Common Water issues
Municipal/ City Water
Municipal water treatment facilities do a good job of providing general purpose water that, according to the government, is safe. Safe means it meets the standards set forth by the U.S.E.P.A. However, it has been reported that 20% of systems in the U.S. are in violation of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Well Water
Water can come from a private well, and many cities also pump water from wells. Here in the southern half of the Twin Cities, most private well water comes from the Shakopee and Jordan Aquifers. City water generally comes from the Jordan Aquifer, but some city wells go very deep (around 1000 feet) into the Mt. Simon aquifer in order to find clean water.
Surface Water
Besides wells, some cities obtain water from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Some cities use a combination of well water and surface water. Look at the water cycle map to discover how contaminants can enter a surface water supply.
Hard Water
Almost all water in Minnesota contains hardness mineral, whether it is from a private well, or from the city. The amount of hardness in the water will vary. Hardness mineral gets into the water from limestone deposits in the ground. Hardness minerals can cause problems in the home because it builds up on pipes, fixtures, appliances, water heaters, clothing, etc.
Contaminated Groundwater
Historically, ground water supplies were thought to be free of disease-causing organisms because the soil naturally filters them out, But viruses and other microbes from contaminated septic tanks, landfill leaks, or inadequate disposal of animal wastes or wastewater can end up in water beneath the surface, according to Reynolds.
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