2010 WATER QUALITY REPORT
The information contained in this report is offered to you by the Hallowell Water District in response to Requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) regulation requires that we deliver an annual report.
We have no water quality violations and our water quality meets, or is better than, state and federal standards.
HEALTH 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 poses a health risk. However, 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 (1-800-426-4791).
LEAD AND COPPER RULE
There is no detectable lead or copper in the Hallowell Water District's water supply source. The District has been testing a targeted group of homes in our service area over the past Seventeen years.Some homes and buildings may have elevated levels at the tap if water stands in the pipes for several hours. Lead may leach from faucets or plumbing components. Leaching may also occur in copper pipes that are joined with lead-based solder. We began testing 20 target homes per year in 1993. We have passed this test each year and in 1997 we were allowed to reduce our testing requirement to ten homes if we desired. In 2008 we actually tested 20 homes. None of the homes tested had a dectable level of lead above 2.8 parts per billion. This was well below the 15 parts per billion Maximum contamination level set by the EPA. The highest level of copper detected was 1.4 parts per million.
To meet the State and Federal standards for Lead compliance, 90% of our test results must be below 15 parts per billion for lead. Our 90th % is 1.9 part per billion for lead.
To meet the State and Federal standards for copper compliance, 90% of our test results must be below 1.3 parts per millions for copper. Our 90th % is 1.0 part per million for copper.
Our results have been excellent. This type of testing is done to determine the corrosiveness of our water. Our water has some natural protection against corrosion due to its hardness (primarily calcium), and we add to the natural protection with a polyphosphate.
Avoiding elevated lead and copper levels at the tap:
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 Hallowell Water District 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.