Drinking Water Consumer Confidence Report For 2010
The Jefferson Water and Sewer District has prepared the following report to provide information to you, the consumer, the quality of our drinking water. Included within this report is general health information, water quality test results, how to participate in decisions concerning your drinking water and water system contacts.
What's the source of your drinking water?
The Jefferson Water and Sewer District receives its drinking water from three-groundwater supply wells located adjacent to the treatment plant site, and two wells located at the Wengert Road Wellfield. A Wellhead Protection Plan has been developed by the District that details the susceptibility of the District’s source water and the potential sources of contamina-tion in the adjacent area. A copy of this document may be examined at the District’s offices at 6455 Taylor Rd.
For emergency purposes, such as line breaks, fires, droughts, etc. the District is able to receive potable water from a connection with Southwest Licking Community Water and Sewer District.
What are sources of contamination to drinking water?
The sources of drinking water both tap water and bottled water includes 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: (A) Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations and wildlife; (B) Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming; (C) Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses; (D) Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban Storm water runoff, and septic systems; (E) radioactive contaminants, which 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, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health. 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 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 (1-800-426-4791).
Who needs to take special precautions?
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 infection. 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 (1-800-426-4791).
About your drinking water.
The EPA requires regular sampling to ensure drinking water safety. The Jefferson Water and Sewer District conducted various sampling for bacteria; volatile organic contaminants during 2010, to comply with the standards set by the EPA. Samples were collected for various contaminants, most of which were not detected in the Jefferson Water and Sewer District water supply. The Ohio EPA also requires the Jefferson Water and Sewer District to monitor for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently.
EPA SAFE DRINKING WATER HOTLINE
1-800-426-4791
For any questions dealing with water quality
Lead and Drinking Water
Infants and young children are typically more vulnerable to lead in the 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 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 (1-800-426-4791).
Infants and 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 develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.
How do I participate in decisions concerning my drinking water?
Public participation and comment are encouraged at regular meetings of the Jefferson Water and Sewer District, which meets at 7:00 pm on the first Thursday and 7:00 pm on the third Thursday of each month.
For more information on your drinking water contact Russ Seevers at JWSD - (614)864-0740.
Definitions of some terms contained within this report.
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 Contaminant level (MCL): The highest level of contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
Parts per Million (ppm) or Milligrams per Liter (mg/L) are units of measure for concentration of a contaminant. A part per million corresponds to one second in a little over 11.5 days.
Parts per Billion (ppb) or Micrograms per Liter (ug/L) are units of measure for concentration of a contaminant. A part per billion corresponds to one second in 31.7 years.
Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant, which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.
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Jefferson Water & Sewer District