In response to customer concerns, the City of Alcoa Public Works & Engineering Department issued a warning today to its water customers to be aware of persons calling regarding free water testing.

Kenny Wiggins, Director of Public Works and Engineering said, “We have received reports from customers called by someone who has represented themselves to be a City employee asking to test their water. The person attempts to set up an appointment and retrieve personal information such as their age and how many live in the household. Once in the home, the homeowner is made to believe

that they need to purchase a filter or purification system to remove harmful substances from the water, substances not found in City of Alcoa water supply. The vendors seem to be targeting the elderly.”

Wiggins explained that, “The City does not make ‘cold calls’ for water testing. Water sampling at an individual’s home is done at the request of the individual.”

The City collects routine samples on a monthly basis from various sites throughout the City. Those sites are pre-arranged with the homeowner or business owner. “We are proud to provide our customers with high quality water that is tested regularly and meets all State and EPA requirements. The City of Alcoa’s drinking water does not need additional treatment to meet these regulations. There is no need for any citizen to agree to contract with anyone for testing or filtration equipment,” Wiggins said. Similar calls may also be received by customers of other local water utilities (Maryville, South Blount, Tuckaleechee, Friendsville, and Knox Chapman). They, too, operate under the regulations and monitoring of the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation and the U.S. EPA.

Alcoa water customers who may have a concern may call the City of Alcoa Water Treatment Plant at 865-380-4921 or the Public Works & Engineering Department at 865-380-4800.