Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for 2006
Passamaquoddy Water District
We’re pleased to present to you our Annual Drinking Water Quality Report. This report, a requirement of the 1996 amendment to the Safe Drinking Water Act, is designed to inform you about the quality water and services we deliver to you every day. Our constant goal is to provide you with a safe and dependable supply of drinking water. We want you to understand the efforts we make to continually improve the water treatment process and protect our water resources. We are committed to ensuring the quality of your water.
WATER SOURCE
Our water is drawn from the Boyden Lake Stream in Perry. It is filtered and then treated with chlorine to protect against potential bacteriological contaminants and fluoride to promote dental health. We serve an approximate population of 1920 through 768 services connections.
SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT
The sources of drinking water include rivers, lakes, ponds, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and radioactive material and can pick up substances resulting from human and animal activity. The Maine Drinking Water Program (DWP) has evaluated all public water supplies as part of the Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP). The assessments included geology, hydrology, land uses, water testing information and the extent of land ownership or protection by local ordinance to see how likely our drinking water source is to being contaminated by human activities in the future. Assessment results are available at public water suppliers, town offices, and the DWP. For more information about the SWAP, please contact the DWP at telephone
287-2070.
If you have any questions about this report or concerning you water utility, please contact Nancy Seeley, Manager, at telephone number 853-2924, fax 853-2783, or at mailing address 56 Water Street, Eastport, Maine 04631. We want our valued customers to be informed about their water utility. If you want to learn more, please attend any of our regularly scheduled board meetings. They are held at the District Office on Water Street. Meetings are held as scheduled and published each month. Agenda are posted regularly at the Eastport City Hall, the water district, and the tribal office in Pleasant Point.
WATER QUALITY
Passamaquoddy Water District routinely monitors for constituents in your drinking water according to Federal and State laws. The following table shows any detection resulting from our monitoring for the period of January 1st to December 31, 2006. *
In 2005, due to efforts to protect the water supply, we applied for and were granted a three-year waiver for synthetic organics (Phase II/V) testing. This is an exemption from the testing/monitoring requirements for pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and other industrial chemicals; the state of Maine Drinking Water Program grants a waiver only upon a finding that ”it will not result in an unreasonable risk to health.”
We have learned through our monitoring and testing that some constituents have been detected. The EPA has determined that your water IS SAFE at these levels
* If no tests were required for a given contaminant in 2006, the law requires that the most recent test results be included here. No test results over 5 years old are allowed, however:
Some or all of the following contaminants were tested for as regulated by law. Other elements are also tested for which do not require reporting, as they do not pose a potential health risk.
Microbiological Contaminants
1. Total Coliform Bacteria 39. Endrin
2. Fecal Coliform and E.Coli 40. Epichlorohydrin
3. Turbidity 41. Ethylene dibromide
4. Radioactive Contaminants 42. Glyphosate
5. Beta/photon emitters 43. Heptachlor
6. Gross Alpha 44. Heptachlor epoxide
7. Combined radium 45. Heptachorobenzene
6a. Uranium 46. Hexachlorocyclo-pentadiene
6b. Radon 47. Lindane
Inorganic Comtaminants 48. Methoxychlor
8. Amtimony 49. Oxamyl {Vydate}
9. Arsenic 50. PCBs {Polychlorinated biphenyls}
10. Asbestos 51. Pentachlorophenol
11. Barium 52. Picloram
12. Beryllium 53. Smazine
13. Cadmium 54. Toxaphene
14. Chromuim Volatile Organic Contaminants
15. Copper 55. Benzene
16. Cyanide 56. Carbon tetrachloride
17. Fluoride 57. Chlorobenzene
18. Lead 58. o-Dichlorobenzene
19. Mercury (inorganic) 59. p-Dichlorobenzene
20. Nitrite (as Nitrogen) 60. 1,2 - Dichloroethylene
21. Nitrite (as Nitrogen) 61. 1,1 - Dichloroethylene
22. Selenium 62. cis-1,2 - Dichloroethylene
23. Thallium 63. trans – 1,2 - Dichloroethylene
Synthetic Organic 64. Dichloromethane
Contaminants including 65. 1,2-Dichloropropane
Pesticides and Herbicides 66. Ethylbenzene
24. 2.4-D 66a. Methyl-Tertiary-Butyl_Ether
25. 2,3,4-TP (Silvex) (MTBE) (placeStateMaine MCL)
26. Acrylamide 67. Styrene
27. Alachlor 68. Tetrachloroethylene
28. Atrazine 69. 1,2,4 - Trichlorobenzene
29. Benzo(a)pyrene (PAH) 70. 1,1,1 - Trichloroethane
30. Carbofuran 71. 1,1,2 - Trichloroethane
31. Chlordane 72. Trichloroethylene
32. Dalapon 73. TTHM {Total trihalomethanes}
33. Di(2-ethyhexy) adipate 74. a. HAA5 {Total Haloacetic Acids}
34. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate 75. Toluene
35. Dibromochloroprpane 76. Vinyl Chloride
36. Dinoseb 77. Xylenes
37. Diquat
38. Dioxin {2,3,7,8-TCDD}
39. Endothall
TEST RESULTS
Unless otherwise noted, testing was done in 8/2006
Contaminant
Microbiological Contaminants
Total Coli form Bacteria
Violation Yes
Level Detected: 5 positive
Unit Measurement: N/A
MCLG: 0 positive
MICL: 1 positive
Likely Source of Contamination:
Naturally present in the environment
Turbidity (10/11/05)
Violation N
Level Detected 0.29
Unit Measurement Ntu
MCLG n/a
MCL TT
Likely Source of Contamination
Soil Runoff
Radioactive Contaminants
Gross Alpha (3/1/06)
No Violation
Level Detected 0.117
Unit Measurement; PCi/L
MCLG: 0
MCL: 15
Likely Source of Contamination:
Naturally occurring radioactivity in bedrock
Inorganic Contaminants
Barium (3/1/06)
Violation N
Level Detected: 0.004
Unit Measurement: ppm
MCLG: 2
MCL: 2
Likely Sources of Contamination:
Erosion of natural deposits
Copper
Violation N
Level Detected 0.3
Unit Measurement ppb
MCLG 1.3
MCL placeStateAL=1.3
Corrosion of household plumbing
Fluoride (12/11/06)
Violation: N
Level Detected: 1.46
Unit Measurement: ppm
MCLG: 4
MCL: 4
Likely Source of Contamination:
Additive to promote dental health.
Lead (12/31/06)
Violation: N
Level Detected: 3.0
Unit Measurement: ppb
MCLG: 0
MCL: AL=15
Likely Source of Contamination:
Corrosion of household plumbing systems
Contaminant
Nitrate (as Nitrogen) (3/1/06)
Violation N
Level detected 0.1
Unit Measurement ppm
MCLG 10
MCL 10
Like Source of Contamination:
Runoff from fertilizer use, leaching from septic tanks, sewage, erosion of natural deposits
Volatile Organic Contaminants
TTHM (Total Trihalomethanes)
Violation: N
Level Detected: RAA=60.4
Unit Measurement: ppb
MCLG: 0
MCL: 80
Likely Source of Contamination:
By-product of drinking water chlorination
HAAS (Total Haloacretic Acids)
Violation: Y
Level Detected: RAA=75.25
Unit Measurement: ppb
MCLG: 0
MCL: 60
Likely Source of Contamination:
By-product of drinking water chlorination.
Definitions
Action Level – (placeStateAL) The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.
Maximum Contaminant Level – (MCL) is 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.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal – (MCLG) is 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.
Variances, Exceptions, and Waivers – State or EPA permission not to met an MCL, a treatment technique or test for a given contaminant under certain conditions.
Treatment Technique (TT) – A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water (e.g. treatment technique for turbidity).
Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) – nephelometric turbidity unit is a measure of the clarity of water. Turbidity in excess of 5 NTU is just noticeable in the average person.
Running Annual Average (RAA): The average of all monthly or quarterly samples for the last year at all sample locations.
N/A - not applicable
Units:
Parts per million (ppm) or Milligrams per liter (mg/L) – One part per million corresponds to one minute in two years or a single penny in $10,000,000.
Picocuries per liter (pCi/L) – A measure of the radioactivity in water.
Notes:
Total Coli form Bacteria: Reported as the highest monthly number of positive samples for water systems that take < 40 samples per month. For water systems that take > 40 samples per month, no more than 5% of the samples may be positive.
Gross Alpha: Action level over 5 pCi/L requires testing for Radium. Action level over 15 pCi?L requires testing for Radon and Uranium.
Lead/Copper: Action levels are measured at consumer’s tap. 90% of the tests must be equal to or below the action level.
Lead/Copper: Action levels are measured at consumer’s tap. 90% of the tests must be equal to or below the action level.
Fluoride: Fluoride levels must be maintained between 1-2 ppm, for those water systems that fluoridate the water.
Nitrate: Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10ppm is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If you are caring for an infant you should ask advice from you health care provider.
Tthm/haas: Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) and Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) are formed as a by-product of drinking water chlorination. This chemical reaction occurs when chlorine combines with naturally occurring organic matter in water.
IMFORTANT Information
Current Developments:
The Passamaquoddy Water District is continuing its efforts to improve the quality of the water it delivers to its customers.
We replaced 15,300 feet o deteriorated mains in 2006. The cost of this project was $2,207,750. We received a community development block grant in the amount of $232.750, a loan with the SRF program in the amount of $1,975,000 with $1,4525,000 forgiven; leaving us a loan amount of $550,000 for a term of 30 years at 0%.
We replaced the 100+ year old main in Water Street with a $300,000 grant and $100,000 loan from Rural Development along with SRF funds from the Drinking Water Program.
We will continue to replace deteriorated mains as the funds become available to the district though grants and low interest loans.
In 2006, the district, with the assistance of Susan Breau-Kelley of the Maine Rural Water Association, was involved in implementing a Boyden Lake/Stream Impoundment Sourcewater Protection Plan. The purpose of this ongoing plan is to balance the protection of the water source with other activities and uses of the water source.
Future Plans for 2007
• The district will be replacing the bridge below the dam at the filtration plant.
• The district has plans on having a rechlorination station built on route 190 with grant funds from HIS.
• The district applied for and received a Joint Credit Quality Improvement Grant with the City of Eastport in the amount of $50,000.00. The purpose of this grant is to set up a GIS mapping system for the city and the district. The district will be able to use the mapping system to locate valves, hydrants and piping. Also, to be able to track flushing of mains, pressure testing, slow testing and document detailed hydrant data. This project should provide an accurate picture of the entire water system
• The district has applied for and has been awarded funds from the SRF program in the amount of $883,000 ($220,750 loan, 30 years, 0% and grant $662,250) to replace aging transmission main and provide system looping.
Total Coliform Bacteria MCL Violation: In August 2006, our water system tested positive and recheck sample(s) were positive for the presence of coliform bacteria. Public notification was posted or distributed to all concerned residents. Coliforms are bacteria which are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems. Subsequent tests have been negative for coliforrm bacteria.
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) and Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) MCL Violations: TTHM and HAA5 are formed as a by-product of drinking water chlorination. This chemical reaction occurs when chlorine combines with naturally occurring organic matter in water. Water test were done on your drinking water this summer, when TTHM and HAA5 are thought to be at their highest. The results of this test revealed levels for HAA5 during the fourth quarter in 2006 in excess of the MCL of 60ppb. However, it is important to note that the MCL is supposed to be based on the running annual average, not just one test taken in the summer. We are in the process of exploring the various options to reduce TTHM and HAA5 in your water supply. Some people who drink water containing TTHM in excess of the MCL over many years
may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous systems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. Some people who drink water containing HAA5 in excess of the MCL over many years could experience nervous system or liver damage.
All sources of drinking water are subject to potential contamination by constituents that are naturally occurring or are man make. Those constituents can be microbes, organic or inorganic chemicals, or radioactive materials. All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife. Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses. Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production and can also come from gas stations, urban runoff and septic systems. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
MCL’s are set at very stringent levels. To understand the possible effects described for many regulated constituents, a person would have to drink 2 liters of water every day at the MCL level for a lifetime to have a one-in-ten thousand chance of having the described health effects.
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. 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 from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers, EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants are available from the Sate Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).
We, at Passamaquoddy Water District, work around the clock to provide top quality water to every tap. We ask that all our customers help us protect our water sources, which are the heart of our community, our way of life, and our children’s future. Please contact us with any questions.
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