Today’s question: I live in an apartment and don’t get a water bill. How will I know if there are any problems with my tap water?

Plain Talk answer: Serious problems, called acute violations, must be broadcast on the radio and television and published in general circulation newspapers. Less serious problems must be published in general circulation newspapers and may also be otherwise posted or be sent to everyone who pays a water bill – in your case the apartment owner or manager.

Ask your apartment manager to post anything included with the water bill. Even when no problems exist, water suppliers often include valuable information (often called bill stuffers) with the bill. Renters should be able to see this information.

For more information on this and many other water-related topics, check out Plain Talk About Drinking Water by Dr. James M. Symons.