(June 2, 2011) - Memphis Light, Gas and Water recently began mailing its annual Water Quality Report to all of the utility's water customers. The report is the culmination of a year of laboratory tests revealing that Memphis water is well within Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Tennessee Department of the Environment and Conservation (TDEC) water purity standards and is safe for area residents to drink.

All community water systems are required to prepare and distribute an annual water quality report, also referred to as the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), according to a 1996 Congressional amendment to the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water including microbial, inorganic and organic contaminants, pesticides and herbicides, and radioactive impurities. Specialists in MLGW's Water Quality Assurance Laboratory perform numerous tests throughout the year to monitor such components of Memphis water. The 2010 test results reveal that our water is well within the designated limits, and meets or exceeds all water quality standards set by the EPA and TDEC.

MLGW suggests that local residents preserve and conserve water in the following ways:

Don't leave tap running while brushing teeth; take shorter showers; install low-flow faucets.

Fully load dishwasher or clothes washer before use. If you wash dishes in the sink, don't leave tap running to rinse. Clean vegetables in pan of water rather than under running faucet.

Repair dripping faucets and leaky toilets. In an average home, dripping faucets waste up to 2,000 gallons of water each year. Leaky toilets waste as much as 200 gallons per day.

Water your lawn only when it’s needed, and water during early morning or evening hours and not on windy days. Make sure sprinkler isn't watering driveway, sidewalk or street.

Check your water meter: If all water taps and outlets are turned off, and the meter's red test hand keeps moving, you may have an underground leak that requires a plumber’s attention.

Preserve the quality of our water supply. Don't overuse pesticides and fertilizers, avoid flushing medications down toilet or sink, and dispose of hazardous materials properly.

For an online copy of MLGW's Water Quality Report, you can find a link on MLGW’s homepage at www.mlgw.com.

MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 423,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County.