City of Eastport, ME - 2008 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report

2008 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report


	2008 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report Passamaquoddy Water District Eastport, Maine PWSID ME0090510 We’re pleased to present to you our Annual Drinking Water Quality Report, also known as the Consumer Confidence 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 fluoridated to promote dental health. Treatment also includes coagulation and pH adjustment. We serve an approximate population of 1920 through 768 services connections. SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT 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 207 287-2070. If you have any questions about this report or concerning you water utility, please contact Nancy Seeley, Manager, at telephone number 207 853-2660, fax 207 853-2783, or at mailing address 56 Water Street, Eastport, Maine 04631. We want our valued customers to be informed about their water system. 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 contaminants 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 1^st to December 31, 2008. * In 2008, 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.” 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 or animal activity. All sources of drinking water are subject to potential contamination by substances that are naturally occurring or man made. Contaminants that may be present in source water include: Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife. Inorganic contaminants,, such as salts and metals, can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production mining or framing. Pesticides and herbicides 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, are by- products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems. Radioactive contaminants can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, U.S, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health. The table below lists all of the drinking water contaminants that were detected through out water quality monitoring and testing. The presence of contaminants in the water does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. TEST RESULTS Unless otherwise noted, testing was done in 2008 Contaminant Microbiological Contaminants Total Coliform Bacteria Violation N Level Detected: 0 positive Unit Measurement: Highest monthly # of positive samples MCLG: 0 positive MICL: 1 positive Likely Source of Contamination: Naturally present in the environment Turbidity (10/28/08) Violation N Level Detected 0.95 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 (3/19/08) Violation N Level Detected: 0.004 Unit Measurement: ppm MCLG: 2 MCL: 2 Likely Sources of Contamination: Erosion of natural deposits Copper (1/1/06-12/31/06) Violation N Level Detected 0.3 Unit Measurement ppm MCLG 1.3 MCL AL=1.3 Likely source of contamination: Corrosion of household plumbing systems Fluoride (10/07/08) Violation: N Level Detected: 1.70 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 Nitrate (as Nitrogen) Violation N Level Detected 0.07 Unit Measurement ppm MCLG: 10 MCL: 10 Likely Source of Contamination: Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage, erosion of natural deposits. * = Report results are the 90^th percentile value (the value that 90% of all samples are less than). Disinfection By-Products Contaminant: HAA5 (Total Haloacetic Acids) 2008 Violation Y Level Detected RAA=49.8 (0.0-89.0.) Unit Measurement ppb MCLG 0 MCL 60 Like Source of Contamination: By products of drinking water chlorination. Contaminant: TTHM (Total Trihalomethanes) (2008) Violation: N Level Detected: RAA=122.7 Unit Measurement: ppb MCLG: 0 MCL: 80 Likely Source of Contamination: By-product of drinking water chlorination Note: The state allows us to monitor for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Not all contaminants are tested for every year due to monitoring waivers and therefore we must use the most recent round of sampling, Some of our data is more than one year old, however, is limited to no older than 5 years. Definitions Action Level – (AL) -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. Maximum Residual Disinfection Level (MRDL) - The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants. Maximum Residual Disinfection Level Goal (MRDLG) – The level of drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk of health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants. Not Applicable (N/A) – Does not apply. Running Annual Average (RAA) – The average of all monthly or quarterly samples for the last year at all sample locations. Treatment Technique (TT) – A required process intended to resolve the level of a contaminant in drinking water (e.g. treatment technique fro turbidity). 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. Units: 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. Parts per billion (ppb) or micrograms per liter (ug/L) – One part per billion corresponds to one minute in 2,000 years, or a single penny on $10,000,000. 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: Barium: Some people who drink water containing barium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience an increase in their blood pressure. 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; therefore, the listed results above have been calculated and are listed s the 90^th percentile. Fluoride: Fluoride levels must be maintained between 1-2 ppm, for those water systems that fluoridate the water. Nitrate: Nitrate in drinking eater at levels about 10ppm is a health risk for infants of less then 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 your health care provider. Total Coliform Bacteria: Reported as the highest monthly number of positive samples, for water systems that take < 40 samples per month. TTHM/HAA5: 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. Turbidity: Turbidity had no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate that presence of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. IMFORTANT Information Current Developments: The Passamaquoddy Water District is continuing its efforts to improve the quality of the water it delivers to its customers and improve the quality of Fire Protection to our community. In 2008, the Passamaquoddy Water District replaced fire hydrants, gate valves and 9,446 feet of deteriorated mains. The cost of this project was $1,845,000. To cover the cost of this project the District received $1,845,000 from the SRF program. ($1,383,750 in grant money and the balance of $461,250 in loan for a term of 30 years at 0% interest) Through an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Indian Health Service, the Passamaquoddy Tribe and the Passamaquoddy Water District, the District received a grant to construct a rechlorination station on Route 190 in Eastport. This station is used to regulate the chlorine dosage leaving the treatment plant and injecting a small dosage as it enters Eastport if needed. This in turn will enable us to better control the disinfection byproducts. We will continue to replace deteriorated mains as the funds become available to the district through grants and low interest loans. The District continues to seek a new source of water. The District is currently researching the possibilities of an aquifer in the Pembroke area. The current source of water is from Boyden Stream in Perry, ME. Because this is a poor source of water, it is difficult and costly to treat. There was a rate increase effective January 1, 2008. Future Plans for 2008 The District will continue pursuing a new water source. The District applied for funding to replace approximately 8,000 feet of water main, fire hydrants and gate valves on County Road, Key Street, Brighton Avenue and Brewster Road. The District applied for funding to have a study done of the treatment plant to determine the most cost effective solution for improving the performance of the treatment plant. 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 the RRA levels for TTHM in excess of the MCL of 80 ppb for all four quarters (compliance periods) in 2008. 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 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. 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. 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. For most people, the health benefits of drinking plenty of water outweigh any possible health risk from these contaminants. However, 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 a risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care provider. EPA/Center of Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk f infection by cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791). If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. We are responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap of thirty (30) seconds to two (2) minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, an steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://ww.epa.gov/safewater. We, at Passamaquoddy Water District, work hard to provide top quality water to very tap. We ask that all our customers help us protect and preserve our drinking water resources, which are the heart of our community, our way of life, and our children’s future. Please contact us with any questions. Thank you for working together for safe drinking water. DRINKING WATER NOTICE Passamaquoddy Water District PWSID #90510 Level of Haloacetic Acids exceeds Federal Drinking Water Standard 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th Calendar Quarters in 2008 & 1^st Calendar Quarter 2009 Water tests conducted each calendar quarter showed that he average level of Total Trihalomethanes in the drinking water was above the maximum contaminant level (MCL) allowed. The MCL is 80 parts per billion (ppb) and the average levels in our water for the 2^nd, 3^rd, & 4^th calendar quarters in 2008 and the 1^st calendar quarter in 2009 were 98.4 ppb, 122. ppb and 117. ppb. What Should You Do There is nothing that you need to do at this time other than to be aware that the water has Haloacetic Acids above the allowable level and to take any precautions your doctor advises if you have a specific health problem. Possible Health Effects Some people who drink water containing Trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. Steps We are Taking Corrective Action. We are replacing water mains. We are adjusting our disinfection chemicals by using less sodium hypochlorite and continuing the use of chlorine dioxide pretreatment. We have made adjustments with chemicals and the pH in the water to reduce the Total Organic Carbons. We are aggressively flushing our mains twice per year to reduce the resident water. We have installed a rechlorination station on the transmission main to eliminate the need to chlorinate heavily at the plant and still maintain a residual in Eastport. Because this is an ongoing problem and very complicated, we have hired our engineering firm to pursue the different options for an appropriate solution. Through this research, we have been successful in bringing the results below the maximum contaminate level in the last two quarters. . We have a detailed plan on being in full compliance 1210. We will inform you when this problem has been completely corrected. For more information, please contact Nancy M. Seeley of the Passamaquoddy Water District at 207 853-2660 or mailing address 56 Water Street, Eastport, Maine 104631. Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. DRINKING WATER NOTICE Passamaquoddy Water District PWSID #90510 Level of Haloacetic Acids exceeds Federal Drinking Water Standard 2nd Qtr 2008 Water tests conducted on the second calendar quarter showed that the average level of Haloacetic Acids in the drinking water was above the maximum contaminant level (MCL) allowed. The MCL is 60 parts per billion (ppb) and the average level in our water for the 2nd of 2008 was 65.3 ppb. What Should You Do There is nothing that you need to do at this time other than to be aware that the water has Haloacetic Acids above the allowable level and to take any precautions your doctor advises if you have specific health problems. Possible Health Effects Some people who drink water containing Haloacetic Acids in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer. Steps We Are Taking Corrective Action. Water mains are being replaced. We are adjusting our disinfection chemicals by using less sodium hypochlorite and continuing the use of chlorine dioxide pretreatment. We have the plant instrumentation calibrated on a regular basis. We have installed a rechlorination station on the transmission main to eliminate the need to chlorinate heavily at the planet and still maintain a residual in Eastport. We have made adjustments with chemicals and the pH in the water to reduce the Total Organic Carbons. This is a very complicated and ongoing issue. The district has hired an engineering firm to work at the treatment plant researching the different options for an appropriate solution. Through this research, we have been successful in bringing the results below the maximum contaminant level in the last three quarters. We have a detailed plan on being in full compliance in 2010. We will inform you when this problem has been completely corrected. For more information, please contact Nancy M. Seeley of the Passamaquoddy Water District at 207 853-2660 or 56 Water Street, Eastport, ME 04631 Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.