Sauquoit Consolidated WD (NY3202407) AWQR - 2011 Calendar Year (OCHD-2/17/2012) Page 1 of 3
Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for 2011
Sauquoit Consolidated Water District (Town of Paris)
PO Box 451, 2580 Sulphur Springs Road - Sauquoit, NY 13456
(Public Water Supply ID# NY3202407)
INTRODUCTION
To comply with State regulations, Sauquoit Consolidated Water District will be annually issuing a report describing the quality of your drinking water.
The purpose of this report is to raise your understanding of drinking water and awareness of the need to protect our drinking water sources. Last
year, we continued to operate in violation of the Surface Water Treatment Rule for failure to treat our spring water as required. Work is complete and
we have received approvals from the NYSDEC to begin use of our new wells and treatment system. This report provides an overview of the water
quality for last year. Included are details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to State standards.
If you have any questions about this report or concerning your drinking water, please contact Joseph Inglis, Water Superintendent at 315-839-5722.
We want you to be informed about your drinking water. If you want to learn more, please attend any of our regularly scheduled Town board
meetings. The meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month at the Town of Paris Town Hall on Sulphur Springs Road at 8:00PM.
WHERE DOES OUR WATER COME FROM?
In general, 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 activities. Contaminants that may be present in source water
include microbial contaminants; inorganic contaminants; pesticides and herbicides; organic chemical contaminants; and radioactive contaminants. In
order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the State and the EPA prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water
provided by public water systems. The State Health Department's and the FDA's regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which
must provide the same protection for public health.
Our water system serves approximately 2700 residents through 750 service connections. Our water system has two sources - White Falls Springs
is a sub-surface infiltration gallery off of Holman City Road - and a 67-foot deep drilled well also off of Holman City Road. Both sources are softened
and then disinfected with chlorine prior to entering the main portion of the distribution system.
SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
A Source Water Assessment has been completed for the SAUQUOIT CONSOLIDATED WATER DIST. Water System. Possible and actual threats
to drinking water source(s) were evaluated. The state source water assessment includes a susceptibility rating based on the risk posed by each
potential source of contamination and how easily contaminants can move through the subsurface to the source(s). The susceptibility rating is an
estimate of the potential for contamination of the source water, it does not mean that the water delivered to consumers is, or will become
contaminated. The Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) is designed to compile, organize and evaluate information to make better decisions
regarding protecting sources of public drinking water. A copy of the assessment, including a map of the assessment area, can be obtained by
contacting us, as noted above.
The land uses around the SAUQUOIT CONSOLIDATED WATER DIST. Water System sources were rated for their potential to cause contamination
to the sources. The Springs rated medium for enteric viruses from land cover. The King Road well ranked medium for protozoa and enteric viruses.
These in combination with low risk of contamination from discrete sources and a high natural sensitivity based on soils, surficial geology, aquifer
information and bedrock geology, created a medium high susceptibility for the sources to contamination. See section "
Are there contaminants in our
drinking water?" for a list of the contaminants that have been detected. The source water assessments provide resource managers with additional
information for protecting source waters into the future.
Based upon the SWAP Report determinations, good judgment should be used and caution should be exercised when determining placement of
certain materials, actions and facilities, including septic systems, high-risk businesses or chemical storage near the source(s). We work hard to
ensure that the source of water for our system is protected from contamination.
GROUNDWATER UNDER THE DIRECT INFLUENCE OF SURFACE WATER (GWUDI) INFORMATION
From 2003-2005, the Oneida County Health Department conducted a study of our water system to determine if our source was under the direct
influence of surface water. Based upon the data collected (e.g. temperature, conductivity, and precipitation), geology, construction methods, and
soils, the OCHD determined that the water source for the water system demonstrates characteristics of a groundwater source that is under the direct
influence of surface water (GWUDI). Therefore, we were required to take action to meet the water treatment standards established by the State. As
of the end of 2011, we are currently using our new well sources. The spring sources are currently offline, but are available in case of emergency.
Therefore, we are in compliance with Federal and State treatment regulations.
ARE THERE CONTAMINANTS IN OUR DRINKING WATER?
As the State regulations require, we routinely test your drinking water for numerous contaminants. These contaminants include total coliform,
inorganic compounds, nitrate, lead and copper, radioactive contaminants, disinfection byproducts, volatile organic compounds, and synthetic organic
compounds. The table presented below depicts which compounds were detected in your drinking water. The State allows us to test for some
Sauquoit Consolidated WD (NY3202407) AWQR - 2011 Calendar Year (OCHD-2/17/2012) Page 2 of 3
contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of our data, though
representative, may be more than one year old.
It should be noted that all drinking water, including bottled drinking water, might be reasonably expected to contain at least small amounts of some
contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants
and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline 800-426-4791 or the Oneida County Health
Department at 315-798-5064.
Table of Detected Contaminants
Contaminant Violation
Yes/No Date of Sample
Level Detected
(Avg/Max)
(Range)
Unit
Measurement
MCLG /
MRDLG
Regulatory Limit
(MCL, MRDL, TT or
AL)
Likely Source of Contamination
Radioactive Contaminants
Radium - 226 No 2008 0.128 (Holman City (HC) Well) pCi/l 0 MCL = 5 Erosion of natural deposits.
Radium - 228 No 2008 0.24 (HC Well) pCi/l 0 MCL = 5 Erosion of natural deposits.
Inorganic Contaminants
No 8/11 2.2 (combined sources)
Arsenic
No (1) 3/07 17 (HC Well) (1)
ug/l N/A MCL = 10 Erosion of natural deposits.
Barium No 9/11 0.017 (combined sources) mg/l 2 MCL = 2 Erosion of natural deposits.
Copper No 9/09 0.13 (2)
(range = 0.038 - 0.24) mg/l 1.3 AL = 1.3 Corrosion of household plumbing systems;
Erosion of natural deposits.
Iron No 8/08 77 (combined sources) ug/l N/A MCL = 300 Naturally occurring.
Lead No 9/09 1.1 (3)
(range = ND - 1.7) ug/l 0 AL = 15 Corrosion of household plumbing systems;
Erosion of natural deposits.
Nickel No 8/08 1.7 (combined sources) ug/l N/A N/A Naturally occurring.
Sodium No 8/08 160 (combined sources) mg/l N/A see Health Effects
(4) Naturally occurring; Water softener system.
Zinc No 8/08 0.018 (combined sources) mg/l N/A MCL = 5 Naturally occurring.
Inorganic Contaminants
Nitrate No 8/11 2.17 (Springs) mg/l 10 MCL = 10 Runoff from fertilizer use; erosion of natural
deposits.
Disinfectants
Chlorine Residual No Daily / Monthly 0.72 (5)
(range = 0.4 - 1.1) mg/l N/A MRDL = 4 (6) Water additive used to control microbes.
Disinfection Byproducts
Haloacetic Acids (mono-, di-, and
trichloroacetic acid, and mono- and
dibromoacetic acid)
No 8/11 2.0 ug/l N/A MCL = 60 By-product of drinking water disinfection
needed to kill harmful organisms.
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs -
chloroform, bromodichloromethane,
dibromochloromethane and
bromoform)
No 8/11 9.5 ug/l N/A MCL = 80
By-product of drinking water chlorination
needed to kill harmful organisms. TTHMs are
formed when source water contains large
amounts of organic matter.
Notes:
1 - This sample was taken from the Holman City Road (HC) Well. This well is a supplemental well that was seldom used as a water source. When it was used, the water from this well is
mixed with the water from the primary sources. The mixing reduces the concentration to a reasonable level as determined through sampling in previous and subsequent years.
However, since it was detected in this source, we are providing the following health effects language
- "Some people who drink water containing arsenic in excess of the MCL over many
years could experience skin damage or problems with their circulatory system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer."
2 - The level presented represents the 90th percentile of the ten (10) sites tested. A percentile is a value on a scale of 100 that indicates the percent of a distribution that is equal to or below it.
The 90th percentile is equal to or greater than 90% of the copper values detected at your water system. In this case, ten (10) samples were collected at your water system and the 90th
percentile value was the ninth highest value. The action level for copper was not exceeded at any of the sites tested.
3 - The level presented represents the 90th percentile of the ten (10) samples collected. The action level for lead was not exceeded at any of the sites tested.
4 - SODIUM HEALTH EFFECTS - Water containing more than 20 mg/l of sodium should not be used for drinking by people on severely restricted sodium diets. Water containing more than
270 mg/l of sodium should not be used for drinking by people on moderately restricted sodium diets.
5 - The levels presented represent the average and range of the levels reported on the microbiological sampling reports.
6 - Value presented represents the Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) which is a level of disinfectant added for water treatment that may not be exceeded at the consumer's tap
without an unacceptable possibility of adverse health effects.
Definitions:
ACTION LEVEL AL The concentration of a contaminant that, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water
system must follow.
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.
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.
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.
Sauquoit Consolidated WD (NY3202407) AWQR - 2011 Calendar Year (OCHD-2/17/2012) Page 3 of 3
Definitions:
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 contamination.
MILLIGRAMS PER LITER mg/l Corresponds to one part of liquid in one million parts of liquid (parts per million - ppm).
MICROGRAMS PER LITER ug/l Corresponds to one part of liquid in one billion parts of liquid (parts per billion - ppb).
NON-DETECTED ND Laboratory analysis indicates that the constituent is not present.
PICOCURIES PER LITER pCi/l A measure of the radioactivity in water.
TREATMENT TECHNIQUE TT A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking.
WHAT DOES THIS INFORMATION MEAN?
We have learned through our testing that some contaminants have
been detected; however, most of these contaminants were detected
below the level allowed by the State and Federal governments. Any
contaminant (i.e. arsenic) found in the Holman City Road well at an
elevated level, is naturally reduced by the mixing of this water with
the water from the spring (or well) sources. The finished or
combined water measurements were well below the maximum level
allowed. Therefore, our customers were not able to drink water with
the elevated levels of these contaminants.
IS OUR WATER SYSTEM MEETING OTHER RULES THAT GOVERN
OPERATIONS?
Last year, our system was in general compliance with most
applicable State drinking water operating, monitoring and reporting
requirements. However, as we have told you in the past, the
Sauquoit Consolidated Water System was in violation (for most of
2011) of the Surface Water Treatment Rule for failure to install
filtration or alternate sources that are not under the influence of
surface water. Therefore, we are required to include the following
statement in this report:
"Inadequately treated water may contain
disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria,
viruses, and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea,
cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches." As of December
2011, we activated our new well system and shut down our spring
system. Currently the springs are disconnected but are available in
case of emergency. Therefore, we are currently in compliance with
the Federal and State water treatment requirements.
LEAD INFORMATION
The Federal Lead and Copper Rule requires us to include the
following information about Lead in drinking water with our Annual
Water Quality Report. "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. Our
water system 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.
DO I NEED TO TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS?
Some people may be more vulnerable to disease causing
microorganisms or pathogens 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 from their health care
provider about their drinking water. EPA/CDC guidelines on
appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium,
Giardia and other microbial pathogens are available from the Safe
Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).
WHY SAVE WATER AND HOW TO AVOID WASTING IT?
Although our system has an adequate amount of water to meet
present and future demands, there are a number of reasons why it is
important to conserve water:
♦ Saving water saves energy and some of the costs associated
with both of these necessities of life;
♦ Saving water reduces the cost of energy required to pump water
and the need to construct costly new wells, pumping systems
and water towers; and
♦ Saving water lessens the strain on the water system during a
dry spell or drought, helping to avoid severe water use
restrictions so that essential fire fighting needs are met.
You can play a role in conserving water by becoming conscious of
the amount of water your household is using, and by looking for ways
to use less whenever you can. It is not hard to conserve water.
Conservation tips include:
♦ Automatic dishwashers use 15 gallons for every cycle,
regardless of how many dishes are loaded. So get a run for
your money and load it to capacity.
♦ Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.
♦ Check every faucet in your home for leaks. Just a slow drip can
waste 15 to 20 gallons a day. Fix it up and you can save almost
6,000 gallons per year.
♦ Check your toilets for leaks by putting a few drops of food
coloring in the tank - watch for a few minutes to see if the color
shows up in the bowl. It is not uncommon to lose up to 100
gallons a day from one of these otherwise invisible toilet leaks.
Fix it and you save more than 30,000 gallons a year.
CLOSING
Thank you for allowing us to continue to provide your family with
quality drinking water this year. In order to maintain a safe and
dependable water supply we sometimes need to make improvements
that will benefit all of our customers. The costs of these
improvements may be reflected in the rate structure. Rate
adjustments may be necessary in order to address these
improvements. We ask that all our customers help us protect our
water sources, which are the heart of our community. Please call our
office if you have questions.
