Annual Water Quality Report Template

Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for 2008

Town of Erwin – Morningside Heights Water District

117 W. Water Street, Painted Post, NY 14870

(Public Water Supply ID#5001212)

INTRODUCTION

To comply with State regulations, Town of Erwin Morningside Heights 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, your tap water met all State drinking water health standards. We are proud to report that our system did not violate a maximum contaminant level or any other water quality standard. This report provides an overview of last year’s water quality. 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 our Water Billing Clerk, Deborah Smith, at (607) 936-4645. We want you to be informed about your drinking water. If you want to learn more or have questions concerning this report, you may call or stop by our billing office in the Erwin Town Hall, located at 117 W. Water St., Painted Post, NY 14870. The office is open Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. The Town Board meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM in the Erwin Town Hall 117 W Water St., Painted Post, NY 14870.

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 which 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 source is a groundwater source consisting of four wells at three different locations. The Industrial Park Well is located on St. Rte. 417. Wells #2 & #3 are on Morningside Drive in Gang Mills, and Well #4 is located on Canada Rd. The water is disinfected with a chlorine solution and fluoride is added for the prevention of dental caries. Finally a polyphoshate is added for the purpose of sequestering calcium and iron prior to distribution.

A source water assessment report will be included when it is available from the New York State Department of Health.

FACTS AND FIGURES

Our water system serves approximately 2950 people through 1442 permanent metered connections. The total water produced in 2008 was 227,980,000 gallons. The daily average amount of water pumped and treated was 606,301 gallons, while the maximum amount of water produced in a single day was 1,239,000 gallons. The amount of water delivered to customers was 181,980,000 gallons. Water that did not go to customers which was used to flush mains, fight fires and leaks that were detected and repaired was 14,082,800. This leaves an unaccounted for total of 31,917,200 gallons (14% of the total amount produced). In 2008, water customers were charged $ 1.50 per 100 /cubic feet of water, or $1.50 for 750 gallons. On average the annual cost per household was $200.

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, nitrite, lead and copper, volatile organic compounds, and synthetic organic compounds. None of the compounds we analyzed for were detected in your drinking water.

The table presented below depicts which compounds were detected in your drinking water. The State allows us to test for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of our data, though representative, are more than one year old. It should be noted that all drinking water, including bottled drinking water, may 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 NYSDOH – Hornell District Office at (607) 324-8371.

Table of Detected Contaminants

Contaminant

Violation

Yes/No

Date of Sample

Level Detected

(Avg/Max)

(Range)

Unit

Measure-ment

MCLG

Regulatory Limit (MCL, TT or AL)

Likely Source of Contamination

Inorganic Contaminants

Asbestos

8/2007

<0.190

MFL

N/A

Erosion of pipe

Barium

6/2006^*

.17

mg/l

Discharge of drilling wastes; Discharge from metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits.

Nitrate as N

ID Park

Well #2

Well #3

Well #4

09/16/08

11/04/08

1.14

1.18

1.22

2.64

mg/l

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

Sulfate

6/2006^*

mg/l

N/A

250

Naturally occurring.

Copper

8/2007

90% = 0.185

Range:

ND-0.37

mg/l

1.3

AL = 1.3

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives.

Lead

8/2007

90% = 2.0

Range:

ND - 2.0

ug/l

AL = 15

Corrosion of household plumbing; Erosion of natural deposits

Fluoride

Monthly

0.4 –1.2

mg/l

N/A

2.2

Water additive to promote strong teeth

Synthetic Organic Contaminants

Total Tri-halomethanes

8/2007

35.9

ug/l

N/A

By product of drinking water cholorination needed to kill harmful organisms TTHMs are formed when source water contains large amounts of organic matter.

Haloacetic Acids

8/2007

1.6

ug/l

N/A

By-product of drinking water Chlorination

Selenium

6/2006*

2.8

ug/l

Discharge from petroleum and metal refineries, erosion of natural deposits, and discharge from mines

Radiological

ID Park

Radium

226/228

09/11/07

10/09/07

0.08 / 0.9

0.2/ 0.23

pCi/L

Combined Rad 226 & 228: 5

Erosion of natural deposits

Well #4

Radium

226/228

10/31/07

09/11/07

04/15/08

03/18/08

0.21 / 1.0

0.9 / 0.28

228: 0.16

228: 0.78

pCi/L

Combined Rad 226 & 228: 5

Eosion of natural deposits

Well #2

Radium

226/228

6/26/07

10/9/07

03/04/08

.09 / 0.0

0.14 / 0.23

228: 0.0

pCi/L

Combined Rad 226 & 228: 5

Erosion of natural deposits

Well #3

Radium 226

Radium 228

6/26/07

10/9/07

03/04/08

.07 / .07

.14 / .17

228: 0.0

pCi/L

Combined Rad 226 & 228: 5

Erosion of natural deposits

Well #5

Radium 226

Radium 228

9/11/07

10/9/07

.08 / 0.9

.2 / .23

pCi/L

Combined Rad 226 & 228: 5

Erosion of natural deposits

ID Park

Radon

02/20/07

830

pCi/L

No Standard in place

Erosion of natural deposits

*Composite sample Wells #2, 3, 4 and Industrial Park

Notes:

(1) – The level presented represents the 90^thpercentile of the 10 samples collected. The action level for lead was not exceeded at any of the 10 sites tested.

(2) - The level presented represents the 90^thpercentile of the 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 90^th percentile is equal to or greater than 90% of the copper values detected at your water system. In this case, 10 samples were collected at your water system and the 90^th percentile value was the 1.03 mg/l value. The action level for copper was not exceeded at any of the sites tested.

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.

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.

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.

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 required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

Non-Detects (ND): Laboratory analysis indicates that the constituent is not present.

Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU): A measure of the clarity of water. Turbidity in excess of 5 NTU is just noticeable to the average person.

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).

Nanograms per liter (ng/l): Corresponds to one part of liquid to one trillion parts of liquid (parts per trillion - ppt).

Picograms per liter (pg/l): Corresponds to one part per of liquid to one quadrillion parts of liquid (parts per quadrillion – ppq).

Picocuries per liter (pCi/L): A measure of the radioactivity in water.

Millirems per year (mrem/yr): A measure of radiation absorbed by the body.

Million Fibers per Liter (MFL): A measure of the presence of asbestos fibers that are longer than 10 micrometers.

WHAT DOES THIS INFORMATION MEAN?

As you can see by the table, our system had no violations. We have learned through our testing that some contaminants have been detected; however, these contaminants were detected below the level allowed by the State.

IS OUR WATER SYSTEM MEETING OTHER RULES THAT GOVERN OPERATIONS?

During this past year, our system was in compliance with applicable State drinking water operating, monitoring and reporting requirements.

INFORMATION ON RADON

Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas found in soil and outdoor air that may also be found in drinking water and indoor air. Some people exposed to elevated radon levels over many years in drinking water may have an increased risk of getting cancer. The main risk is lung cancer from radon entering indoor air from soil under homes.

In 2007 we collected a sample from the ID Park well that was analyzed for radon. The result was 830 picocuries/liter (pCi/l)). There is currently no standard for the amount of radon in drinking water. For additional information call your state radon program (1-800-458-1158) or call EPA’s Radon Hotline (1-800-SOS-Radon).

DO I NEED TO TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS?

Although our drinking water met or exceeded state and federal regulations, 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).

INFORMATION ON FLUORIDE ADDITION

Our system is one of the many drinking water systems in New York State that provides drinking water with a controlled, low level of fluoride for consumer dental health protection. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control, fluoride is very effective in preventing cavities when present in drinking water at an optimal range from 0.8 to 1.2 mg/l (parts per million). To ensure that the fluoride supplement in your water provides optimal dental protection, the State Department of Health requires that we monitor fluoride levels on a daily basis. During 2008 monitoring showed fluoride levels in your water were in the optimal range 98% of the time.

GENERAL INFORMATION ON LEAD IN DRINKING WATER:

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women, infants, and young children. 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. The Morningside Heights Water District 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 (1-800-426-4791) or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

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.

¨ Use your water meter to detect hidden leaks. Simply turn off all taps and water using appliances, then check the meter after 15 minutes. If it moved, you have a leak.

Water System Improvements

The Town has received a $1 million grant from the Federal Economic Development Agency to establish a new well. Construction began in November 2008. The new well will be in production in June 2009. The Town has received a $2 million grant and a $4.304 million interest free, 30 year loan to extend water to the hamlets of Coopers Plains and Long Acres. The project design was 90% complete and all involved regulatory agencies were reviewing the plans and specifications for approval. Construction will be completed in 2009. As a part of our annual maintenance, the 100,000 gallon water storage tank on Overbrook Road was painted.

Closing

Thank you for allowing us to continue to provide your family with quality drinking water this year. 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 at (607) 936-4645.

NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT CERTIFICATION FORM

Community Water System Name: Town of Erwin Morningside Heights Water District

Community Water System Address: 117 West Water Street, Painted Post, New York 14870

PWS ID#: 500 1212

The community water system named above hereby confirms that is Annual Water Quality Report has been distributed to customers (and appropriate notices of availability have been given). Further, the system certifies that the information contained in the report is correct and consistent with the compliance monitoring data previously submitted to the health department.

Certified by: Name: ELWIN TERWILLIGER

Title: CHIEF WATER PLANT OPERATOR

Phone #:(607) 962-3284 Date: May 2, 2009

Please indicate how your report was distributed to your customers: DATE:

x Annual Water Quality Report was distributed to bill-paying customers by mail.

Annual Water Quality Report was distributed to bill-paying customers by direct delivery

(Please specify the direct delivery method used.)

Hand delivered.

_______ Published in local paper (i.e., Penny Saver) that was directly delivered or mailed to all bill-paying customers.

Published in local municipal newsletter that was directly delivered or mailed.

____x__ Other (please specify) Posted in two (2) nursing homes and four (4) apartment complexes.

System does not have bill-paying customers.

For systems serving at least 100,000 persons, in addition to distributing your report using the methods described above, your Annual Water Quality Report must also be posted on the Internet.

Annual Water Quality Report is posted on the Internet at www.erwinny.org

Please indicate what “Good Faith” efforts were used to reach non-bill paying consumers. Those efforts included the following methods as recommended by the New York State Department of Health.

__X__ Posting the Annual Water Quality Report on the Internet at www.erwinny.org.

_____ Mailing the Annual Water Quality Report to postal patrons within the service area.

_____ Advertising the availability of the Annual Water Quality Report in the news media.

_____ Publication of the Annual Water Quality Report in a local newspaper.

_____ Posting the Annual Water Quality Report in public places (attach a list of locations).

__X__ Delivery of multiple copies to single-bill addresses serving several persons such as: apartments, businesses, and large

private employers.

_____ Delivery to community organizations.

Signature