HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-CCR-LECONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY IDENTIFICATION (PWSID): 1820009 P AGE 1
Lake Elmo
2017 DRINKING WATER REPORT
Making Safe Drinking Water
Your drinking water comes from a groundwater source: three wells ranging from 285 to 805 feet deep,
that draw water from the Prairie Du Chien-Jordan, Jordan-Mt.Simon and Jordan aquifers.
Lake Elmo works hard to provide you with safe and reliable drinking water that meets federal and state
water quality requirements. The purpose of this report is to provide you with information on your drinking
water and how to protect our precious water resources.
Contact Rob Weldon, Public Works Director, at 651-747-3941 or rweldon@lakeelmo.org if you have
questions about Lake Elmo’s drinking water. You can also ask for information about how you can take part
in decisions that may affect water quality.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets safe drinking water standards. These standards limit the
amounts of specific contaminants allowed in drinking water. This ensures that tap water is safe to drink for
most people. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates the amount of certain contaminants in
bottled water. Bottled water must provide the same public health protection as public tap water.
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 at 1-800-426-4791.
Lake Elmo Monitoring Results
This report contains our monitoring results from January 1 to December 31, 2017.
We work with the Minnesota Department of Health to test drinking water for more than 100
contaminants. It is not unusual to detect contaminants in small amounts. No water supply is ever
completely free of contaminants. Drinking water standards protect Minnesotans from substances
that may be harmful to their health.
Learn more by visiting the Minnesota Department of Health’s webpage Basics of Monitoring and
Testing of Drinking Water in Minnesota
(http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/water/factsheet/com/sampling.html).
How to Read the Water Quality Data Tables
The tables below show the contaminants we found last year or the most recent time we sampled for that
contaminant. They also show the levels of those contaminants and the Environmental Protection Agency’s
limits. Substances that we tested for but did not find are not included in the tables.
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PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY IDENTIFICATION (PWSID): 1820009 P AGE 2
We sample for some contaminants less than once a year because their levels in water are not expected to
change from year to year. If we found any of these contaminants the last time we sampled for them, we
included them in the tables below with the detection date.
We may have done additional monitoring for contaminants that are not included in the Safe Drinking
Water Act. To request a copy of these results, call the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-4700
or 1-800-818-9318 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Definitions
AL (Action Level): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or
other requirements which a water system must follow.
EPA: Environmental Protection Agency
MCL (Maximum contaminant level): 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.
MCLG (Maximum contaminant level goal): 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.
Level 1 Assessment: A Level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential
problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water
system.
Level 2 Assessment: A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify
potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or
why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.
MRDL (Maximum residual disinfectant level): 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.
MRDLG (Maximum residual disinfectant level goal): 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.
NA (Not applicable): Does not apply.
NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units): A measure of the cloudiness of the water (turbidity).
pCi/l (picocuries per liter): A measure of radioactivity.
ppb (parts per billion): One part per billion in water is like one drop in one billion drops of water, or
about one drop in a swimming pool. ppb is the same as micrograms per liter (μg/l).
ppm (parts per million): One part per million is like one drop in one million drops of water, or
about one cup in a swimming pool. ppm is the same as milligrams per liter (mg/l).
PWSID: Public water system identification.
TT (Treatment Technique): A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in
drinking water.
Variances and Exemptions: State or EPA permission not to meet an MCL or a treatment technique
under certain conditions.
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY IDENTIFICATION (PWSID): 1820009 P AGE 3
Water Quality Data Tables
LEAD AND COPPER – Tested at customer taps.
Contaminant
(Date, if sampled
in previous year)
EPA’s
Action
Level
EPA’s
Ideal
Goal
(MCLG)
90% of
Results Were
Less Than
Number
of
Homes
with
High
Levels
Violation Typical Sources
Copper
(07/31/17)
90% of
homes
less
than 1.3
ppm
0 ppm 0.12 ppm 0 out of
20
NO Corrosion of
household
plumbing.
Lead (07/31/17) 90% of
homes
less
than 15
ppb
0 ppb 3.9 ppb 0 out of
20
NO Corrosion of
household
plumbing.
INORGANIC & ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS – Tested in drinking water.
Contaminant (Date, if
sampled in previous
year)
EPA’s
Limit
(MCL)
EPA’s
Ideal
Goal
(MCLG)
Highest
Average or
Highest Single
Test Result
Range of
Detected
Test
Results
Violation Typical
Sources
Nitrate 10.4
ppm
10 ppm 4 ppm 1.20 - 4.00
ppm
NO Runoff from
fertilizer use;
Leaching from
septic tanks,
sewage;
Erosion of
natural
deposits.
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PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY IDENTIFICATION (PWSID): 1820009 P AGE 4
CONTAMINANTS RELATED TO DISINFECTION – Tested in drinking water.
Substance (Date, if
sampled in
previous year)
EPA’s Limit
(MCL or
MRDL)
EPA’s
Ideal Goal
(MCLG or
MRDLG)
Highest
Average or
Highest Single
Test Result
Range of
Detected
Test
Results
Violation Typical Sources
Total
Trihalomethanes
(TTHMs)
80 ppb N/A 5.8 ppb N/A NO By-product of
drinking water
disinfection.
Total Chlorine 4.0 ppm 4.0 ppm 0.52 ppm 0.35 -
0.70 ppm
NO Water additive used
to control microbes.
Total HAA refers to HAA5
OTHER SUBSTANCES – Tested in drinking water.
Substance (Date, if
sampled in previous
year)
EPA’s
Limit
(MCL)
EPA’s
Ideal Goal
(MCLG)
Highest Average or
Highest Single Test
Result
Range of
Detected
Test
Results
Violation Typical
Sources
Fluoride 4.0 ppm 4.0 ppm 0.78 ppm 0.55 -
0.84
ppm
NO Erosion of
natural
deposits;
Water
additive to
promote
strong teeth.
Potential Health Effects and Corrective Actions (If Applicable)
Fluoride: Fluoride is nature's cavity fighter, with small amounts present naturally in many
drinking water sources. There is an overwhelming weight of credible, peer-reviewed,
scientific evidence that fluoridation reduces tooth decay and cavities in children and adults,
even when there is availability of fluoride from other sources, such as fluoride toothpaste
and mouth rinses. Since studies show that optimal fluoride levels in drinking water benefit
public health, municipal community water systems adjust the level of fluoride in the water to
a concentration between 0.5 to 1.5 parts per million (ppm), with an optimal fluoridation goal
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PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY IDENTIFICATION (PWSID): 1820009 P AGE 5
between 0.7 and 1.2 ppm to protect your teeth. Fluoride levels below 2.0 ppm are not
expected to increase the risk of a cosmetic condition known as enamel fluorosis.
Some People Are More Vulnerable to Contaminants in Drinking Water
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. The developing fetus and therefore pregnant women
may also be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water. These people or their caregivers should
seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/Centers for Disease Control (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 at 1-800-426-4791.
Learn More about Your Drinking Water
Drinking Water Sources
Minnesota’s primary drinking water sources are groundwater and surface water. Groundwater is the water
found in aquifers beneath the surface of the land. Groundwater supplies 75 percent of Minnesota’s
drinking water. Surface water is the water in lakes, rivers, and streams above the surface of the land.
Surface water supplies 25 percent of Minnesota’s drinking water.
Contaminants can get in drinking water sources from the natural environment and from people’s daily
activities. There are five main types of contaminants in drinking water sources.
▪ Microbial contaminants, such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Sources include sewage treatment
plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, pets, and wildlife.
▪ Inorganic contaminants include salts and metals from natural sources (e.g. rock and soil), oil and gas
production, mining and farming operations, urban stormwater runoff, and wastewater discharges.
▪ Pesticides and herbicides are chemicals used to reduce or kill unwanted plants and pests. Sources
include agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and commercial and residential properties.
▪ Organic chemical contaminants include synthetic and volatile organic compounds. Sources include
industrial processes and petroleum production, gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic
systems.
▪ Radioactive contaminants such as radium, thorium, and uranium isotopes come from natural sources
(e.g. radon gas from soils and rock), mining operations, and oil and gas production.
The Minnesota Department of Health provides information about your drinking water source(s) in a source
water assessment, including:
▪ How Lake Elmo is protecting your drinking water source(s);
▪ Nearby threats to your drinking water sources;
▪ How easily water and pollution can move from the surface of the land into drinking water sources,
based on natural geology and the way wells are constructed.
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PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY IDENTIFICATION (PWSID): 1820009 P AGE 6
Find your source water assessment at Source Water Assessments
(www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/water/swp/swa/) or call 651-201-4700 or 1-800-818-9318 between 8:00
a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Lead in Drinking Water
You may be in contact with lead through paint, water, dust, soil, food, hobbies, or your job. Coming in
contact with lead can cause serious health problems for everyone. There is no safe level of lead. Babies,
children under six years, and pregnant women are at the highest risk.
Lead is rarely in a drinking water source, but it can get in your drinking water as it passes through lead
service lines and your household plumbing system. Lake Elmo provides high quality drinking water, but it
cannot control the plumbing materials used in private buildings.
Read below to learn how you can protect yourself from lead in drinking water.
1. Let the water run for 30-60 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking if the water has not been
turned on in over six hours. If you have a lead service line, you may need to let the water run longer. A
service line is the underground pipe that brings water from the main water pipe under the street to
your home.
▪ You can find out if you have a lead service line by contacting your public water system, or you can
check by following the steps at: Are your pipes made of lead? Here's a quick way to find out
(https://www.mprnews.org/story/2016/06/24/npr-find-lead-pipes-in-your-home).
▪ The only way to know if lead has been reduced by letting it run is to check with a test. If letting
the water run does not reduce lead, consider other options to reduce your exposure.
2. Use cold water for drinking, making food, and making baby formula. Hot water releases more lead
from pipes than cold water.
3. Test your water. In most cases, letting the water run and using cold water for drinking and cooking
should keep lead levels low in your drinking water. If you are still concerned about lead, arrange with
a laboratory to test your tap water. Testing your water is important if young children or pregnant
women drink your tap water.
▪ Contact a Minnesota Department of Health accredited laboratory to get a sample container and
instructions on how to submit a sample:
Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program
(https://apps.health.state.mn.us/eldo/public/accreditedlabs/labsearch.seam)
The Minnesota Department of Health can help you understand your test results.
4. Treat your water if a test shows your water has high levels of lead after you let the water run.
▪ Read about water treatment units:
Point-of-Use Water Treatment Units for Lead Reduction
(http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/water/factsheet/com/poulead.html)
Learn more:
▪ Visit Lead in Drinking Water
(http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/water/contaminants/lead.html#Protect)
▪ Visit Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water (http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead)
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PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY IDENTIFICATION (PWSID): 1820009 P AGE 7
▪ Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.To learn about how to reduce your
contact with lead from sources other than your drinking water, visit Lead Poisoning Prevention:
Common Sources (http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/lead/sources.html).
Help Protect Our Most Precious Resource – Water
Conservation
Conservation is essential, even in the land of 10,000 lakes. For example, in parts of the metropolitan
area, groundwater is being used faster than it can be replaced. Some agricultural regions in Minnesota
are vulnerable to drought, which can affect crop yields and municipal water supplies.
We must use our water wisely. Below are some tips to help you and your family conserve – and save
money in the process.
▪ Fix running toilets—they can waste hundreds of gallons of water.
▪ Turn off the tap while shaving or brushing your teeth.
▪ Shower instead of bathe. Bathing uses more water than showering, on average.
▪ Only run full loads of laundry, and set the washing machine to the correct water level.
▪ Only run the dishwasher when it’s full.
▪ Use water-efficient appliances (look for the WaterSense label).
▪ Use water-friendly landscaping, such as native plants.
▪ When you do water your yard, water slowly, deeply, and less frequently. Water early in the morning
and close to the ground.
▪ Learn more
▪ Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Conserving Water webpage
(https://www.pca.state.mn.us/living-green/conserving-water)
▪ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense webpage
(https://www.epa.gov/watersense)