Deansboro WD (NY3202387) AWQR - 2010 Calendar Year (OCHD-2/2/2011) Page 1 of 4
Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for 2010
Town of Marshall - Deansboro Water District
PO Box 242 - Deansboro, NY 13328
(Public Water Supply ID#NY 3202387)
INTRODUCTION
To comply with State and Federal regulations, the Town of Marshall - Deansboro Water District is issuing this 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. 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 Morris Sturdevant, Water Superintendent at 315-821-
6177 or Dan Yoxall, Assistant Water Superintendent at 315-841-3256. We want you to be informed about your drinking water. If you want to learn
more, please attend any of our regularly scheduled Water Advisory Board meetings. The meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month at
6:00PM at the Town of Marshall Town Hall, Water District Office, Rt 12B, Deansboro.
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 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 system serves approximately 450 people through 143 service connections. Our water sources are drawn from two separate areas located
west of the Hamlet of Deansboro off West Hill Road. The sources are two series of springs and an unnamed tributary brook. One of the springs is
not filtered. The other two sources are considered surface water or groundwater under the influence of surface water and are therefore filtered via
the slow sand filters. After sedimentation and filtration, the water flows to a collection tank. From there, the water is pumped to the water treatment
plant and is injected with sodium hypochlorite solution (liquid chlorine) before it enters the storage tank on West Hill Road. The treated water flows
from the tank via gravity throughout the system.
SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
A Source Water Assessment has been completed for the DEANSBORO WD 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 DEANSBORO WD Water System sources were rated for their potential to cause contamination to the sources. The
Cheeseboro and Van Swallow springs were considered at a medium risk for contaminants related to agriculture. These include a medium risk for
pesticides, nitrates, protozoa, enteric bacteria and viruses, and Disinfection By-Product precursors. The Steinman springs also reflect these
contaminant concerns. When combined with a low risk of contamination from discrete sources and a high natural sensitivity based on soils, surficial
geology, aquifer information and bedrock geology, this created a medium high to high susceptibility for the source 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 animal feed lots, manure storage piles, or chemical storage in and around the areas adjacent to the
sources. 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 has 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 are required to filter our water to meet the water treatment standards established by the
State. We are in the process of designing and preparing for installation of two new filter beds to handle the Goodsen Spring as well as our
emergency reservoir source. We expect work to begin this spring and summer. In addition, recent raw water sampling indicated our sources will
need additional treatment to ensure the water is free from contamination. Therefore, we are expecting to install Ultraviolet Disinfection on the water
lines to reduce any risks associated with microbiological contamination in our water. This is expected to be completed during 2011.
Deansboro WD (NY3202387) AWQR - 2010 Calendar Year (OCHD-2/2/2011) Page 2 of 4
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, 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
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, 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 Oneida County Health
Department at 315-798-5064.
Highest single Turbidity measurement in the year (with level and date) 1-25-10 was 1.15 NTU Month with highest number
of measurements above 1.0 NTU (with number of days above 1). Jan. 2010, 1 day only above 1.0 (25th @ 1.15 NTU)
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
Physical Parameters
Turbidity No 1/25/2010 1.15 (highest single measurement) (1) TT = <1.0 NTU
Turbidity No January
2010
97% ≤ 1.0 (lowest monthly percentage
of samples meeting specified limits)
NTU N/A
TT = 95% of
samples < 1.0 NTU
Soil Runoff.
Radioactive Contaminants
Gross alpha activity (including 0.62 (Goodsen Spring)
radium - 226 but excluding radon
and uranium)
No 2008
1.41 (Filtered Springs)
pCi/l 0 MCL=15
0.0289 (Goodsen Spring)
Radium - 226 No 2008
0.0939 (Filtered Springs)
pCi/l 0 MCL=5
1.84 (Goodsen Spring)
Radium - 228 No 2008
0.0387 (Filtered Springs)
pCi/l 0 MCL=5
Erosion of natural deposits.
Inorganic Contaminants
Barium No 12/10 0.14 mg/l 2 MCL = 2 Erosion of natural deposits.
Copper No 8/10 0.365 (2)
(range = 0.036 - 0.40) mg/l 1.3 AL = 1.3 Corrosion of household plumbing
systems; Erosion of natural deposits.
Fluoride (Distribution System) No 12/10 0.11 mg/l N/A MCL = 2.2 Erosion of natural deposits.
Lead No 8/10 1.75 (3)
(range = ND - 1.9) ug/l 0 AL = 15 Corrosion of household plumbing
systems; Erosion of natural deposits.
Nickel No 12/10 3.9 ug/l N/A MCL = N/A Erosion of natural deposits.
Inorganics - Nitrate and Nitrite
Nitrate No Quarterly 4.02 (4)
(range = 3.57 - 4.46) mg/l 10 MCL = 10 Runoff from fertilizer use; Erosion of
natural deposits.
Disinfectants
Chlorine Residual No Daily/
Monthly
0.48 (5)
(range = 0.2 - 0.84) mg/l N/A MRDL = 4 (6) Water additive used to control microbes.
Disinfection Byproducts
Haloacetic Acids (mono-, di-, and
trichloroacetic acid, and monoand
dibromoacetic acid)
No 8/10 25 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 8/10 17 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 - Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water. We test it because it is a good indicator of the effectiveness of our filtration system. Our highest single entry point (pre-distribution
system) turbidity measurement (1.15 NTU) for the year occurred on (January 25, 2010). State regulations require that turbidity must always be below 5 NTU. The regulations require that
95% of the turbidity samples collected have measurements below 1.0 NTU. Turbidity levels recorded during 2010 were within the acceptable range allowed.
2 - The level presented represents the 90th percentile of the 5 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, the 90th percentile was the average of the two highest values. The action
level for copper was not exceeded at any of the 5 sites tested.
3 - The level presented represents the 90th percentile of the 5 sites tested. The action level for lead was not exceeded at any of the sites tested.
4 - This level represents the average and range of results of quarterly sampling.
5 - This level represents the running annual average and range of results of monthly sampling.
Deansboro WD (NY3202387) AWQR - 2010 Calendar Year (OCHD-2/2/2011) Page 3 of 4
Notes:
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. MRDLs are currently not regulated but in the future they will be enforceable in the same manner as MCLs.
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.
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).
NEPHELOMETRIC TURBIDITY UNIT NTU A measure of the clarity of water. Turbidity in excess of 5 NTU is just noticeable to the average person.
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?
As you can see by the table, our system had no violations, but we have learned through our testing that some contaminants have been detected;
however, these contaminants were detected below New York State requirements.
IS OUR WATER SYSTEM MEETING OTHER RULES THAT GOVERN OPERATIONS?
During 2010, our system was in compliance with applicable State drinking water operating, monitoring and reporting requirements.
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. Immunocompromised
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).
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.
WHY SAVE WATER AND HOW TO AVOID WASTING IT?
Although our system has an adequate amount of water to meet present 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 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.
SYSTEM UPGRADES
Deansboro WD (NY3202387) AWQR - 2010 Calendar Year (OCHD-2/2/2011) Page 4 of 4
Our system is currently working on two new slow sand filter bays to increase the capacity of our system and provide for emergency water use
treatment. In addition, we hope to have our Ultraviolet Light disinfection system approved by the Health Department as soon as possible so we can
begin installation. This will bring us into compliance with state and federal treatment requirements.
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.
