The following are frequently asked questions of
the Water Department with responses. If you have an additional question please
contact the Department at (605) 842-0931.
Q: Is the water in Winner safe to drink?
A: Yes. The drinking water in Winner complies with all Federal
and State drinking water standards. The water is tested on a daily basis,
even for potential contaminants that are not currently regulated by the Federal
Government.
Q: Is water treated with chlorine safe to drink?
A: Many studies have shown that the presence of chlorine in tested
water is not a factor in whether the water is safe or not to drink, although
some people object to the taste and smell. The addition of chlorine during
the treatment process is necessary to protect against potential bacterial
contamination. Chlorine may be removed from the water by simply putting an
uncovered container of tap water in the refrigerator and letting it sit for a
couple of hours.
Q: Why is my pressure so low?
A: Several things can temporarily cause reduced water pressure in your
home.
-Plugged or restricted screens on your faucets
-Malfunctioning or partially closed water valves in you home
-Water main breaks, fire fighting, and hydrant flushing may affect the pressure
Q: What causes white water?
A: The presence of air bubbles may cause your water to appear white or
cloudy. you can identify the problem as air by filling a glass with
water. If the cloudiness rises from the bottom to the top of the glass, it
is most likely air. This air is caused by seasonal temperature changes in
the water.
Q: What is the white film on my glasses, pans, and ice cube tray?
A: The white film is the calcium and magnesium in our water
(hardness). These are naturally occurring minerals and do not pose a
health risk. To remove the residue, try wiping or soaking the object in
vinegar. Commercial products can also be used to remove the film that has
built up on glassware.
Q: What are the disinfection's by-products?
A: When chlorine is added to water, it reacts with the natural organic
compounds which produces disinfection's by-products (DBPs).
Q: I am concerned about lead in my water?
A: The staff of the water department has tested water from 20
different homes throughout the city for the past several years for both lead
and copper. These homes are considered high risk for elevated lead levels
because of the age (they have lead service lines), or lead solder was used on
plumbing joints. None of the homes tested have been above the maximum
contaminant level of 15 parts per billion (ppb) as established by the EPA.
Additional tips and hints
It is suggested that each homeowner flush out their water heater on an annual
basis. This helps remove sediment and buildup in the bottom of the water
heater that will help your unit run more efficiently and may extend the life of
your unit. Consult your owner's manual on how to perform this and other
maintenance procedures.
info found from http://www.siouxfalls.org/public works/water
For other questions you may have please contact the Water Department
at (605)
842-0931.
