ELY WATER QUALITY REPORT

FOR 2007

 

This report contains important information regarding the water quality in our water system. The source of our water is groundwater. Our groundwater is drawn from the  aquifer(s). Our water quality testing shows the following results:

CONTAMINANT

MCLG

MCL

DETECTED LEVEL

DATE SAMPLED

RANGE OF DETECTION

VIOLATION

SOURCE

Lead (ppb)

0

AL=15

90th %tile 8

95%tile 23

2006

0-37

Yes

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits

Alpha emitters (pCi/L)

0

15

1.9

2003

N/A

Mo

Erosion of natural deposits

Combined radium (pCi/L)

0

5

1.7

2003

N/A

No

Erosion of natural deposits

Barium (ppm)

2

2

0.091

2004

N/A

No

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

Fluoride (ppm)

4

4

0.3

2004

N/A

No

Water additive which promotes strong teeth; Erosion of natural deposits; Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories

Sodium (ppm)

N/A

N/A

6.5

2004

N/A

No

Erosion of natural deposits; Added to water during treatment process

Chlorine (ppm)

  MRDLG

  =4.0

  MRDL=4.0

1.73

2006

.36-.98

No

  Water additive used to 

   control microbes

 

Note: Contaminants with dates indicate results from the most recent testing done in accordance with regulations.

 

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 using the best available treatment technology.

·        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.

·        ppb -- parts per billion.

·        ppm -- parts per million.

·        pCi/L – picocuries per liter

·        N/A – Not applicable

·        ND -- Not detected

·        Action Level (AL) – The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.

·        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 contaminants.

·        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.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

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 posed a health risk.  More information about contaminants or potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

 

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 microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

CONTAMINANT Violations

Lead. 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.

 

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

The City of Ely obtains its water from the Silurian aquifer.  The Silurian aquifer was determined to be slightly susceptible to contamination because the characteristics of the aquifer and overlying materials limit the rate at which contaminants can move through the aquifer.  The City of Ely wells will be somewhat susceptible to activities such as underground storage tanks, industrial sites, and wastewater treatment plants.  A detailed evaluation of your source water was completed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and is available from City Clerk/Administrator Aaron Anderson at 319-848-4103

 

OTHER INFORMATION

Our water utility is making every effort to protect the water system from potential security threats.  You, as customers, can also help.  If you see any suspicious activity near the water tower, treatment plant, wells or fire hydrants, please contact us at (319)848-4103 or the local police/sheriff department.  We appreciate your assistance in protecting the water system.

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions regarding this information, please contact City Clerk/Administrator Aaron Anderson at 319-848-4103 during the following hours: 8:00 am  - 5:00 pm. Monday through Friday.

 

Decisions regarding the water system are made at the City Council meetings held on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at City Hall and are open to the public.