2006 WATER QUALITY REPORT

FOR

Marengo

 

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 alluvial aquifer(s).

Our water quality testing shows the following results:

CONTAMINANT

MCLG

MCL

DETECTED LEVEL

DATE SAMPLED

RANGE OF DETECTION

VIOLATION

SOURCE

Total Coliform Bacteria

0

Presence of coliform bacteria in >5% of monthly samples

3 positive samples on 10/2

repeat samples on 10/5 were negative

10/2/06

repeat samples taken on 10/5/06

N/A

Yes

Naturally present in the environment

Copper (ppm)

1.3

AL=1.3

0.569

 

6/1/03 – 9/30/05

0.079 – 0.674

No

  Corrosion of household 

  plumbing systems; Erosion

  of natural deposits

Lead (ppb)

0

AL=15

5

6/1/03 – 9/30/05

0 – 5

No

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits

TTHM (ppb) [Total trihalomethanes]

N/A

80

15

7/7/04

N/A

No

By-products of drinking water disinfection

Haloacetic Acids

(HAA5) (ppb)

N/A

60

5.97

7/7/04

N/A

No

  By-products of drinking

  water disinfection

Barium (ppm)

2

2

0.08

7/23/03

N/A

No

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

Fluoride (ppm)

4

4

0.14

7/23/03

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

29.6

7/13/06

N/A

No

Erosion of natural deposits; Added to water during treatment process

Nitrate [as N] (ppm)

10

10

2.7

4/13/06

N/A

No

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

Chlorine (ppm)

MRDLG

=4.0

MRDL=4.0

1.2025

1/06 – 12/06

0.15 – 2.5

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

·         Treatment Technique (TT) – A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

·         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

 

Total Coliform. Coliforms are bacteria which are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially-harmful bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems. Repeat samples were taken upon notification of sample incompliance. Repeat samples returned negative results for contamination. The cause of the coliform sample positive result was possibly due to sampling procedures. All sampling procedures have been reviewed and corrections made as necessary.

 

ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

 

Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 ppm is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age.  High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome.  Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity.  If you are caring for an infant you should ask advice from your health care provider.

 

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 for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using tap water.  Additional information is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

 

The Marengo water supply obtains its water from the alluvial aquifer.  The alluvial aquifer was determined to be highly susceptible to contamination because the characteristics of the aquifer and overlying materials allow contaminants to move through the aquifer fairly quickly.  The wells will be most susceptible to activities such as dry cleaners, gas stations, industrial sites, and municipal wastewater dischargers.  A detailed evaluation of your source water was completed by the IDNR, and is available from the City of Marengo at (319) 642-3232.

 

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) 642-3232 or the local police/sheriff department.  We appreciate your assistance in protecting the water system.

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

 

For questions regarding this information, please contact Stuart Stukey at (319) 642-3232 during the following hours: 7:00 am – 3:30 pm Monday - Friday.

 

Decisions regarding the water system are made at the city council meetings held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays each month at 6:00 p.m. at City hall and are open to the public.