Water Quality Report 2013 by City of Williamsburg

Water Quality Report City of Williamsburg Water System

2013

this issue Consumer Information 1 Possible contaminants in Water 2 About the City’s Water Works 3 Key Terms & Definitions 4 Water Quality Testing Results 5 Water Conservation 6

WHY WE CREATE A REPORT

Information for Consumers This report describes the City of Williamsburg’s water sources, the treatment provided, the results of laboratory testing performed on the treated water, and a description of the risks that the treatment and testing are designed to prevent. We are proud to report that the City’s water was in compliance with all Virginia Department of Health and Environmental Protection (EPA) Regulations in 2013. None of the test results indicated levels in violation of any state or federal regulations The 2013 Water Quality Table on page 3 shows only the substances found for which the Health Department and USEPA have established Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL), Treatment Techniques, or Action Levels. This table represents only a fraction of the many tests conducted during 2013. Testing in which the target parameter was not found is not included in the Water Quality Table, and the City’s water was tested for many more compounds throughout the year, with frequency ranging from continuously to once every nine years. The testing frequency for some parameters is less than yearly. When testing was done in a year other than 2013, that year is indicated in the table. Please take a few moments to review this report. We can provide further information to our water customers upon request. Questions may also be addressed to the City’s Public Works and Utilities Department at publicworks@williamsburgva.gov or by calling 220‐6140.

The “Safe Drinking Water Act” originally passed by the U.S. Congress in 1974, requires that utilities issue an annual consumer confidence report to customers prior to July 1. In keeping with this mandate, we are pleased to present a summary of information regarding the quality of water provided to you by the Williamsburg Water System during the past year.

ONLINE vs PRINT In previous years utilities were required to mail the reports to consumers. In order to increase efficiency and reduce costs, beginning with the 2012 report, utilities may now fulfill the requirement by posting the report online. Printed copies are available from the Public Works and Utilities Department.

Why we test and monitor the water

Contaminants that may possibly be found in drinking water As water travels over the surface of the land

sewage treatment plants, septic

or through the ground, it dissolves naturally

systems, livestock and wildlife;

occurring minerals and can pick up

metals, which may be naturally

Important Information about Lead in Water

animals or from human activity. Substances

occurring, or result from urban

If present, elevated levels of lead

found in source water may come from

stormwater runoff or industrial or

can cause serious health problems,

septic systems, discharges from domestic or

domestic wastewater discharges;

especially for pregnant women and

substances resulting from the presence of

industrial wastewater treatment facilities,



Pesticides & herbicides, which may

young children. Lead in drinking

agricultural and farming activities, urban

come from residential or agricultural

water is primarily from materials

stormwater runoff, residential uses, and

runoff;

and components associated with

many other types of activities. Water from surface sources is treated to make it



may come from industrial discharge,

not need any treatment. All drinking water, including bottled drinking water, may reasonably be expected to

Organic chemicals, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which

drinkable while groundwater may or may



systems; and,

responsible for providing high

Radioactive contaminants, which may

activities.

contaminants does not necessarily indicate

The Williamsburg Department of Public

oil and gas production and mining

contaminants. The presence of

service lines and home plumbing.

runoff from urban areas, and septic

be naturally occurring or the result of

contain at least small amounts of some

Works

Utilities

quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting

that water poses a health risk. To ensure

Some people may be more vulnerable to

for several hours, you can minimize

that the water provided to you is safe to

contaminants in drinking water than the

the potential for lead exposure by

drink, the Virginia Department of Health and the EPA set limits on the amounts of certain

general population. Immuno‐‐compromised persons such as persons with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy, persons who

flushing your tap for 15 to 30 seconds or until it becomes cold or

substances in water provided by public

have undergone organ transplants, people

reaches a steady temperature

water systems. The Food and Drug

with HIV/AIDS or other immune system

before using water for drinking or

Administration is responsible for setting

disorders, some elderly, and infants can be

cooking.

these limits on bottled water.

particularly at risk from infections. These

The following substances may be present in source water (these are only possible sources of contamination and do not imply

people should seek advice about drinking

If you are concerned about lead in

water from their health care providers.

your water, you may wish to have

Environmental Protection Agency/Centers for Disease Control guidelines on

your water tested. Information on lead in drinking

that the City’s water is susceptible to the

appropriate means to lessen the risk of

sources listed):

infection by Cryptosporidium and other

water, testing methods, and steps



microbiological contaminants are available

you can take to minimize exposure

Microbial substances such as viruses

from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline, (800)

is available from the Safe Drinking

and bacteria, which may come from

426‐4791.

Water Hotline.

Inorganic substances, such as salts and

The City’s Water Source

Public Input

Waller Mill Reservoir is the main water source for the City of Williamsburg. A 350‐acre lake

holding 1.5 billion gallons of water, it has been in operation since 1945. The City owns a large

percentage of the surrounding watershed. During drought, this source may be

supplemented by ground water from a well at Waller Mill Park and raw water purchased

from the City of Newport News. The City has aggressively pursued purchases of land within the watershed and regularly checks the area for erosion and improper activity. The City has also conducted a study concerning watershed protection, and the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission conducted a source water assessment of the City’s water source in 2002. Our surface water source was rated high in susceptibility to contamination, as were all surface water sources in the Hampton Roads area, while our well was rated low in susceptibility using criteria developed by the State in its Source Water Assessment Program. The report is available by contacting the City of Williamsburg Public

The City welcomes your input on matters concerning our water supply. City Council meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at 2pm at the Municipal Building 401 Lafayette Street.

You can watch meetings live and archived on the City’s Community Channel 48 and williamsburgva.gov/emeetings

You can also follow us:

Works and Utilities Department, the Virginia Department of Health or the Hampton Roads

Planning District Commission.

Purification Methods

The City’s Treatment Process utilizes:



Aluminum sulfate coagulation and filtration to remove turbidity and organisms such as

giardia and cryptosporidium



Chlorine disinfection for protection from bacteria and viruses



Fluoride to help prevent tooth decay in children



Activated carbon to help prevent tastes and odors, and



A corrosion inhibitor to protect water mains and household plumbing

Sodium Levels

For the benefit of those persons who are restricting their sodium intake, we provide the

following information on sodium levels. Lab testing indicates a sodium level of 21.6 ppm. A

Water Hardness

Follow the City’s Green News and learn more about Water Conservation on the City’s website williamsburgva.gov/green

There is no MCL (or maximum contaminant level) for hardness, but we include this data

“severely restricted” sodium diet allows consumption of water with 20 ppm sodium, and a “low” sodium diet allows 270 ppm.

because there is interest. The City’s water supply is classified as moderately hard. This hardness is predominantly calcium carbonate. Although water hardness does have some effects such as spotting on dishes and fixtures and the need for more soap or detergent, it is also an excellent supply of calcium, a critical nutrient. The hardness ranged from approximately 94‐130 ppm (5.5 ‐ 7.6 grains per gallon).

Key Terms and Definitions Here are some definitions and terms that will help you understand the information contained in the annual Water Quality Table on the next page. If there are any terms or explanations that aren’t clear, please contact the Public Works Department, and we’ll be happy to assist you:  MCLG (maximum contaminant level goal): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health according to the EPA. MCLG’s allow for a margin of safety.  MCL (maximum contaminant level): The highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water, MCL’s are set as close to the MCLG’s as feasible using the best treatment methods available.  MRDLG (maximum disinfectant residual level goal): maximum level of a disinfectant at which no known or anticipated adverse effect on health would occur, and which allows for an adequate margin of safety.  MRDL (maximum residual disinfectant level): The level of a disinfectant added for water treatment that may not be exceeded at the consumer’s tap without an unacceptable possibility of adverse health effects  ppm (one part per million): A unit of concentration; One penny to $10,000.00 represents a similar ratio.  ppb (one part per billion): A unit of concentration; One penny to $10,000,000.00 represents a similar ratio.  pCi/L (picocurie per liter): A unit of radioactivity  mrem/year (millirem/year): A unit of radiation  TT (treatment technique): A specific method of treatment mandated by State and/or EPA regulations.  AL (action level): A concentration of a contaminant, which triggers specific requirements if exceeded.  NTU (nephelemetric turbidity unit): A measure of the turbidity (cloudiness) of water.  Range: The highest and lowest values obtained from testing. No range is listed for substances for which testing is done annually  ND: non detectible

City of Williamsburg Water Quality Table 2013 Date

Parameter Tested Unit MCL MCLG Level Range Probable Source

INORGANIC Lead*

2011

ppb

AL=15

2.0

ND - 10

Household plumbing

Copper**

2011

ppm

AL=1.3

1.3

0.18

ND - 0.68

Household plumbing

*All samples met the lead action level of 15 ppb, (90 % were less than or equal to 1.9 ppb). **All samples met the copper action level of 1.3 ppm, (90 % were less than .15 ppm). Fluoride

ppm

4.0

0.99

0.82 – 1.07

1.3

0.3 – 2.6

0.04

0.02 – 0.04

Additive for improved dental health

DISINFECTION ppm

Chlorine

4.0

,4.0

(MRDL)

(MRDLG)

Additive for deactivation of microorganisms

MICROBIOLOGICAL Turbidity

NTU

Organic matter from reservoir

Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of water. The treatment technique used to control turbidity is coagulation and filtration, and the turbidity measurements are an important tool in optimizing these processes. All turbidity samples met the Virginia Department of Health and USEPA regulations, indicating compliance with the treatment technique requiring that 95% of samples be below .3 NTU each month (100% of our samples were below .3 NTU). Turbidity also tends to correlate with the bacteriological quality of water. All of the 180 coliform bacteria samples taken throughout the distribution system during 2013 were negative.

RADIOACTIVITY Beta Emitters

Pci/L

1.6

Natural & man made sources

DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM’s)

ppb

80 (4 quarter running avg.)

23 - 78

Haloacetic acids (HAA’s)

ppb

60 (4 quarter running avg.)

15 - 38

Chlorite

ppm

1.0

0.8

0.52

0.12 – 0.58

1.35

1.06 – 1.78

By-product of chlorination

By-product of chlorine dioxide generation

By-product Precursors Total Organic Carbon*

Removal ratio

Algae, fallen leaves

*This treatment technique requires a precursor removal ratio of 1.0 or greater (removal ratio = removal achieved / removal required), based on a quarterly annual average. The actual % removal required is calculated based on formulas set forth by EPA and is dependent on raw water data for total organic carbon and alkalinity. Samples are collected from both raw and treated water.

Sodium Levels

Water Conservation Tips

For the benefit of those persons who are restricting their sodium intake, we provide the following information on sodium levels. Lab testing indicates a sodium level of 26 ppm. A “severely” restricted sodium diet allows consumption of water with 20 ppm sodium, and a “low” sodium diet allows 270 ppm.

Did you know that an average home uses more than 200 gallons of water per day? Here are some

Water Hardness suggestions to save water and money: There is no MCL (or maximum contaminant level) for hardness, but we include this data because there is interest. The City’s water supply is classified as Faucets account for 16% of water use; 35,000 gallons/year moderately hard. This hardness is predominantly calcium carbonate. Although water hardness does have some effects such as spotting on dishes and fixtures and the need for more soap or detergent, it is also an excellent supply of calcium, a critical nutrient. The hardness ranged from approximately 94 (5.5 Turn off the water while brushing teeth, shaving, or washing 124 ppm - 7.5 grains per gallon).

 Catch "warm‐up" water and use for plants  Consider installing low flow restrictors/aerators to faucets ($2‐4) Irrigation systems ‐ seasonally highest domestic use; up to 100,000 gallons/year or more  Lawns need only 1 inch of water per week, and they don't need to be watered daily; overwatering causes 85% of turf problems  Water at night, if possible, to reduce evaporation  Upgrade your sprinkler clock  Install a rain shutoff device  Collect rainwater with a rain bucket or cistern system with drip lines  Convert turf to low water‐use landscaping such as drought resistant grass, plants, shrubs and trees

Leaks 14% of water use; 30,000 gallons/year  Check for and repair toilet leaks, which can waste 30 ‐ 500 gallons of water per day  Fix faucet leaks (usually a washer will work) ‐ a gradual dripping faucet can leak up to 5 gallons of water per day  Irrigation systems typically leak 20‐40%

City of Williamsburg Public Works & Utilities Department 401 Lafayette Street Williamsburg, VA 23185 757‐220‐6140 www.williamsburgva.gov/publicworks