Customer Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the water from my tap safe to drink?
Yes. Hendersonville Utility District meets or exceeds the U.S. Environmental Agency’s standards for safe drinking water.
What is a drinking water standard?
Under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), EPA sets standards for approximately 90 contaminants in drinking water. For each of these contaminants, EPA sets a legal limit, called a maximum contaminant level, or requires a certain treatment. Water suppliers may not provide water that doesn’t meet these standards. Water that meets these standards is safe to drink, although people with severely compromised immune systems and children may have special needs.
Does bottled water contain contaminants?
Bottled water may contain some contaminants. Contaminants in bottled water must be below the maximum permitted level set by the Food and Drug Administration or the state. Consumers can call the bottler directly to find out what contaminants are present in the specific brand of interest.
Is bottled water safer than tap water?
Bottled water is not necessarily safer than your tap water. EPA sets standards for tap water provided by public water systems; the Food and Drug Administration sets bottled water standards based on EPA’s tap water standards. Bottled water and tap water are both safe to drink if they meet these standards, although people with severely compromised immune systems and children may have special needs. Some bottled water is treated more than tap water, while some is treated less or not treated at all. Bottled water costs much more than tap water on a per gallon basis. Bottled water is valuable in emergency situations (such as floods and earthquakes), and high quality bottled water may be a desirable option for people with weakened immune systems. Consumers who choose to purchase bottled water should carefully read its label to understand what they are buying, whether it is a better taste, or a certain method of treatment.
How can I get my tap water tested?
If your home is served by a water system, get a copy of your annual water quality report before you test your water. This report will tell you what contaminants have been found in your drinking water and at what level. After you’ve read this report, you may wish to test for specific contaminants (such as lead) that can vary from house to house, or any other contaminant you’re concerned about. EPA does not test individual homes, and cannot recommend specific laboratories to test your drinking water. States certify water testing laboratories. You may call your state certification officer to get a list of certified laboratories in your state. A list of state certification officers can be obtained at www.epa.gov/safewater/faq/sco.html. Depending on how many contaminants you test for, a water test can cost from $15 to hundreds of dollars.
Is the chlorine in my drinking water safe?
Yes. Chlorine is among the most abundant of all nature's elements. Many tests have shown that the amount of chlorine found in treated water is safe to drink, although some people object to the taste.NOTE: even in the correct amounts, chlorine in drinking water makes the water unsuitable for use in kidney dialysis machines or aquariums.
Why do you put fluoride in my drinking water?
When added or naturally present in the correct amounts, fluoride has greatly improved the dental health of American consumers. These amounts are constantly monitored by our water plant personnel and tested by an independent lab each month to ensure that we are below the acceptable limits as required by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Fluoride use is endorsed by the EPA, the Center for Disease Control, The Surgeon General of the United States, The American Medical Association, the American Dental Association and the Director of Public Health for the State of Tennessee.
Is it safe to drink from a garden hose?
No. The water may be safe, but a standard vinyl garden hose has substances in it to keep it flexible. These chemicals, which may get in the water as it goes through the hose, are not good for you. In addition, the outside thread openings at the end could be covered with germs.
Will home water treatment units make tap water safe?
Most people do not need to treat their drinking water at home to make it safe. A home water treatment unit can improve water's taste, or provide an extra margin of safety for people more vulnerable to the effects of waterborne illness (people with severely compromised immune systems and children may have special needs).
Consumers who choose to purchase a home water treatment unit should carefully read its product information to understand what they are buying, whether it is a better taste or a certain method of treatment. Be certain to follow the manufacturer's instructions for operation and maintenance, especially changing the filter on a regular basis. EPA neither endorses nor recommends specific home water treatment units. EPA does register units that make germ-killing claims.
Can I tell if my drinking water is okay by just looking at it, tasting it, or smelling it?
No. None of the chemicals or microbes that could make you sick can be seen, tasted, or smelled.
Why do public water systems flush water mains?
Flushing water mains removes sediments or other contaminants that can accumulate in pipes over time and lead to taste and odor problems. Flushing in dead-end lines can also improve disinfectant residual levels. In addition to protecting water quality, regular flushing can help reduce corrosive conditions associated with bio-film growth that can often lead to pipeline leaks.
What does the term "cross-connection" mean?
According to the Drinking Water Glossary: a Dictionary of Technical and Legal Terms Related to Drinking Water (EPA810-B-94-006, June 1994), cross-connection means "Any actual or potential connection between a drinking (potable) water system and an unapproved water supply or other source of contamination. For example, if you have a pump moving non-potable water and hook into the drinking water system to supply water for the pump seal, a cross-connection or mixing between the two water systems can occur. This mixing may lead to contamination of the drinking water."