2008 WATER QUALITY REPORT

FOR THE

City of Le Grand

The City of Le Grand strives to provide you with a safe, dependable supply of drinking water that is in compliance with the guidelines established by the Environmental Protection agency. This report contains important information regarding the water quality in our water system. The City of Le Grand currently purchases its water through a bulk connection with Central Iowa Water Association. The Newton Waterworks supplies the water which is pumped from 21 wells located in the alluvial sand and gravel aquifer of the Skunk River. Our water quality testing shows the following results:

City of Le Grand  

NOTE: The EPA requires monitoring of over 80 drinking water contaminants. Those listed above are the only contaminants detected in your drinking water. For a complete list contact City of Le Grand.

*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. The City of Le Grand 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 drinking 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.

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.

·          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

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Your water supply is monitored on a regular basis to assure the water is a safe, dependable supply.

FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health. Any bottled water that is labeled “drinking water” has to meet the EPA’s drinking water regulations. 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 the water poses a health risk.

The most common drinking water treatment is disinfection. Disinfection is considered to be the primary mechanism to kill bacteria and other germs to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases. Chlorine is the most widely used disinfectant. Disinfectants combine with organic and inorganic mater present in water to form chemicals called disinfectant by-products. EPA sets standards for controlling the levels of disinfectants and disinfectant by-products in drinking water.

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 agriculture activity. If you are caring for an infant, you should ask for advice from your health care provider.

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).

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

The Newton Waterworks obtains its water supply from the Alluvial and Cambrian-Ordovician aquifers.  The Alluvial aquifer was determined to be highly susceptible to contamination because the characteristics of the aquifers and overlying materials allow contaminants to move through the aquifers fairly quickly. The Cambrian-Ordovician aquifer was determined to be not susceptible to contamination because the characteristics of the aquifer and overlying materials prevent easy access of contaminants to the aquifer. The wells will be susceptible to activities such as leaking underground storage tanks, underground storage tanks, and hazardous waste generators.  A detailed evaluation of your source water was completed by the IDNR, and is available from Central Iowa Water Association at (641) 792-7011.

OTHER INFORMATION

The City of Le Grand 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 any part of the water system, please contact us at (641) 479-2464 or the local police/sheriff department. We appreciate your assistance in protecting the water system.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions regarding this information, please contact Doug Beadle, Water Operator at (641) 479-2464.  Decisions regarding the water system are made at the Le Grand City Council meetings held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Monet Center; 206 N Vine; Le Grand, Iowa and are open to the public.