2009 WATER QUALITY REPORT

FOR THE

CITY OF ROLAND

 

This report contains important information regarding the water quality in our water system. The source of our water is groundwater. Our groundwater is drawn from the Mississippian aquifer.

Our water quality testing shows the following results:

CONTAMINANT

MCLG

MCL

DETECTED LEVEL

DATE SAMPLED

RANGE OF DETECTION

VIOLATION

SOURCE

Lead (ppb)

0

AL=15

14

 w/ one sample site exceeding the MCL

09/04/08

ND - 18

No

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits

  Chlorine (ppm)

  MRDLG

  =4.0

  MRDL=4.0

 0.9

 (RAA)

 2009

 .37 – 1.6

 Monthly avg.

 No

  Water additive used to 

   control microbes

Combined radium (pCi/L)

0

5

1.3

02/03/09

N/A

No

Erosion of natural deposits

Nitrate [as N] (ppm)

10

10

1

01/01/09

N/A

No

Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits

TTHM (ppb) [Total trihalomethanes]

N/A

80

 8.5

 08/07/07

 N/A

 No

By-products of drinking water disinfection

  Copper (ppm)

  1.3

  AL=1.3

 1.07

 w/ one sample   site exceeding the MCL

 09/03/08

 .17 – 1.47

 No

  Corrosion of household  

  plumbing systems; Erosion

  of natural deposits

Sodium (ppm)

N/A

N/A

13

01/17/07

N/A

No

Erosion of natural deposits.

 

Note: Contaminants with dates indicate results from the most recent testing done in accordance with regulations.

 

DEFINITIONS

 

·         Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) – 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) -- 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.

·         ppb -- parts per billion.

·         ppm -- parts per million.

·         pCi/L – picocuries per liter

·         N/A – Not applicable

·         ND -- Not detected

·         RAA – Running Annual Average

·         IDSE – Initial Distribution System Evaluation

·         Treatment Technique (TT) – A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

·         Action Level (AL) – The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.

·         Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) - The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health.  MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

·         Maximum Residual Disinfectant 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.

·         EPA – Environmental Protection Agency

·         CDC – Center for Disease Control

·         IDNR – Iowa Department of Natural Resources

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

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 water posed a health risk.  More information about contaminants or potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

 

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 microbial 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.  The City of Roland is 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 for 30 seconds to 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 and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

 

CONTAMINANT Violations

 

No contaminant violations in 2009.

 

ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

 

Infants and young children are typically more vulnerable to lead in drinking water than the general population.  It is possible that lead levels at your home may be higher than at other homes in the community as a result of materials used in your home’s plumbing.  If you are concerned about elevated lead levels in your home’s water, you may wish to have your water tested and flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using tap water.  Additional information is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

 

OTHER VIOLATIONS

 

None

 

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

 

The City of Roland water supply obtains its water from the Mississippian aquifer.  The Mississippian aquifer was determined to be slightly susceptible to contamination because the characteristics of the aquifer and overlying materials limit the rate at which contaminants can move through the aquifer.  The wells will somewhat susceptible to activities such as dry cleaners, gas stations, industrial sites, and municipal wastewater dischargers.  A detailed evaluation of your source water was completed by the IDNR, and is available from Water/Wastewater Superintendent Nathan Hovick at (515) 388-4861.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Our water utility is making every effort to protect the water system from potential security threats.  You, as customers, can also help.  If you see any suspicious activity near the water tower, treatment plant, wells or fire hydrants, please contact us at (515) 388-4861 or the Story County Sheriff’s Office at (515) 382-6566.  We appreciate your assistance in protecting the water system.

 

Please note:  This report will not be mailed to individual customers.  If you would like a copy of the report, you may pick up a copy at City Hall, 202 E Ash Street, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – noon and 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  The report will also be available on the City’s webpage at www.cityofroland.org after its publication in the Story City Herald.

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

 

For questions regarding this information, please contact Water/Wastewater Superintendent Nathan Hovick at (515) 388-4861 during the following hours: Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – noon and 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

 

Decisions regarding the water system are made at the City Council meetings held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 6:00 p.m. at 202 E Ash Street, and are open to the public.