Public Notices

Public Notices

Annual Drinking Water Quality Report

EDINBORO WATER AUTHORITY

PWSID 6250022

One Monitoring Violation in 2007

We're pleased to present to you this year's Annual Drinking Water Quality Report. This report 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 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. Our water source is a well field located on Edinboro University Campus. There are two wells that are between sixty and sixty-five feet in depth.

Este informe contiene informacion muy importante sobre su agua de beber.Traduzcalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien. (This report contains very important information about your drinking water. Translate it, or speak to someone who understands it.)

I'm pleased to report that our drinking water meets federal and state requirements.

If you have any questions about this report or concerning your water utility, please contact Butch Shafer, Water Department Superintendent, at Edinboro City Hall, between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 3:30 P.M. Telephone 734-1812. We want our valued customers to be informed about their water utility. If you want to learn more, please attend any of the public Water Authority meetings. These meetings are advertised and are held once a month at City Hall. Please call for time and date if you are interested in attending any meetings (734-1812).

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 Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

A Source Water Assessment Report of the Borough wells, which supplies water to the distribution system, was completed in 2003 by the PA Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). The Assessment has found that the wells are potentially most susceptible to above and below ground leaks in fuel tanks and manufactures that store or use high amounts of chemicals. Overall, the Boroughs wells have a moderate risk of significant contamination. Summary reports of the Assessment are available at the Edinboro Municipal Building and will be available on the PADEP website at www.dep.state.pa.us (KEYWORD "source water"). Complete reports were distributed to municipalities, water suppliers, local planning agencies and PADEP offices. Copies of the complete report are available for review at the Meadville PADEP Regional Office, Records Management Unit at (814) 332-6899.

In late fall of 2008 the Borough will begin doing its own Source Water Assessment. We will need to form a steering committee which will involve some input from residents, if you are interested please call Melinda Murphy at 814-734-1812 ext 128 and she will explain the details.

Edinboro Water Authority routinely monitors for constituents in your drinking water according to Federal and State laws. This table shows the results of our monitoring for the period of January 1^st to December 31^st, 2007. All drinking water, including bottled drinking water, may be reasonably expected to contain at least small amounts of some constituents. It's important to remember that the presence of these constituents does not necessarily pose a health risk.

In this table you will find many terms and abbreviations with which you may not be familiar. To help you better understand these terms we've provided the following definitions:

Maximum Contaminant Level – (MCL) - The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal as feasible using the best available treatment technology.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal – (MCGL) – The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no know or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

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.

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.

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

Treatment Technique (TT) - A treatment technique is a required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

ppm = parts per million, or milligrams per liter (mg/L) pCi/L = picocuries per liter (a measure

of radioactivity)

ppb = parts per billion, or micrograms per liter (ug/L)

Contaminant (Unit of Measurement)	Violation Y/N	Level Detected		Range	MCL in CCR units	MCLG	Major Sources in Drinking Water
Microbiological Contaminants
1. Total Coliform Bacteria		none			MCL: (systems that collect ³40 samples/ month) 5% of monthly samples are positive; (systems that collect < 40 samples/ month) 1 positive monthly sample	0	Naturally present in the environment

Radioactive Contaminants
5. Beta/photon emitters 5/13/2003 (pCi/l)	N	0.798		c	50	0	Decay of natural and man-made deposits
6. Alpha emitters (pCi/l) 5/13/2003	N	0.895			15	0	Erosion of natural deposits
7. Combined radium (pCi/l) 12/06/2002	N	0.367			5	0	Erosion of natural deposits
Inorganic Contaminants
10. Arsenic (ppm) 3/14/2006		3			10	0	Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; runoff from glass and electronics production wastes
12. Barium (ppm) May 13, 2003	N	0.05			2	2	Discharge of drilling wastes; Discharge from metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits
17. Fluoride (ppm) Dec 31, 2006	N	1.6			2	2	Erosion of natural deposits; Water additive which promotes strong teeth; Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories
19. Nitrate (ppm) August 8, 2006	Y	Did not monitor.			10	10	Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits
Lead and Copper Rule
. Lead (ppb)	N	2.0 (2007)		a	AL=15	0	Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits
77. Copper (ppm)	N	.18800 (2007)		a	AL=1.3	1.3	Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits
Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs), Byproduct Precursors, and Disinfectant Residuals
78. Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) (ppb)	N	0 (2007)	b		60	n/a	By-product of drinking water disinfection
79. TTHMs [Total trihalomethanes] (ppb)	N	8 (2007)	b		100/80	n/a	By-product of drinking water disinfection
83. Chlorine (ppm)	N	.41 (2007)	b		MRDL = 4	MRDLG = 4	Water additive used to control microbes

Footnotes:

(a) There were zero (0) samples of the 20 taken above its respective action level. Lead and Copper testing is done every three (3) years. The next tests are in July 2010

(b) Disinfectants Byproduct Rule started January 2004.

(c) Compliance with the MCL may be assumed without further analysis if the average annual concentration of Gross Beta Particle Activity is less than 50 pCi/l. The MCL for Beta particles is 4 mrem/yr. EPA considers 50 pCi/l to be level of concern for Beta particles.

You will notice that Trichloroethylene (TCE) was not included in our chart of test results. That is because we had no readings of TCE in any of our finished water samples that we take for VOC’S. TCE is still in our raw water but the Air Stripping Tower removes it and any other VOC’S before entry into the distribution system

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER

ESTE INFORME CONTIENE INFORMACION MUY IMPORTANTE SOBRE SU AGUA DE BEBER. TRADUZCALO O HABLE CON ALGUIEN QUE LO ENTIENDA BIEN.

Monitoring Requirements Not Met for Edinboro Water Authority

Our water system violated one drinking water standard over the past year. Even though this was not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we did to correct these situations.

We are required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not our drinking water meets health standards. During the third quarter 2007 we did not monitor or test' or 'did not complete all monitoring or testing' for Nitrates and therefore cannot be sure of the quality of our drinking water during that time.

What should I do?

There is nothing you need to do at this time.

The table below lists the contaminant(s) we did not properly test for during the last year, how often we are supposed to sample for Nitrates and how many samples we are supposed to take, how many samples we took, when samples should have been taken, and the date on which follow-up samples were (or will be) taken.

Contaminant

Required sampling frequency

Number of samples taken

When all samples should have been taken

When samples were or will be taken

Nitrates

One per year

Third quarter 2007

May 13, 2008

What happened? What was done?

We took Trihalomethanes and Haloacetic Acids (5) which were do at the same time as Nitrates but we missed taking the Nitrates. I did not notice or receive notice that I had missed this sample. I found out when I started this report. I saw on line that the Health Department had me down for a violation for Nitrates. After talking to the Health Department we added this notice for our customers. At the end it is my responsibility to make sure all mandatory samples are taken on time. I have talked to my laboratory and posted notices at our Lab area and even on my computer to remind us of all mandatory samples that need to be taken in 2008.

For more information, please contact Butch Shafer at 814-734-1812 ext 141

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.

This notice is being sent to you by Edinboro Water Authority

PWS ID#: 6250022 Date distributed: June 15, 2008?

HEALTH EFFECTS LANGUAGE:

Microbiological Contaminants

1. Total Coliform Bacteria - Coliforms are bacteria that 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.

5. Beta/photon emitters (mrem/yr) - Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit forms of radiation known as photons and beta radiation. Some people who drink water containing beta particle and photon radioactivity in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

6. Alpha emitters (pCi/l) - Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit a form of radiation known as alpha radiation. Some people who drink water containing alpha emitters in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

7. Combined radium (pCi/l) - Some people who drink water containing radium 226 or 228 in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

12. Barium (ppm) - Some people who drink water containing barium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience an increase in their blood pressure.

17. Fluoride (ppm) - This is an alert about your drinking water and a cosmetic dental problem that might affect children under nine years of age. At low levels, fluoride can help prevent cavities, but children drinking water containing more than 2 milligrams per liter (mg/L) of fluoride may develop cosmetic discoloration of their permanent teeth (dental fluorosis). Dental fluorosis, in its moderate or severe forms, may result in a brown staining and or pitting of the permanent teeth. This problem occurs only in developing teeth, before they erupt from the gums. Drinking water containing more than 4 mg/L of fluoride (the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s drinking water standard) can increase your risk of developing bone disease.

19. Nitrate (ppm) - Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome.

72. Trichloroethylene (ppb) - Some people who drink water containing trichloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

76. Lead (ppb) - Infants and young children who drink water containing lead in excess of the action level could experience delays in their physical or mental development. Children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. Adults who drink this water over many years could develope kidney problems pr high blood pressure.

77. Copper (ppm) - Copper is an essential nutrient, but some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over a relatively short amount of time could experience gastrointestinal distress. Some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over many years could suffer liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson’s Disease should consult their personal doctor.

78. Haloacetic Acids (HAA) (ppb) - Some people who drink water containing halo acetic acids in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

79. TTHMs [Total trihalomethanes] (ppb) - 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 systems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

83. Chlorine (ppm) - Some people who use water containing chlorine well in excess of the MRDL could experience irritating effects to their eyes and nose. Some people who drink water containing chlorine well in excess of the MRDL could experience stomach discomfort.

Special Educational Statement

Lead (ppb) – 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 Edinboro Water Authority is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but can not 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 (800-426-4791) or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

As you can see by the table, our system had no MCL violations. We’re proud that your drinking water meets or exceeds all Federal and State requirements. We have learned through our monitoring and testing that some constituents have been detected.

POTENTIAL CONTAMINANTS:

All sources of drinking water are subject to potential contaminants that are naturally occurring or man made. Those contaminants can be microbes, organic or inorganic chemicals, or radioactive materials. 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.

Drinking Water Sources:

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.

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 stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining or farming.

-Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff and residential use.

-Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial process and petroleum production and mining activities.

Total Coliform: The Total Coliform Rule requires water systems to meet a stricter limit for coliform bacteria. Coliform bacteria are usually harmless, but their presence in water can be an indication of disease-causing bacteria. When coliform bacteria are found, special follow-up tests are done to determine if harmful bacteria are present in the water supply. If this limit is exceeded, the water supplier must notify the public by newspaper, television or radio. To comply with the stricter regulation, we have increased the average amount of chlorine in the distribution system.

Nitrates: As a precaution we always notify physicians and health care providers in this area if there is ever a higher than normal level of nitrates in the water supply.

Lead: Lead in drinking water is rarely the sole cause of lead poisoning, but it can add to a person's total lead exposure. All potential sources of lead in the household should be identified and removed, replaced or reduced.

Thank you for allowing us to continue providing your family with clean, quality water this year. In order to maintain a dependable water supply we sometimes need to make improvements that will benefit all our customers. These improvements are sometimes reflected as rate structure adjustments. Thank you for understanding.

This year the water department will again be exercising and replacing main valves along with upgrading, replacing and adding new fire hydrants. There will also be some main line extensions and replacement of some galvanized house lines between the main and curb stop. We should also be able to finish painting fire hydrants.

Security for water systems has become very important since 9/11. We are doing every thing we can to insure that your drinking water is safe. Be alert if you notice unusual activity or suspicious person or persons in or around fire hydrants, wells the air stripping tower and the large storage tanks please notify the Edinboro Police Department at 814-734-1712.

Please call our office if you have question or input about this report.

We at the Edinboro Water Authority 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.

DEP has finished our preliminary assessment on our water system. Input from the public is crucial for this program. If you have any questions or input call Tom Cunningham at the DEP office in Meadville at 814-332-6899.

Consumer Confidence Report prepared by Butch Shafer, Water Department Superintendent. If you have any questions please call 734-1812 between 8:00 A.M. and 3:30 P.M.

Go Back to Home
Go Back to The Borough

E-mail general questions or comments to edinboro@edinboro.net
E-mail questions or comments about the site to mlander@edinboro.net

Microbiological Contaminants

Lead and Copper Rule

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs), Byproduct Precursors, and Disinfectant Residuals

Footnotes:

(a) There were zero (0) samples of the 20 taken above its respective action level. Lead and Copper testing is done every three (3) years. The next tests are in July 2010

(c) Compliance with the MCL may be assumed without further analysis if the average annual concentration of Gross Beta Particle Activity is less than 50 pCi/l. The MCL for Beta particles is 4 mrem/yr. EPA considers 50 pCi/l to be level of concern for Beta particles.