy importante
Your Home sobre su agua beber.Tradúzcalo ó hable con alguien
que lo entienda bien.

Visit our Web site at www.nashville.gov/water

To start or change water
service or inquire about
Important Health Information » Some people may be

Joseph A. Estes, Sr., 1600 Second Ave.

North, Nashville, TN 37208-2206 or
Service Center

the Council Chambers in the Metro

and third Tuesdays of each month in
(615) 862-4600
more vulnerable to impurities in drinking water than the general

decisions concerning water quality

Council meetings held on the first

Courthouse, One Public Square.

your water bill

accommodation, please contact

population. Immuno-compromised persons such as cancer

by attending the Metropolitan

Customer

The public may participate in

174,286 Water Customers

If you need assistance or an

patients undergoing chemotherapy, those who have undergone
57 Water 191,981 Sewer Customers 103 Sewer

Public Participation
organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune

ADA Information
Important Numbers
Pumping
system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly
Stations
at-risk for infection. These people should seek advice from their

(615) 862-4862.
questions about your water
health care providers about drinking water.

about water, stormwater

The Cumberland River Educational programs
Communication

and wastewater or
(615) 862-4494

quality report

Water...the real taste of life!

Services
 2008 CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
Central Laboratory
(615) 862-4562

(615) 862-4591

NASHVILLE,TN
U.S. POSTAGE

PERMIT 1078
Inspection

PRSRT STD

PAID
Preventer
Backflow
The Journey of Your Water Delivering A Clean and
Nashville’s water supply comes from the Cumberland River, Safe Water Supply
which provides a steady and excellent source of water for both

connection permits
the K.R. Harrington and Omohundro water filtration plants. At Metro Water Services, our top priority is to provide our

(615) 862-7225
Water and sewer
As the water journeys from the river to your tap, it goes

Connections
customers with a clean and safe water supply. As a department

Customer
through several steps to ensure its quality. First, it is screened to of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson
remove twigs and other sizable objects. Next, chemicals, known County, we service 174,286 water accounts, providing drinking
as coagulants, are added to the water and mixed well. As these water to customers in Davidson County and portions of
chemicals leave the water, they remove contaminants such as Rutherford and Williamson counties.
mud and algae. pipes
Alternate We are pleased to deliver our 2009 Consumer Confidence
The water then slowly flows through settling tanks, where

water quality concerns or

Report, which shows your water meets or exceeds all of the

Emergency Number

Construction questions,
larger particles are allowed to sink to the bottom. The water United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) health
from the settling tanks passes through filters and becomes crystal standards and all state and federal requirements. For more

(615) 862-4600
clear. Before it enters the distribution system, a small amount

to report a leak
information about Metro Water Services and the quality of your
of chlorine and fluoride are added to prevent bacteria from water, visit our Web site at www.nashville.gov/water.

in the street
24-Hour
developing and help in preventing tooth decay.
Este informe contiene información muy importante
Your Home sobre su agua beber.Tradúzcalo ó hable con alguien
que lo entienda bien.

Visit our Web site at www.nashville.gov/water

To start or change water
service or inquire about
Important Health Information » Some people may be

Joseph A. Estes, Sr., 1600 Second Ave.

North, Nashville, TN 37208-2206 or
Service Center

the Council Chambers in the Metro

and third Tuesdays of each month in
(615) 862-4600
more vulnerable to impurities in drinking water than the general

decisions concerning water quality

Council meetings held on the first

Courthouse, One Public Square.

your water bill

accommodation, please contact

population. Immuno-compromised persons such as cancer

by attending the Metropolitan

Customer

The public may participate in

174,286 Water Customers

If you need assistance or an

patients undergoing chemotherapy, those who have undergone
57 Water 191,981 Sewer Customers 103 Sewer

Public Participation
organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune

ADA Information
Important Numbers
Pumping
system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly
Stations
at-risk for infection. These people should seek advice from their

(615) 862-4862.
questions about your water
health care providers about drinking water.

about water, stormwater

The Cumberland River Educational programs
Communication

and wastewater or
(615) 862-4494

quality report

Water...the real taste of life!

Services
 Water Quality Table
MWS tests for 105 contaminants that may be present in drinking water. The tables below Metro Nashville’s Water Department #1 is required by state and federal regulations to test
show those contaminants that were detected January 1 through December 31, 2008, all of for specified unregulated organic and inorganic chemicals. This testing has been performed
which were at safe levels. If you would like a complete list of all substances for which we and reported. All results are available for public inspection at Metro Water Services, Central

Drawing From the River test, please call (615) 862-4494 to request a Water Quality Letter, or visit our Web site at
www.nashville.gov/Water.
Laboratory, 1600 Second Ave. North. For more information, please contact Scott Dawson at
862-4591 or visit our Web site at www.nashville.gov/Water. Sources of Drinking Water
REGULATED AT THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT
Nashville is The Tennessee Department of Parameter and Highest Average Range of Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be
Environment and Conservation Units of Measure Level Detected Levels Detected MCL MCLG Major Sources of the Substance expected to contain small amounts of some contaminants.The
fortunate to have the (TDEC) has prepared a Source Water Fluoride (mg/L) 1.01 0.89 - 1.24 4 4 Water additive that promotes strong teeth presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that
Cumberland River as Assessment Program (SWAP) Report water poses a health risk.
Every day, seven
Nitrate (mg/L) 0.25 0.09 - 0.41 10 10 Runoff from fertilizer use days a week, samples
its abundant supply of for the untreated water sources To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA prescribes
of river, treated
Sodium (mg/L) 6.6 4.7 - 11.3 N/A N/A Natural deposit erosion
water. The EPA has serving this water system. A copy of regulations that limit the amount of certain impurities in
and finished water
the Water Assessment Report will be Turbidity (NTU) 0.12 0.05 - 0.18 TT = 1 NTU Natural river sediment. Turbidity is a measurement water provided by public water systems.The Food and Drug
given the Cumberland available for review at Metro Water’s 0 of water clarity, which aids in determining the
are tested in our
100.0% N/A TT = % of samples Administration regulates bottled water.
River a good grade for Administrative Library, located at 1600 < 0.3 NTU effectiveness of our filters. The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled
laboratories to
ensure the highest
water quality. For more Second Ave. North. A source water
REGULATED IN THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM water) include lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, wells, quality for our
information, visit http://cfpub.epa.gov/ assessment summary is available at and, in Nashville’s case, the Cumberland River. As water travels customers.
surf/huc.cfm?huc_code=05130202. www.state.tn.us/environment/dws/ Total Coliform 0.00% N/A 5% 0% Human and animal fecal waste
over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves
dwassess.shtml. Total Trihalomethanes (THM) (µg/L) 29.6 18.5 - 48.0 80 0 naturally occurring minerals, and can pick up substances resulting
The Cumberland River Source is Stage 2 DBP for IDSE 11.7 - 85.8 Disinfection chemical (chlorine) combining with from the presence of animals or from human activity. Impurities
rated highly susceptible to potential organic matter in the river water that may be present in source water include:

Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA) (µg/L) 28.2
contamination. Metro Water Services
has two water treatment plants and Stage 2 DBP for IDSE
has the ability to withdraw water from Chlorine (mg/L) 2.01
more than one river level to minimize Total Organic Carbon* (mg/L) N/A
the chance of contamination. Radium 228 (2006 analyses) pCi/L 2.85
REGULATED AT THE CUSTOMER’S TAP
Parameter 90th Percentile
Cryptosporidium » No cr yptosporidium oocysts were detected in untreated
river water during 2008. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the Copper (2007 analyses) (mg/L) 0.280
risk of infection by cr yptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available
Lead (2007 analyses) (µg/L) 2 0 of 50
from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
* We met the treatment technique requirement for total organic carbon.
Lead Levels » If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems,
especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from Terms Used In This Report
materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Metro Water
MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level):
Services is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the
The highest level of a contaminant that is
variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for
allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as
several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for
close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best
30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned
available treatment technology.
about lead in your drinking water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information
on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level
available form the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead. Goal): The level of a contaminant in drinking
water below which there is no known or
expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a
margin of safety.
L
23.6 - 40.9 60 0
o Biological contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria,
13.6 - 70.7
which may come from septic systems, sewage treatment
0.40 - 3.7 MRDL - 4 MRDLG - 4 Water additive used to control microbes plants, agricultural livestock operations and wildlife.
N/A TT N/A Naturally present in the environment o Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which
More information
<0.59 - 2.85 5 pCi/L 0 Erosion of natural deposits can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm about contaminants
run-off, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and potential health
and gas production, mining or farming. effects can be
Sites Exceeding AL MCL MCLG Major Sources of the Substance obtained by calling
o Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety
0 of 50 AL = 1.3 1.3 of sources such as agriculture, storm water run-off and the Environmental
Corrosion of household plumbing systems Protection
AL = 15 0 residential uses. Agency’s Safe
o Organic chemicals, including synthetic and volatile Drinking Water
organics, which are by-products of industrial processes Hotline at
and petroleum production, and can also come from gas 1-800-426-4791.
stations, urban storm water run-off and septic systems.
(mg/L): Milligrams per Liter or parts per million. TT (Treatment Technique): A required MRDL (Maximum Residual
o Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally-
process intended to reduce the level of a Disinfectant Level): The highest level of a
(µg/L): Micrograms per Liter or parts per
billion. contaminant in drinking water. disinfectant allowed in drinking water. occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and
mining activities.
NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units): MRDLG (Maximum Residual
AL (Action Level): The concentration
Standard units for measurement of Disinfectant Level Goal): The level of a
of a contaminant that, if exceeded, triggers
treatment or other requirements that a water clarity. drinking water disinfectant below which there
is no known or expected risk to health.
water system must follow. pCi/l (Picocuri per liter): Unit of
measurement for radioactive substances.
 Water Quality Table
MWS tests for 105 contaminants that may be present in drinking water. The tables below Metro Nashville’s Water Department #1 is required by state and federal regulations to test
show those contaminants that were detected January 1 through December 31, 2008, all of for specified unregulated organic and inorganic chemicals. This testing has been performed
which were at safe levels. If you would like a complete list of all substances for which we and reported. All results are available for public inspection at Metro Water Services, Central

Drawing From the River test, please call (615) 862-4494 to request a Water Quality Letter, or visit our Web site at
www.nashville.gov/Water.
Laboratory, 1600 Second Ave. North. For more information, please contact Scott Dawson at
862-4591 or visit our Web site at www.nashville.gov/Water. Sources of Drinking Water
REGULATED AT THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT
Nashville is The Tennessee Department of Parameter and Highest Average Range of Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be
Environment and Conservation Units of Measure Level Detected Levels Detected MCL MCLG Major Sources of the Substance expected to contain small amounts of some contaminants.The
fortunate to have the (TDEC) has prepared a Source Water Fluoride (mg/L) 1.01 0.89 - 1.24 4 4 Water additive that promotes strong teeth presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that
Cumberland River as Assessment Program (SWAP) Report water poses a health risk.
Every day, seven
Nitrate (mg/L) 0.25 0.09 - 0.41 10 10 Runoff from fertilizer use days a week, samples
its abundant supply of for the untreated water sources To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA prescribes
of river, treated
Sodium (mg/L) 6.6 4.7 - 11.3 N/A N/A Natural deposit erosion
water. The EPA has serving this water system. A copy of regulations that limit the amount of certain impurities in
and finished water
the Water Assessment Report will be Turbidity (NTU) 0.12 0.05 - 0.18 TT = 1 NTU Natural river sediment. Turbidity is a measurement water provided by public water systems.The Food and Drug
given the Cumberland available for review at Metro Water’s 0 of water clarity, which aids in determining the
are tested in our
100.0% N/A TT = % of samples Administration regulates bottled water.
River a good grade for Administrative Library, located at 1600 < 0.3 NTU effectiveness of our filters. The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled
laboratories to
ensure the highest
water quality. For more Second Ave. North. A source water
REGULATED IN THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM water) include lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, wells, quality for our
information, visit http://cfpub.epa.gov/ assessment summary is available at and, in Nashville’s case, the Cumberland River. As water travels customers.
surf/huc.cfm?huc_code=05130202. www.state.tn.us/environment/dws/ Total Coliform 0.00% N/A 5% 0% Human and animal fecal waste
over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves
dwassess.shtml. Total Trihalomethanes (THM) (µg/L) 29.6 18.5 - 48.0 80 0 naturally occurring minerals, and can pick up substances resulting
The Cumberland River Source is Stage 2 DBP for IDSE 11.7 - 85.8 Disinfection chemical (chlorine) combining with from the presence of animals or from human activity. Impurities
rated highly susceptible to potential organic matter in the river water that may be present in source water include:

Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA) (µg/L) 28.2
contamination. Metro Water Services
has two water treatment plants and Stage 2 DBP for IDSE
has the ability to withdraw water from Chlorine (mg/L) 2.01
more than one river level to minimize Total Organic Carbon* (mg/L) N/A
the chance of contamination. Radium 228 (2006 analyses) pCi/L 2.85
REGULATED AT THE CUSTOMER’S TAP
Parameter 90th Percentile
Cryptosporidium » No cr yptosporidium oocysts were detected in untreated
river water during 2008. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the Copper (2007 analyses) (mg/L) 0.280
risk of infection by cr yptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available
Lead (2007 analyses) (µg/L) 2 0 of 50
from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
* We met the treatment technique requirement for total organic carbon.
Lead Levels » If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems,
especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from Terms Used In This Report
materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Metro Water
MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level):
Services is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the
The highest level of a contaminant that is
variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for
allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as
several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for
close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best
30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned
available treatment technology.
about lead in your drinking water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information
on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level
available form the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead. Goal): The level of a contaminant in drinking
water below which there is no known or
expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a
margin of safety.
L
23.6 - 40.9 60 0
o Biological contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria,
13.6 - 70.7
which may come from septic systems, sewage treatment
0.40 - 3.7 MRDL - 4 MRDLG - 4 Water additive used to control microbes plants, agricultural livestock operations and wildlife.
N/A TT N/A Naturally present in the environment o Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which
More information
<0.59 - 2.85 5 pCi/L 0 Erosion of natural deposits can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm about contaminants
run-off, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and potential health
and gas production, mining or farming. effects can be
Sites Exceeding AL MCL MCLG Major Sources of the Substance obtained by calling
o Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety
0 of 50 AL = 1.3 1.3 of sources such as agriculture, storm water run-off and the Environmental
Corrosion of household plumbing systems Protection
AL = 15 0 residential uses. Agency’s Safe
o Organic chemicals, including synthetic and volatile Drinking Water
organics, which are by-products of industrial processes Hotline at
and petroleum production, and can also come from gas 1-800-426-4791.
stations, urban storm water run-off and septic systems.
(mg/L): Milligrams per Liter or parts per million. TT (Treatment Technique): A required MRDL (Maximum Residual
o Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally-
process intended to reduce the level of a Disinfectant Level): The highest level of a
(µg/L): Micrograms per Liter or parts per
billion. contaminant in drinking water. disinfectant allowed in drinking water. occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and
mining activities.
NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units): MRDLG (Maximum Residual
AL (Action Level): The concentration
Standard units for measurement of Disinfectant Level Goal): The level of a
of a contaminant that, if exceeded, triggers
treatment or other requirements that a water clarity. drinking water disinfectant below which there
is no known or expected risk to health.
water system must follow. pCi/l (Picocuri per liter): Unit of
measurement for radioactive substances.
 2008 CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
Central Laboratory
(615) 862-4562

(615) 862-4591

NASHVILLE,TN
U.S. POSTAGE

PERMIT 1078
Inspection

PRSRT STD

PAID
Preventer
Backflow
The Journey of Your Water Delivering A Clean and
Nashville’s water supply comes from the Cumberland River, Safe Water Supply
which provides a steady and excellent source of water for both

connection permits
the K.R. Harrington and Omohundro water filtration plants. At Metro Water Services, our top priority is to provide our

(615) 862-7225
Water and sewer
As the water journeys from the river to your tap, it goes

Connections
customers with a clean and safe water supply. As a department

Customer
through several steps to ensure its quality. First, it is screened to of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson
remove twigs and other sizable objects. Next, chemicals, known County, we service 174,286 water accounts, providing drinking
as coagulants, are added to the water and mixed well. As these water to customers in Davidson County and portions of
chemicals leave the water, they remove contaminants such as Rutherford and Williamson counties.
mud and algae. pipes
Alternate We are pleased to deliver our 2009 Consumer Confidence
The water then slowly flows through settling tanks, where

water quality concerns or

Report, which shows your water meets or exceeds all of the

Emergency Number

Construction questions,
larger particles are allowed to sink to the bottom. The water United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) health
from the settling tanks passes through filters and becomes crystal standards and all state and federal requirements. For more

(615) 862-4600
clear. Before it enters the distribution system, a small amount

to report a leak
information about Metro Water Services and the quality of your
of chlorine and fluoride are added to prevent bacteria from water, visit our Web site at www.nashville.gov/water.

in the street
24-Hour
developing and help in preventing tooth decay.
Este informe contiene información muy importante
Your Home sobre su agua beber.Tradúzcalo ó hable con alguien
que lo entienda bien.

Visit our Web site at www.nashville.gov/water

To start or change water
service or inquire about
Important Health Information » Some people may be

Joseph A. Estes, Sr., 1600 Second Ave.

North, Nashville, TN 37208-2206 or
Service Center

the Council Chambers in the Metro

and third Tuesdays of each month in
(615) 862-4600
more vulnerable to impurities in drinking water than the general

decisions concerning water quality

Council meetings held on the first

Courthouse, One Public Square.

your water bill

accommodation, please contact

population. Immuno-compromised persons such as cancer

by attending the Metropolitan

Customer

The public may participate in

174,286 Water Customers

If you need assistance or an

patients undergoing chemotherapy, those who have undergone
57 Water 191,981 Sewer Customers 103 Sewer

Public Participation
organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune

ADA Information
Important Numbers
Pumping
system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly
Stations
at-risk for infection. These people should seek advice from their

(615) 862-4862.
questions about your water
health care providers about drinking water.

about water, stormwater

The Cumberland River Educational programs
Communication

and wastewater or
(615) 862-4494

quality report

Water...the real taste of life!

Services
 Water Quality Table
MWS tests for 105 contaminants that may be present in drinking water. The tables below Metro Nashville’s Water Department #1 is required by state and federal regulations to test
show those contaminants that were detected January 1 through December 31, 2008, all of for specified unregulated organic and inorganic chemicals. This testing has been performed
which were at safe levels. If you would like a complete list of all substances for which we and reported. All results are available for public inspection at Metro Water Services, Central

Drawing From the River test, please call (615) 862-4494 to request a Water Quality Letter, or visit our Web site at
www.nashville.gov/Water.
Laboratory, 1600 Second Ave. North. For more information, please contact Scott Dawson at
862-4591 or visit our Web site at www.nashville.gov/Water. Sources of Drinking Water
REGULATED AT THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT
Nashville is The Tennessee Department of Parameter and Highest Average Range of Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be
Environment and Conservation Units of Measure Level Detected Levels Detected MCL MCLG Major Sources of the Substance expected to contain small amounts of some contaminants.The
fortunate to have the (TDEC) has prepared a Source Water Fluoride (mg/L) 1.01 0.89 - 1.24 4 4 Water additive that promotes strong teeth presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that
Cumberland River as Assessment Program (SWAP) Report water poses a health risk.
Every day, seven
Nitrate (mg/L) 0.25 0.09 - 0.41 10 10 Runoff from fertilizer use days a week, samples
its abundant supply of for the untreated water sources To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA prescribes
of river, treated
Sodium (mg/L) 6.6 4.7 - 11.3 N/A N/A Natural deposit erosion
water. The EPA has serving this water system. A copy of regulations that limit the amount of certain impurities in
and finished water
the Water Assessment Report will be Turbidity (NTU) 0.12 0.05 - 0.18 TT = 1 NTU Natural river sediment. Turbidity is a measurement water provided by public water systems.The Food and Drug
given the Cumberland available for review at Metro Water’s 0 of water clarity, which aids in determining the
are tested in our
100.0% N/A TT = % of samples Administration regulates bottled water.
River a good grade for Administrative Library, located at 1600 < 0.3 NTU effectiveness of our filters. The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled
laboratories to
ensure the highest
water quality. For more Second Ave. North. A source water
REGULATED IN THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM water) include lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, wells, quality for our
information, visit http://cfpub.epa.gov/ assessment summary is available at and, in Nashville’s case, the Cumberland River. As water travels customers.
surf/huc.cfm?huc_code=05130202. www.state.tn.us/environment/dws/ Total Coliform 0.00% N/A 5% 0% Human and animal fecal waste
over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves
dwassess.shtml. Total Trihalomethanes (THM) (µg/L) 29.6 18.5 - 48.0 80 0 naturally occurring minerals, and can pick up substances resulting
The Cumberland River Source is Stage 2 DBP for IDSE 11.7 - 85.8 Disinfection chemical (chlorine) combining with from the presence of animals or from human activity. Impurities
rated highly susceptible to potential organic matter in the river water that may be present in source water include:

Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA) (µg/L) 28.2
contamination. Metro Water Services
has two water treatment plants and Stage 2 DBP for IDSE
has the ability to withdraw water from Chlorine (mg/L) 2.01
more than one river level to minimize Total Organic Carbon* (mg/L) N/A
the chance of contamination. Radium 228 (2006 analyses) pCi/L 2.85
REGULATED AT THE CUSTOMER’S TAP
Parameter 90th Percentile
Cryptosporidium » No cr yptosporidium oocysts were detected in untreated
river water during 2008. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the Copper (2007 analyses) (mg/L) 0.280
risk of infection by cr yptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available
Lead (2007 analyses) (µg/L) 2 0 of 50
from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
* We met the treatment technique requirement for total organic carbon.
Lead Levels » If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems,
especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from Terms Used In This Report
materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Metro Water
MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level):
Services is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the
The highest level of a contaminant that is
variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for
allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as
several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for
close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best
30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned
available treatment technology.
about lead in your drinking water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information
on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level
available form the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead. Goal): The level of a contaminant in drinking
water below which there is no known or
expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a
margin of safety.
L
23.6 - 40.9 60 0
o Biological contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria,
13.6 - 70.7
which may come from septic systems, sewage treatment
0.40 - 3.7 MRDL - 4 MRDLG - 4 Water additive used to control microbes plants, agricultural livestock operations and wildlife.
N/A TT N/A Naturally present in the environment o Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which
More information
<0.59 - 2.85 5 pCi/L 0 Erosion of natural deposits can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm about contaminants
run-off, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and potential health
and gas production, mining or farming. effects can be
Sites Exceeding AL MCL MCLG Major Sources of the Substance obtained by calling
o Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety
0 of 50 AL = 1.3 1.3 of sources such as agriculture, storm water run-off and the Environmental
Corrosion of household plumbing systems Protection
AL = 15 0 residential uses. Agency’s Safe
o Organic chemicals, including synthetic and volatile Drinking Water
organics, which are by-products of industrial processes Hotline at
and petroleum production, and can also come from gas 1-800-426-4791.
stations, urban storm water run-off and septic systems.
(mg/L): Milligrams per Liter or parts per million. TT (Treatment Technique): A required MRDL (Maximum Residual
o Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally-
process intended to reduce the level of a Disinfectant Level): The highest level of a
(µg/L): Micrograms per Liter or parts per
billion. contaminant in drinking water. disinfectant allowed in drinking water. occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and
mining activities.
NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units): MRDLG (Maximum Residual
AL (Action Level): The concentration
Standard units for measurement of Disinfectant Level Goal): The level of a
of a contaminant that, if exceeded, triggers
treatment or other requirements that a water clarity. drinking water disinfectant below which there
is no known or expected risk to health.
water system must follow. pCi/l (Picocuri per liter): Unit of
measurement for radioactive substances.
 2008 CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
Central Laboratory
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NASHVILLE,TN
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PERMIT 1078
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The Journey of Your Water Delivering A Clean and

Nashville’s water supply comes from the Cumberland River, Safe Water Supply
which provides a steady and excellent source of water for both

connection permits
the K.R. Harrington and Omohundro water filtration plants. At Metro Water Services, our top priority is to provide our

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Water and sewer
As the water journeys from the river to your tap, it goes

Connections
customers with a clean and safe water supply. As a department
Customer
through several steps to ensure its quality. First, it is screened to of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson
remove twigs and other sizable objects. Next, chemicals, known County, we service 174,286 water accounts, providing drinking
as coagulants, are added to the water and mixed well. As these water to customers in Davidson County and portions of
chemicals leave the water, they remove contaminants such as Rutherford and Williamson counties.
mud and algae. pipes
Alternate We are pleased to deliver our 2009 Consumer Confidence
The water then slowly flows through settling tanks, where

water quality concerns or

Report, which shows your water meets or exceeds all of the

Emergency Number

Construction questions,
larger particles are allowed to sink to the bottom. The water United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) health
from the settling tanks passes through filters and becomes crystal standards and all state and federal requirements. For more

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clear. Before it enters the distribution system, a small amount

to report a leak
information about Metro Water Services and the quality of your
of chlorine and fluoride are added to prevent bacteria from water, visit our Web site at www.nashville.gov/water.

in the street
24-Hour
developing and help in preventing tooth decay.
Este informe contiene información muy importante
Your Home sobre su agua beber.Tradúzcalo ó hable con alguien
que lo entienda bien.

Visit our Web site at www.nashville.gov/water

To start or change water
service or inquire about
Important Health Information » Some people may be

Joseph A. Estes, Sr., 1600 Second Ave.

North, Nashville, TN 37208-2206 or
Service Center

the Council Chambers in the Metro

and third Tuesdays of each month in
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more vulnerable to impurities in drinking water than the general

decisions concerning water quality

Council meetings held on the first

Courthouse, One Public Square.

your water bill

accommodation, please contact

population. Immuno-compromised persons such as cancer

by attending the Metropolitan

Customer

The public may participate in

174,286 Water Customers

If you need assistance or an

patients undergoing chemotherapy, those who have undergone
57 Water 191,981 Sewer Customers 103 Sewer

Public Participation
organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune

ADA Information
Important Numbers
Pumping
system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly
Stations
at-risk for infection. These people should seek advice from their

(615) 862-4862.
questions about your water
health care providers about drinking water.

about water, stormwater

The Cumberland River

Educational programs
Communication

and wastewater or
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quality report
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