Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Water Drinking Hotline. (800-426-4791)
The sources of drinking water (tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. The City of Demorest is a purchased water system (PWS) and provides water to residents inside the city limits of Demorest and many residents in Habersham County. These are the only customers to whom water is sold directly. Our Georgia Water System Identification is 1370004. The source of our drinking water is the Baldwin water plant. The Baldwin water treatment plant is a surface water plant. It is located at 288 Coldwater Dr just off of Highway 105 North. The source of their drinking water is the Chattahoochee River. The City of Demorest also supplements its water system with two permitted wells. One located at 571 Mize Rd., and the other at 415 Crystal Way, Alto, Ga.
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791). The sources of drinking water (both tap and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife. Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial, or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming. Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses. Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production and can also, come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems. Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water must provide the same protection for public health.
Lead in Drinking Water
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 materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The City of Demorest is a purchased water system and is responsible for delivering safe and reliable drinking water, but cannot control the variety of components and materials used in plumbing. If you are concerned about lead in your water you may wish to have it tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead
All water quality and source assessment reports are available at the Demorest City Hall. Any questions can be directed to Brian Popham at 706-778-4202. The City of Demorest Council meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Water Quality Data Table
MCL-maximum contaminant level
PPM- parts per million
PPB- parts per billion
MCLG-maximum contaminant level goal MRDL-maximum residual disinfection level MRDLG- maximum residual disinfection level goal N/A- non-applicable