In this table you will find many terms and abbreviations you might not be familiar with. To help you better understand these terms we've provided the following definitions:
Non-Detects (ND) - laboratory analysis indicates that the constituent is not present.
Parts per million (ppm) or Milligrams per liter (mg/l) - one part per million corresponds to one minute in two years or a single penny in $10,000.
Parts per billion (ppb) or Micrograms per liter - one part per billion corresponds to one minute in 2,000 years, or a single penny in $10,000,000.
Parts per trillion (ppt) or Nanograms per liter (nanograms/l) - one part per trillion corresponds to one minute in 2,000,000 years, or a single penny in $10,000,000,000.
Parts per quadrillion (ppq) or Picograms per liter (picograms/l) - one part per quadrillion corresponds to one minute in 2,000,000,000 years or one penny in $10,000,000,000,000.
Picocuries per liter (pCi/L) - picocuries per liter is a measure of the radioactivity in water.
Millirems per year (mrem/yr) - measure of radiation absorbed by the body.
Million Fibers per Liter (MFL) - million fibers per liter is a measure of the presence of asbestos fibers that are longer than 10 micrometers.
Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) - nephelometric turbidity unit is a measure of the clarity of water. Turbidity in excess of 5 NTU is just noticeable to the average person.
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.
Maximum Contaminant Level - The “Maximum Allowed” (MCL) is 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 - The “Goal”(MCLG) is 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.
|
TEST RESULTS |
|
Contaminant
|
Violation
Y/N |
Level Detected/
Range |
Sample Date
(if prior to 2008)
|
MCLG |
MCL |
Likely Source of Contamination |
|
Microbiological Contaminants |
|
Coliform (TRC) |
NO |
.42/
.24 - .42 |
8-28-07 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Inorganic Contaminants |
|
Copper
(ppm)
|
NO |
.21/
nd - .2400
|
|
1.3 |
AL=1.3 |
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching from wood preservatives |
|
Lead
(ppb) |
NO |
3.7/
.55-4.80 |
|
0 |
AL=15 |
Corrosion of household plumbing systems, Erosion of natural deposits; |
|
Chromium
(ppb) |
NO |
2/
1-2 |
|
100 |
100 |
Discharge from steel & pulp mills; Erosion of natural deposits |
|
Sodium
(ppm) |
NO |
173.33/
130.00-250.00
|
|
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Barium
(ppm) |
NO |
.004/
.001-.006 |
|
2 |
2 |
Discharge from drilling wastes; Discharge from metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits. |
|
Fluoride
(ppm) |
NO |
1.3/
1.3-1.4 |
|
4 |
4 |
Erosion of natural deposits; Water additive which promotes strong teeth; Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories. |
|
Nickel
(ppb) |
NO |
2.8333 /
nd-7.8000 |
|
0 |
100 |
Nickel occurs naturally in soils, ground water and surface waters and is often used in electroplating, stainless steel and alloy products |
|
Radioactive Contaminants |
|
Radium
|
NO |
4.2/
4.2 |
|
0 |
5 |
Erosion of natural deposits |
|
Unregulated Contaminants |
|
Bromodichl Oromethane
(ppb) |
NO |
.60
.30-.60 |
8/28/07 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Bromoform
(ppb) |
NO |
.34
.34 |
|
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Chloroform
(ppb) |
NO |
.42
.24-.42 |
8/27/07 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Dibromochl Oromethane
(ppb) |
NO |
.31
.31 |
|
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Volatile Organic Contaminants |
|
TTHM
(ppb) |
NO |
1.8
1.1-1.8 |
8/28/07 |
0 |
80 |
By-product of drinking water chlorination |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Contaminants Required to be Tested
This includes all contaminants that were required to be tested in the last 5 years.
|
Contaminant Group |
# of Contaminants |
|
Inorganic Contaminants |
16 |
|
Microbiological Contaminants |
2 |
|
Disinfection Byproducts |
1 |
|
Radioactive Contaminants |
2 |
|
Synthetic Organic Contaminants including Pesticides & Herbicides |
23 |
|
Unregulated Contaminants |
4 |
|
Volatile Organic Contaminants |
21 |
As you can see by the table, our system had no 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. The EPA has determined that your water IS SAFE at these levels.
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 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using tap water. Additional information is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).
All 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.
In our continuing efforts to maintain a safe and dependable water supply it may be necessary to make improvements in your water system. The costs of these improvements may be reflected in the rate structure. Rate adjustments may be necessary in order to address these improvements.
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, 1-800-426-4791.
We at Combined Locks 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.
NOTE TO REPORT: The Kimberly Water Utility has increased the level of chlorination in the water supply to reduce the risk of unacceptably high levels of iron in the water supply. It should be noted, however, that the level of chlorination in the water supply is still at a level that is substantially below the allowable amount for the system.