DDW-2024-009630

1
This Water Quality Report provides information about the excellent water the City of Orem delivers to you every day. The City ’s number one
goal is to provide you and your family a safe and dependable supply of drinking water. Employees always strive to deliver a q uality product and
protect Orem’s precious water resources. To ensure the safety of your water, professionals routinely monitor water quality in accordance w ith
federal and state laws, rules, and regulations. This water report provides test results in compliance with these laws and reg ulations.
Where Does My Water Come From?
Orem uses a variety of sources to provide water to its residents and customers. Approximately 60% of Orem ’s water comes from surface water
sources, whereas 40% comes from ground water sources. Surface water sources include the Provo River, Deer Creek Reservoir, an d
Jordanelle Reservoir. All of Orem’s surface water is treated (filtered and disinfected) at the Don A. Christiansen Regional Water Treatment
Plant (DACRWTP), which is operated by the Central Utah Water Conservancy District (CUWCD). Orem ’s ground water sources consist of nine
deep wells located throughout the city. Wells pump from subterranean aquifers and provide 25% of Orem ’s water. Two mountain spring
sources located in Provo Canyon contribute 15% of Orem ’s water. Ground water (wells and springs) is pure enough to not require treatment. All
of Orem’s water, whether from surface or ground water, is blended together within the distribution system. In 2023, Orem produced over 7.9
billion gallons of clean, safe drinking water for its customers.
Safe Drinking Water
In 1974, the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was passed to establish standards for public drinking water. The law was amended in
1986 and again in 1996 and requires many actions to protect drinking water. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
and the Utah State Department of Health set water quality standards that require water suppliers to monitor and treat for pot entially harmful
contaminants. Drinking water standards specifically relate to your health and are generally based on health effects that may occur if a person
were to drink two liters (about two quarts) of water each day for seventy years.
Ensuring Safe Tap Water
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain small amounts of some contaminants. The presen ce of
contaminants does not necessarily indicate the water poses a health risk. National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs or primary
standards) are legally enforceable standards that apply to public water systems. Primary standards protect public health by l imiting the amount
of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Orem treats its water according to these regulations. The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has established limits for contaminants in bottled water to protect public health. Some people may be m ore vulnerable to
contaminants in drinking water than the general population.
Bacteriological And Chemical Testing
More than 1,232 drinking water samples were analyzed for bacteriological contamination in 2023. No bacteriological
contamination was confirmed in these samples. Additional sampling was performed for disinfection byproducts,
nitrates, inorganics, metals, pesticides, volatile organic compounds, radioactive materials, and other contaminants.
Only trace amounts of contaminants identified in this document were detected in Orem source water. Orem drinking
water meets or exceeds water quality standards set by the USEPA and the State of Utah.
City of Orem
2023 Consumer Confidence Report
Health Care Alert
The DACRWTP has tested for cryptosporidium in its source water and the results show no presence. Cryptosporidium may at times be present
in natural, untreated sources. Cryptosporidium must be ingested to cause disease and it may be spread through means other tha n drinking
water. Ingestion of this parasite may cause abdominal infection. Symptoms of infection include nausea, diarrhea, and abdomina l cramps.
Based on current knowledge, cryptosporidium does not present a health risk for the general public. Cryptosporidium has never been found in
the DACRWTP’s finished (treated) water.
Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants,
people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk of infections. T hese people
should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. More information about contaminants and potential h ealth effects can
be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at [phone]. They can provide EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means
to lessen the risk of infection caused by cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants.
Variances and Exemptions
Due to the high quality of Orem’s water, the State of Utah and USEPA have granted the City of Orem and the Don A.
Christiansen Regional Water Treatment Plant exemptions that allow for less frequent testing of some contaminants.

Definitions and Abbreviations
MCL
Maximum Contaminant Level: The highest level of a
contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set
as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available
treatment technology.
mg/L
Milligrams Per Liter (mg/L) or Parts Per Million (ppm): A
measurement of the concentration by weight of a substance
per unit volume in water. One part per million corresponds close to
one minute in two years or a single penny in $10,000.

MCLG
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal: 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.
µg/L
Micrograms Per Liter (µg/L) or Parts Per Billion (ppb): A
measurement of the concentration by weight of a substance
per unit volume in water. One part per billion corresponds close to
one minute in 2,000 years, or a single penny in $10,000,000.

AL
Action Level: The concentration of a contaminant which,
when exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements
which a water system must follow.
MNR Monitoring Not Required.
Range The range of detection of multiple samples for a
contaminant. ND Non Detect: Laboratory analysis indicates that the constituent has
not been detected.
pCi/L Picocuries per Liter: A measure of the radioactivity in water. TT Treatment Technique: A required process intended to reduce the
level of a contaminant in drinking water.
NTU
Nephelometric Turbidity Unit: A measure of the clarity of
water. Turbidity in excess of 5 NTUs is just noticeable to the
average person.
UV-254
A measurement of ultraviolet light absorption by organic carbon,
measured at a wavelength of 254 nanometers per 1/cm (reciprocal
centimeters).

UR Unregulated. NE None Established.
µmhos/cm Micromhos per Centimeter: A measurement of
conductivity. grains/gallon A unit of water hardness defined as 1 grain of calcium carbonate
dissolved in 1 gallon of water.
Sample
Date
Though sampling intervals do vary, they are based on the
USEPA sampling requirements. mrem/yr Measure of radiation absorbed by the body.
Pt-Co
Platinum-Cobalt: A measurement of water color. The US
secondary drinking water standards recommend drinking
water have no more than 15 Pt-Co.
TON Threshold Odor Numbers: whole numbers that indicate how many
dilutions it takes to produce odor-free water.
SI
Langelier Saturation Index: A measurement of a solution's
ability to dissolve or deposit calcium carbonate, which is
used to indicate if the water is corrosive or will produce
scale.

2
Source Water Contaminants
The sources of drinking water for the City of Orem include rivers, lakes, streams, reservoirs, wells, and springs. As water t ravels over the
surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material s. It can also
dissolve or pickup substances from human or animal activity. The following contaminants may be present in source water before it is treated:
• Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, come from sewage
treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
• Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, are naturally occurring or can
result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater
discharges, oil and gas production, mining, and farming.
• Pesticides and herbicides come from a variety of sources such as agricultural and
residential uses.
• Radioactive contaminants are naturally occurring in water and soil.
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic
chemicals, are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production.
These contaminants can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff,
and septic systems.
Water Quality Data (Primary Standards)
The following tables list all detected contaminants in Orem ’s drinking water system during the period between 2018 to 2023. The presence of
these contaminants does not necessarily indicate the water poses a health risk. A list of definitions and abbreviations is fo und below for
reference. The interval for testing is determined by the type of contaminants, source, and quality of the water. Monitoring i s required at least
every 9 years for surface water and every 3 years for ground water.

City of Orem DACRWTP
Microbiological Sample
Date Units MCL MCLG
Lowest
Level
Detected
Highest
Level
Detected
Violation
Lowest
Level
Detected
Highest
Level
Detected
Violation
Typical Source of
Contaminant or Other
Comments
Total Coliform 2023
%
positive
per month
5% 0 0 0 No 0 0 No
Coliforms are
naturally present in
the environment.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) 2023
%
positive
per month
TT TT 0 0 No 0 0 No
Fecal coliforms and E.
coli only come from
human and animal
fecal waste.
Water Clarity Sample
Date Units MCL MCLG
Lowest
Level
Detected
Highest
Level
Detected
Violation
Lowest
Level
Detected
Highest
Level
Detected
Violation
Typical Source of
Contaminant or Other
Comments
Turbidity 2023 NTU 95%
<0.3 NE 0.07 0.51 (MNR) No 0.015 0.036 No
Erosion of natural
deposits and soil
runoff. Turbidity is a
measurement of water
clarity.
Organic Material Sample
Date Units MCL MCLG
Lowest
Level
Detected
Highest
Level
Detected
Violation
Lowest
Level
Detected
Highest
Level
Detected
Violation
Typical Source of
Contaminant or Other
Comments
Total Organic Carbon 2023 mg/L TT NE MNR 0 No 1.7 2.7 No Naturally occurring.
UV-254 2023 1/cm UR NE MNR 0 No 0.01 0.07 No
Naturally occurring.
This is a measure of
UV-absorbing organic
compounds.
Disinfectants And
Disinfection
Byproducts
Sample
Date Units MCL MCLG
Lowest
Level
Detected
Highest
Level
Detected
Violation
Lowest
Level
Detected
Highest
Level
Detected
Violation Typical Source of
Contaminant
Chlorine 2023 mg/L 4 4 0.05 1.3 No 0.3 2.2 No Drinking water
disinfectant.
Total Trihalomethanes
(TTHM) 2023 µg/L 80 0 0 55.21 No 2.2 59.6 No Byproduct of drinking
water disinfection.
Haloacetic Acids
(HAA5) 2023 µg/L 60 0 0 41.34 No 2.2 40.1 No Byproduct of drinking
water disinfection.
Volatile Organic
Compounds
Sample
Date Units MCL MCLG
Lowest
Level
Detected
Highest
Level
Detected
Violation
Lowest
Level
Detected
Highest
Level
Detected
Violation
Typical Source of
Contaminant or Other
Comments.
Chloroform
(Trihalomethanes) 2023 µg/L NE 70 0 44.4 No 2.2 46.7 No Byproduct of drinking
water disinfection.
Bromodichloromethane
(Trihalomethanes) 2023 µg/L NE 0 0 8.5 No 2.0 11.1 No Byproduct of drinking
water disinfection.
Dibromochloromethane
(Trihalomethanes) 2023 µg/L NE 60 0 2.6 No 0.7 2.7 No Byproduct of drinking
water disinfection.
3

City of Orem DACRWTP
Inorganic
Contaminants
Sample
Date Units MCL MCLG
Lowest
Level
Detected
Highest
Level
Detected
Violation
Lowest
Level
Detected
Highest
Level
Detected
Violation Typical Source of
Contaminant
Arsenic 2021, 2023 µg/L 10 0 0 1.4 No 0.5 0.5 No
Erosion of natural deposits;
runoff from orchards, glass
and electronics production
wastes.
Barium 2021, 2023 mg/L 2 2 0.03 0.087 No 0.065 0.065 No
Discharge of drilling wastes;
discharge from metal
refineries; erosion of natural
deposits.
Chromium (total) 2021, 2023 µg/L 100 100 0 50.7 No ND ND No
Discharge from steel and
pulp mills; erosion of natural
deposits.
Copper 2021 mg/L 1.3 1.3 0 0.712 No ND ND No Erosion of natural deposits.
Lead 2021 mg/L 0.015 0 0 0.0063 No ND ND No
Erosion of natural deposits;
corrosion of household
plumbing.
Fluoride 2021, 2023 mg/L 4 4 0 0.27 No 0.2 0.2 No
Erosion of natural deposits;
discharge from fertilizer and
aluminum factories.
Nickel 2021, 2023 cambiar
µg/L 100 100 0 16.9 No ND ND No
Runoff from fertilizer use;
leaching from septic tanks,
sewage; erosion of natural
deposits.
Nitrate 2023 mg/L 10 10 0.118 1.73 No 0.22 0.22 No
Runoff from fertilizer use;
Leaching from septic tanks,
sewage; erosion of natural
deposits.
Selenium 2021, 2023 µg/L 50 50 0 4.2 No 0.6 0.6 No
Discharge from petroleum
and metal refineries; erosion
of natural deposits;
discharge from mines.
Pesticides, PCBs,
VOCs
Sample
Date Units MCL MCLG
Lowest
Level
Detected
Highest
Level
Detected
Violation
Lowest
Level
Detected
Highest
Level
Detected
Violation
Typical Source of
Contaminant or Other
Comments
All other
Parameters 2023 µg/L Varies Varies ND ND No ND ND No Various sources.
4
PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENT: All pesticides and herbicides have both benefits and risks. Benefits can be maximized and risks minimized
by reading and following the product labels. Pay close attention to the directions for use and the precautionary statements. The information on
labels contains both instructions and limitations. The labels are legal documents and it is a violation of both federal and s tate laws to use
pesticides and herbicides in a manner that is inconsistent with its labeling. The applicator is legally responsible for the p roper use of these
products.
2023 Sanitary Survey
All public drinking water systems are periodically inspected to assess their construction, operations, and record keeping. Th e inspections
identify conditions that may present a sanitary or public health risk. Points are assigned for any deficiencies. State of Utah officials completed
a survey of Orem's system in July 2023 and did not assign any points against Orem's water system approval rating. For more information
about sanitary surveys please go to https://deq.utah.gov/drinking-water/sanitary-surveys.

City of Orem DACRWTP
Radioactive
Contaminants
Sample
Date Units MCL MCLG
Lowest
Level
Detected
Highest
Level
Detected
Violation
Lowest
Level
Detected
Highest
Level
Detected
Violation Typical Source of
Contaminant
Alpha, gross 2019, 2020,
2022, 2023 pCi/L 15 0 -0.4 4.1 No 0.5 0.5 No
Erosion of natural
deposits of certain
minerals that are
radioactive and may
emit a form of radiation
known as alpha
radiation.
Radium 228 2019, 2020,
2022, 2023 pCi/L 5 0 0.08 0.479 No 0.28 0.28 No Erosion of natural
deposits.
City of Orem Lead And Copper Results
The City of Orem collects over 30 samples from taps in homes every three years as required by the EPA. The City of Orem has never had a
violation of the lead and copper standards since the EPA-required sampling began in 1992.
City of Orem
Lead and Copper Sample
Date Units AL MCLG
Lowest
Level
Detected
Highest
Level
Detected
90th
Percentile
# of sites
over AL Violation Typical Source of
Contaminant
Copper 2021 mg/L 1.3 1.3 0.026 0.815 0.253 0 No
Erosion of natural deposits;
corrosion of household
plumbing.
Lead 2021 mg/L 0.015 0 0.0005 0.0063 0.0024 0 No
Erosion of natural deposits;
corrosion of household
plumbing.
How Can I Reduce My Family’s Exposure To Lead In Tap Water?
Lead in tap water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The most import ant time to
flush your internal plumbing is after long periods of no use, such as first thing in the morning, after work, or upon returni ng from vacation.
Running cold water from the faucets for drinking can improve water quality by drawing fresh water into the home. Typically, 3 0 seconds to 2
minutes (or until you feel the temperature of the water change) is sufficient. Use cold water for cooking and drinking. When purchasing
replacement plumbing products, make sure the products have been tested and certified to “lead-free” standards. Additional information on lead
in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available at the USEPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
[phone] or https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water.
5
What Are Lead’s Health Effects?
The primary source of lead exposure for most children is lead -based paint in older
homes, though lead in drinking water can add to that exposure. If present,
elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant
women and young children. Infants and children who drink water containing lead
in excess of the action level could experience delays in their physical or mental
development, including behavioral problems and learning disabilities. Children six
years old and under are most at risk because this is when the brain is developing.
Children could show slight deficits in attention span and develop learning
disabilities. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney
problems or high blood pressure. The current maximum contaminant level (MCL)
for lead is 0.015 mg/L, and the EPA is recommending the addition of a triggered
level of 0.010 mg/L. Systems above 0.010 mg/L but below 0.015 mg/L would be
required to set an annual goal for conducting replacements of city-owned service
lines and conduct outreach to encourage residents to replace their plumbing that
may be contributing to lead.

Water Quality Data (Secondary Standards)
Monitoring the following conditions (secondary standards) is not required and has been provided as a service. These condition s
may affect the water aesthetically, but are not an actual health risk.
City of Orem DACRWTP
Sample
Date Units MCL
Lowest
Level
Detected
Highest
Level
Detected
Violation
Lowest
Level
Detected
Highest
Level
Detected
Violation Typical Source of Contaminant
Alkalinity 2018-2022 mg/L NE MNR MNR No 126 152 No Naturally occurring.
Calcium 2021 mg/L NE 39.4 61.9 No MNR MNR No Erosion of natural deposits.
Chloride 2021 mg/L 250 0.711 46.9 No MNR MNR No
Erosion of natural deposits; agricultural
or irrigation discharges; urban run-off
due to the use of de-icing salts.
Color 2018-2023 Pt-Co 15 1 1 No ND 2 No Naturally occurring.
Conductance 2018-2023 µmhos/cm NE 203 708 No 327 500 No Naturally occurring.
Corrosivity-
Langelier 2021-2023 SI -0.3 - 0.3 -0.301 0.458 No MNR MNR No Naturally occurring.
Hardness 2018-2022
mg/L NE 120 428 No 104 170 No
Naturally occurring.
grain/gallon NE 7 25 No 5.7 9.9 No
Iron 2018, 2021 µg/L NE 0 0 No ND 21.6 No Erosion of natural deposits.
Manganese 2021 mg/L 0.05 0 0.0373 No MNR MNR No Erosion of natural deposits.
Odor 2021 TON 3 1 1 No MNR MNR No Naturally occurring.
pH 2018-2023 6.5 - 8.5 7.21 8.28 No 7.62 8.13 No Naturally occurring.
Sodium 2018,
2020, 2021 mg/L 500 0 73.2 No 7.6 58 No
Discharge from petroleum and metal
refineries; erosion of natural deposits;
discharge from mines.
Sulfate
2018,
2020, 2021,
2022, 2023
mg/L 250 8.78 70.7 No 54 54 No
Erosion of natural deposits; discharge
from refineries and factories; runoff from
landfills and cropland.
Total
Dissolved
Solids
2018,
2020, 2021,
2022, 2023
mg/L 500 112 380 No 220 424 No Erosion of natural deposits.
Zinc 2021 mg/L 5 0 0.00613 No MNR MNR No Erosion of natural deposits.
6
Citizen Participation
If you have questions regarding any of the information contained in this document or you are interested in receiving a paper
copy of this report, please contact the Orem Public Works Department at 311, (801) 229 -7500, or https://www.orem.org. For a
copy of the Don A. Christiansen Regional Water Treatment Plant consumer confidence report, please go to https://
www.cuwcd.gov/resources.html. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by visiting
www.epa.gov/safewater/ or calling the USEPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426 -4791.
If you would like to participate in decisions that affect the City of Orem, you are invited to attend an Orem City Council me eting.
These public meetings are typically held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers
at the Orem City Center located at 56 North State Street in Orem, Utah.

7
Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring (UCMR 4)
The 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) amendments require the EPA to issue a new list of no more than 30 unregulated contami nants to
be monitored by public water systems once every five years. Orem has completed the UCMR 4 testing for 30 contaminants. The EPA uses the
Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) to collect data for contaminants that are suspected to be present in drinking wat er but do
not have health-based standards set under the SDWA. The city will be testing for the UCMR 5 contaminants again in 2025.
Pesticides and Herbicides
Though pesticides are helpful in controlling pests, and herbicides produce beautiful, healthy lawns and gardens, these produc ts can be
dangerous and have harmful effects on the environment when improperly used. When using pesticides and herbicides, you must fo llow label
directions carefully to minimize harm to people and beneficial plants and animals. For more information on alternative pest c ontrol methods and
proper application and disposal of pesticides and herbicides, contact the Utah State University Extension at (385) 268 -6530.
When using pesticides and herbicides:
• Use pesticides and herbicides only when absolutely necessary. Properly identify pests and use the proper treatment. Read and follow
label directions, which is the law. Chemicals must be in their original containers and approved for use in our area.
• Store chemicals in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location out of the sun such as a locked cabinet or room. They should be kept ou t of reach of
children or animals. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.
• The storage areas should have an impermeable floor (such as concrete) to eliminate the risk of leaks or spills from spreading and leaching
into the unprotected ground.
• Never mix chemicals where they can enter into storm drains or ditches (e.g. streets, gutters, sidewalks, etc.). Mix on an imp ermeable
surface so spills can be cleaned up thoroughly.
• Never dispose of excess or unwanted chemicals by dumping them on the ground, in a ditch, gutter, or storm drain. Such practic es allow
the hazardous chemicals to move directly into streams and lakes where they can be harmful to water quality, fish, and wildlif e. In addition,
pesticides dumped down the household drain can kill beneficial organisms that help treat wastewater in treatment plants or se ptic systems.
• Clean up spills and properly dispose of any extra chemicals by following manufacturer ’s instructions.
• Dispose of empty containers as instructed on the label.
• Don't over water after application.
City of Orem
UCMR 4 Sample
Date Units MCL Lowest
Level
Highest
Level
Exceeds
MCL Typical Source of Contaminant
Cylindrospermopsin 2019 µg/L 0.7 0 0 No
Common to freshwater and marine ecosystems; can under
certain conditions (high nutrient concentrations and high light
intensity) form scums or “blooms” at the surface of a water body.
Total microcystin 2019 µg/L 0.3 0 0 No
Common to freshwater and marine ecosystems; can under
certain conditions (high nutrient concentrations and high light
intensity) form scums or “blooms” at the surface of a water body.
Bromochloroacetic acid 2019,
2020 µg/L NE 0 3.8 No Haloacetic Acids (HAA6Br, HAA9) Byproduct of drinking water
disinfection.
Bromodichloroacetic acid 2019,
2020 µg/L NE 0 3.8 No Haloacetic Acids (HAA6Br, HAA9) Byproduct of drinking water
disinfection.
Chlorodibromoacetic acid 2019,
2020 µg/L NE 0 0.76 No Haloacetic Acids (HAA9) Byproduct of drinking water
disinfection.
Dibromoacetic acid 2019,
2020 µg/L NE 0 0.65 No Haloacetic Acids (HAA5, HAA6Br, HAA9) Byproduct of drinking
water disinfection.
Dichloroacetic acid 2019,
2020 µg/L NE 0 17.0 No Haloacetic Acids (HAA5, HAA9) Byproduct of drinking water
disinfection.
Monobromoacetic acid 2019,
2020 µg/L NE 0 0.33 No Haloacetic Acids (HAA5, HAA6Br, HAA9) Byproduct of drinking
water disinfection.
Monochloroacetic acid 2019,
2020 µg/L 70 0 2.2 No Haloacetic Acids (HAA5, HAA9) Byproduct of drinking water
disinfection.
Tribromoacetic acid 2019,
2020 µg/L NE 0 2.2 No Haloacetic Acids (HAA6Br, HAA9) Byproduct of drinking water
disinfection.
Trichloroacetic acid 2019,
2020 µg/L 30 0 15.0 No Haloacetic Acids (HAA5, HAA9) Byproduct of drinking water
disinfection.
Manganese 2019 µg/L 500 0 1.4 No
Erosion of natural deposits; production of iron and steel alloys,
batteries, glass, and fireworks. Occurs naturally in many food
sources, such as leafy vegetables, nuts, grains, and animal
products.

8
Wise Water Use
Utah is the second driest state in the nation. Water conservation by individual citizens is an important part of making sure we'll have enough
today and in the future. Here are some things we can all do to help preserve this precious resource:
• Fix plumbing leaks.
• Take shorter showers.
• Replace regular shower heads with low-volume heads. Remember, a bath takes
about 36 gallons of water. A shower takes about 25.
• Be conservative with toilet flushes. Don't use the toilet for trash disposal.
• Don't leave the water running when shaving or brushing teeth.
• Wash full loads of laundry and dishes, not partial loads.
• Don't rinse dishes with running tap water. Instead, rinse dishes by dipping.
• Keep a pitcher of cold water in the refrigerator instead of running tap water until it cools.
• Water lawn, gardens, etc. in the coolest part of the day. Deep soak weekly instead of lightly sprinkling daily. Water the pla nts, not concrete.
• Use a bucket when washing cars. Don't let the hose run.
CROSS CONNECTIONS
Exactly, what is a cross connection and why should I care? A cross connection is any connection that provides a path for cont amination to
occur and is not protected by a backflow prevention device or assembly. Common hazards in and around your house can contamina te your
drinking water as well as your neighbor’s. These hazards are known as cross connections and can result in contaminated water backflowing
into your home’s drinking water supply without you even knowing. Backflow events can occur every day in all types of water systems causing
people to become sick or ill. Poor water quality can occur in just a few moments. Fortunately, a small inexpensive backflow a ssembly or device
prevents backflows from occurring and can save millions of dollars in remediation expenses.
Examples of cross connections include a hose-end sprayer for fertilizers or pesticides that you use in your yard, a hose forced into a drain pipe
to free a plug, or a hose end left submerged in a swimming pool, laundry sink, or any other container filled with fluids. In each of these
examples, it may be possible for contaminated water to be introduced into the drinking water system. To protect your water fr om these types of
cross connections, make sure to have hose bib vacuum breakers installed on each of your hose bibs. These simple devices are i nexpensive
and can be purchased at a local hardware store.
Orem has adopted a Cross Connection Control Program that is required by federal and state agencies and designed to preserve s afe drinking
water once the water supply has entered the system. Cross connection control includes the methods, practices, and procedures used to
prevent contamination and pollution of drinking water during backflow events. These controls are important and ensure that dr inking water
remains safe from bacteria, chemicals, and other substances that may enter the water system during abnormal pressure changes. The proper
installation, use, and maintenance of this protection is required for backflow devices or assemblies and is outlined in Secti on 21-1-14 of the
Orem City Code which can be accessed at https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/orem-ut/doc-viewer.aspx#secid-1804
Protecting our Valuable Water Resources
Many of the homes and businesses in Orem are built within the city’s drinking water source
protection zones. The City of Orem obtains its drinking water from both groundwater, such as
wells and springs, and surface water. Much of Provo Canyon is the watershed area supplying
Orem with high-quality water we have come to expect. Improper usage, storage, and disposal
of chemicals or other substances could potentially contaminate the groundwater and surface
water sources. Examples of such substances are fertilizers, pesticides, cleaning solvents,
motor oil, and fuels. All residents and property owners are encouraged to use best
management practices when using and storing these substances. Proper storage, mixing, spill
cleanup, watering, and disposal procedures for chemicals are essential in protecting our
environment. The complete Drinking Water Source Protection Plan for the City of Orem is
available for review at the Orem Public Works Department,1450 West 550 North Orem, Utah,
84057, or online at https://www.orem.org/water.
The city is a member of the Provo River Watershed Council, which consists of state agencies,
water districts, municipalities, and other members of private and public organizations. Together,
this group works to protect this shared, precious watershed. As part of the Provo River
Watershed Council, we promote and support watershed best management practices through
partnerships, collaboration, education, and water quality monitoring. These efforts help ensure
high quality source water is delivered to the DACRWTP.
The Orem City Water Division has been diligently working for the past five years to update its infrastructure. As part of thi s effort, they have
been replacing old water meters with new ones and implementing Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). We are pleased to anno unce that
the AMI project is almost complete, which will bring exciting developments for Orem's residents. We are introducing a cutting -edge customer
portal called MyWater that provides real-time data, streamlined billing, and proactive leak alerts. Soon, account holders will r eceive a
personalized welcome letter for MyWater, which will contain instructions and access details for this innovative portal.