Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) and Water Quality
The City of Austin and some surrounding areas are supplied by the Lower Colorado River and the Saint Edward's Aquifer. The water is treated at the City of Austin Water Utility. The water is carefully treated with fluoride to meet the EPAs standards of safe drinking water. Because the water is obtained from the Saint Edward's Aquifer, the water is contains large amounts of calcium and other trace minerals. Additionally, Austin's water supply is carefully monitored and for contaminants and other harmful materials. The area surrounding the aquifer is protected and void of any major construction or environmentally harmful, altering, damaging projects.
Overall, I was not surprised. Austin is very progressive when it comes to environmentally friendly projects and maintaining clean water supplies. The Aquifer can easily be seen in certain areas and I have been told it is safe to drink from the source. However, I have not done so. The area in which the aquifer is located is heavily protected by public policies and laws. IF any development wishes to build or construct something within the region, it must provide hard scientific evidence that the aquifer will not be harmed.
Overall, I was not surprised. Austin is very progressive when it comes to environmentally friendly projects and maintaining clean water supplies. The Aquifer can easily be seen in certain areas and I have been told it is safe to drink from the source. However, I have not done so. The area in which the aquifer is located is heavily protected by public policies and laws. IF any development wishes to build or construct something within the region, it must provide hard scientific evidence that the aquifer will not be harmed.
Hey Ryan! That's interesting that even locals do not drink tap water even though its safe to do so. I'm curious what kind of hard evidence would be needed to change these behaviors at a community level?
ReplyDeleteHi Ryan,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing about the water source in Austin. It's interesting to hear about a place that I've never been to and unfamiliar with. It sounds like Austin is similar to San Francisco in its efforts to be environmentally friendly and safe. People must really value clean and safe water in Austin, which is great to hear!