Quality is our top priority as we present our annual water quality statement. Like in recent years, we remain committed to delivering the highest quality municipal water possible. We constantly monitor regulatory challenges, protect source water, promote conservation, and engage in community education while meeting our users' needs. We value your feedback on this report's information, as informed customers are our greatest allies.

For questions about this report or your municipal water, please contact Mr. Bob Gohman, Water Treatment Plant Supervisor, at (270) 862-4340 or by fax at (270) 862-5740. You can also reach him via email at cgohman@hcwd.com.

Water Treatment Process
All three Water Treatment Plants use a three-step process including filtration to remove larger contaminants. The PWP and MWP add powdered activated carbon to absorb various chemicals and pollutants. The water then passes through a multimedia filtration system using four sand sizes, small rocks, and anthracite coal to remove microscopic contaminants. Finally, the treated water is disinfected in holding tanks to meet all federal and state requirements before being distributed through over 400 miles of water mains to 13 storage containers with approximately 7 million gallons capacity.

Our PWP, completely rebuilt recently, has received five industry awards. Tours can be arranged for school and civic groups at any of our treatment plants by contacting Mr. Gohman.

Lead in Home Plumbing
Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in municipal water primarily comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing components. While we provide high-quality water, we cannot control plumbing materials used in homes. To minimize lead exposure, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking, especially after water has been sitting for several hours. If concerned, consider having your water tested. Information about lead in water, testing methods, and minimizing exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at www.epa.gov/lead.

Wellhead Protection Plan
Hardin County Water District No. 1 and Fort Knox Water updated their Wellhead Protection Programs in 2016. We held a county-wide meeting with representatives from all local water utilities and experts from KY Rural Water Association, KY Geological Survey, and Hardin County Planning and Zoning. This collaboration strengthens our source water protection efforts.

Previous assessments identified drainage basins feeding our raw water sources, potential contamination types and sources, and developed protective measures. The Pirtle Spring WTP found its two water sources don't share the same water. Pirtle Spring collects from a 27-square-mile area, while Head of Rough Spring collects from a 17-square-mile area. These primarily agricultural watersheds expose our treatment process to fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides from runoff.

Fort Knox personnel conducted extensive well inventories for the West Point well field (5.5 square mile protection area serving Muldraugh WTP) and for the 19.4 square mile recharge area for McCracken Springs (serving Central WTP). These inventories identify and monitor potential contamination sources. One management strategy in the Fort Knox plan uses control wells to protect groundwater from chloride intrusion from nearby abandoned oil and gas wells.

Water Hardness Information
Due to the karst water supplies our source waters travel through, our water contains high calcium levels, averaging about 80 parts per million (ppm) calcium and 200 ppm calcium hardness. This calcium benefits our customers' health, supporting essential functions like blood clotting, muscle contraction (including heart function), and bone and tooth formation. The Institute of Medicine recommends 700-1300 mg of calcium daily depending on age and gender. By consuming the recommended 0.2-1.0 gallons of our water daily, customers can meet over 20% of their recommended calcium intake.

We recognize water hardness has disadvantages, particularly for water heaters, dishwashers, and humidifiers as calcium precipitates at higher temperatures, causing scale buildup. Regular preventative maintenance every 3-6 months can significantly extend appliance lifespans. Both Fort Knox treatment plants provide processes to reduce hardness by approximately 63%.

1. How often is Hardin County water tested? Water is tested daily for basic parameters and according to EPA-mandated schedules for regulated contaminants.
2. What causes water hardness in this region? The limestone karst geology that water flows through adds calcium and magnesium minerals to the water.
3. Should I use a water softener? While not necessary for health reasons, softeners can help protect appliances and reduce soap usage.
4. Where does the Fort Knox water supply originate? It comes from a combination of surface water and groundwater sources managed through the district's treatment facilities.