Sauquoit Consolidated WD (NY3202407) AWQR - 2009 Calendar Year (OCHD-2/10/2010) Page 1 of 4
Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for 2009
Sauquoit Consolidated Water District (Town of Paris)
PO Box 451, 2580 Sulphur Springs Road - Sauquoit, NY 13456
(Public Water Supply ID# NY3202407)
INTRODUCTION
To comply with State regulations, Sauquoit Consolidated Water District, will be annually issuing a 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, we continued to operate in violation of the Surface Water Treatment Rule for failure to treat
our spring water as required. Work over the past year is complete and we are awaiting NYSDEC approval to begin use of our new
wells and treatment system. See the "IS OUR WATER SYSTEM MEETING OTHER RULES THAT GOVERN OPERATIONS?"
section below for additional information. This report provides an overview of the water quality for last year. 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 Joseph Inglis, Water Superintendent at
315-839-5722. We want you to be informed about your drinking water. If you want to learn more, please attend any of our regularly
scheduled Town board meetings. The meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month at the Town of Paris Town Hall on
Sulphur Springs Road at 8:00PM.
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, in some
cases, radioactive material, 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 that 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 2700 residents through 750 service connections. Our water system has two sources - White
Falls Springs is a sub-surface infiltration gallery off of Holman City Road - and a 67-foot deep drilled well also off of Holman City
Road. Both sources are softened and then disinfected with chlorine prior to entering the main portion of the distribution system.
SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
A Source Water Assessment has been completed for the SAUQUOIT CONSOLIDATED WATER DIST. 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 SAUQUOIT CONSOLIDATED WATER DIST. Water System sources were rated for their potential to
cause contamination to the sources. The Springs rated medium for enteric viruses from land cover. The King Road well ranked
medium for protozoa and enteric viruses. These in combination with low risk of contamination from discrete sources and a high
natural sensitivity based on soils, surficial geology, aquifer information and bedrock geology, created a medium high susceptibility for
the sources 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 judgement should be used and caution should be exercised when determining
placement of certain materials, actions and facilities, including septic systems, high-risk businesses or chemical storage near the
source(s). 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 take action to meet
the water treatment standards established by the State. We have already begun this process and are working with the Oneida County
Health Department to ensure compliance with the requirements and continued safe water service to our customers.
Sauquoit Consolidated WD (NY3202407) AWQR - 2009 Calendar Year (OCHD-2/10/2010) 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, 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, might 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.
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
Radioactive Contaminants
Radium - 226 No 2008 0.128 (Holman City
(HC) Well) pCi/l 0 MCL=5 Erosion of natural deposits.
Radium - 228 No 2008 0.24 (HC Well) pCi/l 0 MCL=5 Erosion of natural deposits.
Inorganic Contaminants
No 8/09 1.3 (combined sources)
Arsenic
No (1) 3/07 17 (HC Well) (1)
ug/l N/A MCL = 10 Erosion of natural deposits.
10/06 0.090 (Springs)
Barium No 10/06 0.050 (HC Well)
1/09 0.016 (combined
sources)
mg/l 2 MCL = 2 Erosion of natural deposits.
Cadmium No (2) 10/06 10.3 (HC Well) (2) ug/l 5 MCL = 5 Corrosion of galvanized pipes; Erosion of
natural deposits.
Chloride No 10/06 0.1 (Springs) mg/l N/A MCL = 250 Naturally occurring. Water softener
system.
Copper No 9/09 0.13 (3)
(range = 0.038 - 0.24) mg/l 1.3 AL = 1.3 Corrosion of household plumbing systems;
Erosion of natural deposits.
Fluoride No 10/06 0.2 (HC Well) mg/l N/A MCL = 2.2 Erosion of natural deposits.
Iron No 9/06 490 (HC Well) (4)
8/08 77 (combined sources)
ug/l N/A MCL = 300 Naturally occurring.
Lead No 9/09 1.1 (5)
(range = ND - 1.7) ug/l 0 AL = 15 Corrosion of household plumbing systems;
Erosion of natural deposits.
Manganese No 9/06 35 (HC Well) ug/l N/A MCL = 300 Naturally occurring.
Nickel No 8/08 0.0017 (combined
sources) mg/l N/A N/A (was 0.1) Naturally occurring.
Sodium No 8/08 160 (6) (combined
sources) mg/l N/A See note 6 below Water softener system.
Sulfate No 9/06 89 (HC Well) mg/l N/A MCL = 250 Naturally occurring.
Zinc No 8/08 0.018 (combined
sources) mg/l N/A MCL = 5 Naturally occurring.
Inorganic Contaminants
8/09 2.1 (Combined sources)
Nitrate No
8/08 2.0 (Springs)
mg/l 10 MCL = 10 Runoff from fertilizer use; erosion of
natural deposits.
Disinfectants
Chlorine Residual No Daily / Monthly 0.75 (7)
(range = 0.3 - 1.2) mg/l N/A MRDL = 4 (8) Water additive used to control microbes.
Disinfection Byproducts
Haloacetic Acids (mono-, di-,
and trichloroacetic acid, and
mono- and dibromoacetic
acid)
No 8/09 1.5 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 8/09 6.8 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.
Sauquoit Consolidated WD (NY3202407) AWQR - 2009 Calendar Year (OCHD-2/10/2010) Page 3 of 4
Notes:
1 - This sample was taken from the Holman City Road (HC) Well. This well is a supplemental well that is seldom used as a water source. When it is used, the water from
this well is mixed with the water from the primary sources. The mixing reduces the concentration to a reasonable level as determined through sampling in previous and
subsequent years. However, since it was detected in this source, we are providing the following health effects language
- "Some people who drink water containing
arsenic in excess of the MCL over many years could experience skin damage or problems with their circulatory system, and may have an increased risk of getting
cancer."
2 - This sample was taken from the HC Well. As indicated in Note #1 above, this well is a supplemental well. Mixing with the spring water reduces the concentration to an
undetectable level as determined through sampling in previous years, when a combined sample showed no Cadmium. However, since it was detected in this source, we
are providing the following health effects language - "
Some people who drink water containing cadmium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience
kidney damage."
3 - The level presented represents the 90th percentile of the ten (10) 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, ten (10) samples were
collected at your water system and the 90th percentile value was the ninth highest value. The action level for copper was not exceeded at any of the sites tested.
4 - This sample was taken from the HC Well. As indicated in Note #1 above, this well is a supplemental well. Mixing with the spring water reduces the concentration to an
undetectable level as determined through sampling in previous years, when a combined sample showed no Iron. However, since it was detected in this source, we are
providing the following information
- "Iron has no health effects. At 1,000 ug/l a substantial number of people will note the bitter astringent taste of iron. Also, at this
concentration, it imparts a brownish color to laundered clothing and stains plumbing fixtures with a characteristic rust color. Staining can result at levels of 50 ug/l,
lower than those detectable to taste buds. Therefore, the MCL of 300 ug/l represents a reasonable compromise as adverse aesthetic effects are minimized at this level.
Many multivitamins may contain 3,000 or 4,000 micrograms of iron per capsule."
5 - The level presented represents the 90th percentile of the ten (10) samples collected. The action level for lead was not exceeded at any of the sites tested.
6 - Water containing more than 20 mg/l of sodium should not be used for drinking by people on severely restricted sodium diets. Water containing more than 270 mg/l of
sodium should not be used for drinking by people on moderately restricted sodium diets.
7 - The levels presented represent the average and range of the levels reported on the microbiological sampling reports.
8 - 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.
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?
We have learned through our testing that some contaminants have been detected; however, most of these contaminants were
detected below the level allowed by the State and Federal governments. Any contaminant (i.e. arsenic, cadmium, iron) found in
the Holman City Road well at an elevated level, is naturally reduced by the mixing of this water with the water from the spring
sources. The finished or combined water measurements were well below the maximum level allowed. Therefore, our customers
were not able to drink water with the elevated levels of these contaminants.
IS OUR WATER SYSTEM MEETING OTHER RULES THAT GOVERN OPERATIONS?
During 2009, our system was in general compliance with most applicable State drinking water operating, monitoring and reporting
requirements. However, as we have told you in the past, the Sauquoit Consolidated Water System is in violation of the Surface Water
Treatment Rule for failure to install filtration or alternate sources that are not under the influence of surface water. Therefore, we are
required to include the following statement in this report:
"Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms.
These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and
associated headaches." All work has been completed for the new sources and treatment plant. We are awaiting approval from
NYSDEC in order to begin operation of the new sources. We hope to begin operation of the new system in 2010. Until the new
facilities are installed and approved for use, we will be distributing every three months, information related to the violation. We are
including the information with this report.
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.
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 from their health care provider about their drinking water. EPA/CDC guidelines on
Sauquoit Consolidated WD (NY3202407) AWQR - 2009 Calendar Year (OCHD-2/10/2010) Page 4 of 4
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).
WHY SAVE WATER AND HOW TO AVOID WASTING IT?
Although our system has an adequate amount of water to meet present and future 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 costly new wells, 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.
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.
