Greater Cincinnati Water Works

The mission of Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) is to provide customers with a plentiful supply of high-quality water, support environmental sustainability and deliver excellent services in a financially responsible manner. Fulfilling this mission is truly a partnership between GCWW and the customer.

GCWW has a state-of-the-art treatment process producing the highest-quality water and regularly monitors this quality throughout the distribution system. Once water passes beyond the water main and curb stop valve (generally near the property line), however, the water enters a private plumbing system. Private plumbing systems are owned by the property owner and can sometimes impact the taste, odor and appearance of water. It is up to every customer to both understand and maintain their private plumbing system, including all water-using devices.

Please see below for tips to ensure delivery of the highest-quality water - from the source to the tap:

• Use only “cold” water for drinking and cooking.
  Material can build up in water heaters over time which could result in a lower water quality and possibly introduce contaminants. The EPA recommends avoiding the use of “hot” water for drinking or cooking.
• If using a filtration device of any kind, replace the filter in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.
  GCWW water goes through an extensive filtration process including rapid sand filtration, granular activated carbon and UV light disinfection at the treatment plant - additional filtration is not required. GCWW water meets or exceeds all state and federal health standards straight out of the tap. However, if using a filter, be sure to replace it according to the manufacturer recommendations. If not replaced regularly, filters can become a breeding ground for bacteria and degrade the water quality. Less obvious water filters are commonly found in refrigerators, coffee makers or other kitchen appliances. If you are unsure if an appliance contains a water filter, consult the manual.
• If using a point-of-entry (whole-home) or point-of-use (attached to faucet, refrigerator or single water outlet) water treatment system, consult with the manufacturer, a plumber or water professional to determine the appropriate settings and maintenance schedule.
  Point-of-entry and point-of-use water treatment systems have the potential to alter the chemistry and quality of water in a home. It is important to follow the proper settings and maintenance guidelines appropriate for the location and device.
• Flush pipes before use.
  Sometimes water can linger in less-frequently used areas and result in the water going “stale” or picking up smells and odors. “Flushing” means running a small, steady stream of water from the problem faucet or appliance for at least 2 minutes or until colder water comes through, especially after a period of non-use. This will ensure a fresh supply of water and should reduce any undesirable tastes, odors and appearances.
   
  • Flush from a high point in the home for cloudy water. Cloudy water is often caused by tiny air bubbles in the water. Flushing a small, steady stream of water from the highest tap location usually corrects this.
  • Flush from a low point in the home for rusty water. Rust-colored water may occur when nearby water mains are being replaced/repaired or with water flow changes within the distribution system. Flushing a small, steady stream of water from the lowest tap location usually corrects this.

(Click image above to enlarge)
 

• Drink water from a glass container. Some plastic or metal containers can add additional taste or odors to the water. Glass is least likely to impact the flavor.
• Refrigerate water before drinking.
  GCWW provides a high-quality product and delivers it right into homes - on demand and with no wait! Because the distribution system which makes this possible is buried underground, however, the water temperature is indirectly affected by outside temperatures. This means “cold” water is often warmer from the faucet in summer. Cool water has less flavor than room temperature water. Simply fill a closed glass container from the tap, place it in the refrigerator and allow it to cool before drinking.  
• Unhook the garden hose.
  Even when not in use, odor compounds from the hose can seep back into the private plumbing system and cause an unpleasant odor and/or taste.
• Clean the faucet aerators.
  Most faucets have aerators attached to the tip which need to be cleaned periodically. This is a thin grate which prevents splashing, reduces faucet noise, and conserves water. Minerals such as calcium and magnesium can build up over time causing a white flaky scale.
• Clean the drains.
  Sometimes drains leading to the sewer system may become clogged and/or odorous. This smell may travel up from the drain towards the faucet while filling a container and can sometimes be perceived as an odor from the water. To determine if the sink drain is the cause of water odor or taste, simply fill a glass of water and remove it from the sink to another room to see if it still has an odor.  If not, the drain may be the cause of the odor or taste.
• Replace any lead service lines, plumbing and fixtures (if you have them).
  Although it does not impact the flavor of water, lead is dangerous to young children and developing fetuses and can interfere with brain/nervous system development. One possible source of lead, in addition to more common sources such as paint, is lead piping and plumbing. While GCWW has a rigorous corrosion control program, some lead may enter the water through corrosion of the service line, disruption of the service line, fixtures and/or lead solder. There is no lead in GCWW’s water as it leaves the plant or as it travels through the distribution system.
  
  The GCWW Lead Service Line Replacement Program assists homeowners who wish to replace their lead service line. To check if the property has a lead service line and to request a free lead test kit visit lead.myGCWW.org or call (513) 651-LEAD (5323).

 

• Contact a plumber to verify that correct plumbing connections exist.
  GCWW has implemented standards for backflow prevention, because under certain conditions, incorrect plumbing connections may exist. As an example, pesticides, insecticides and fertilizers used on a lawn could be back siphoned through an irrigation system into the home if a connection is done improperly or not maintained.  GCWW maintains an active Backflow Protection Program in which all backflow preventers are inspected, tagged, tested and incorporated into the GCWW database for annual testing. Please call (513) 352-3280, Monday through Friday, between 7:30 and 9 a.m. for inspections.
• For commercial and industrial properties, research to understand the private water system and any potential issues specific to the location.
  For commercial and industrial properties, private plumbing systems may become increasingly complex and have a greater potential to impact the quality, taste, and appearance of the water. This is especially true if certain areas go for an extended period without regular water use. It is important to understand the water system at work within a property. Several organizations exist that may help commercial and industrial property owners understand and improve their private plumbing system. They are:
   
  • American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers
    (800) 527-4723
    www.ashrae.org
  • NSF International
    (703) 292-5111
    www.nsf.org
  • Water Quality Association
    (630) 505-0160
    www.wqa.org
  • Underwriters Laboratories
    (630) 505-0160 
    www.ul.com/water
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    (800) 232-4636
    www.cdc.gov
  • U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs
    (844) 698-2311
    www.va.gov

 

 

Service Line Ownership Illustration

(Click image above to enlarge)