Click to Home
Click to Home
 

Go To Site Search
Where water from nature gets converted to water that is safe to drink.
Tap Water Logos Final v2.jpg

We don’t often pause to consider the incredible value of a safe, reliable water supply — and the water system that delivers it — in our everyday lives. But consider what tap water does that no other water can do.

Only tap water delivers …

… public health protection.

In a world where an estimated 3 million people die every year from preventable waterborne disease, our water systems allow us to drink from virtually any public tap with a high assurance of safety. Each community watersupply meets rigorous federal and state health-protective standards.

… fire protection.

A well-maintained water system is critical in protecting our communities from the ever-present threat of fire.

A system that provides reliable water at an adequate pressure can be the difference between a small fire and an wildland or urban inferno. The ability to suppress fires also influences new home construction, business location decisions and insurance rates.

… support for the economy.

Businesses or housing developments do not succeed without a safe and sustainable water supply. Tap water is critical to businesses’ day-to-day operations and is often a primary ingredient in the products they create.

The incredible value of water is magnified during times of drought and when populations expand into arid climates.

… the overall quality of life we enjoy.

Any measure of a successful society — low mortality rates, economic diversity, productivity, and public safety — is in some way related to access to safe water. In North America, we take for granted that safe water is always accessible to drink, to wash our clothes, to water our lawns and for a myriad of other purposes. When water service is interrupted, we’re all reminded of the extraordinary value of water resources and service. 



ARSENIC FACTS

Arsenic occurs at levels of concern in drinking water in areas of the plains, mountains and desert states. In many cases, ground water is the sole source of drinking water for rural Nevada. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has research, education, information and resources critical for making informed decisions concerning arsenic in drinking water. For more information please visit the EPA’s website at: www.epa.gov.

 

Arsenic Facts:

• Arsenic enters water supplies from natural deposits in the earth’s crust and/or human activities.

• Organic arsenic compounds are less toxic than inorganic arsenic compounds.


• Long-term exposure in drinking water, in excess of 10 μg/L, causes increased risk of skin, lung, bladder, and kidney cancer, as well as skin related problems such as

hyperkeratosis, and pigment mutations.

• Excess arsenic consumption promotes cardiovascular and nervous system malfunctions, eventually resulting in death.


• Sensitivity to arsenic's toxic effects, including carcinogenic effects, varies with each individual and factors such as nutrition and genetic predisposition influence these effects.


• Although costly, some existing removal technologies include Ion Exchange, Coagulation Filtration (Fallon), Activated Alumina, and Lime Softening/Soda Ash – the removal process to be used in Fernley is Coagulation Microfiltration.

 

New Regulations

On January 23, 2006 a new arsenic drinking water MCL of10 ug/L, became the standard for water systems throughout the United States. The lowering of the previous 50 ug/L MCL, by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), was in response to a study conducted by the National Research Council (NRC) in 1999. This study suggested the previous limit was not sufficient in minimizing potential health risks.

 

Regulatory Implications

Facing violations and fines from the EPA, municipalities and public water suppliers are working to upgrade their existing facilities with new technologies, new treatments, and/or alternative methods. The City of Fernley has been granted an extension to meet the EPA deadline by the State of Nevada, the new deadline date is 7/23/2009.

 

The goal of the City of Fernley is to protect and improve the quality of our water resources and water system by facilitating development, delivery, and implementation of new and existing practices to our water customers.

 

The City continues its efforts on all fronts to strengthen its ability to provide water at the highest quality practicable to its customers.  The City thanks all residents in advance for their patience during the construction period of our water treatment facility.