MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology. 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. All surface water supplies are treated by coagulation of the insoluble contaminants and then filtered through a fine sand-like material. The following turbidity data illustrates the daily average of the performance of the two water treatment plants that serve Amherst.
Most homes use copper piping, and the solder used to hold the fixtures together contains lead.
All water supplies in Amherst are treated for corrosion control by the addition of sodium hydroxide to reduce corrosion. In the last required sampling done in 1999, water samples from thirty-three homes were analyzed, and the results are summarized in the table below. A Source Water Assessment will be performed for our area in order to provide decision-makers and the public with detailed information on potential threats to our public water supply sources to enable improved protection of these sources. This is important because it identifies potential sources of contamination within our area and indicates the susceptibility of our water system to such contaminants. Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population.