Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for 2010
Village of Bridgewater Water System
PO BOX 396, Bridgewater, NY 13313
(Public Water Supply ID# NY3290094)
INTRODUCTION
To comply with State regulations, the Village of Bridgewater 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,
your tap water met all State drinking water health standards. We are proud to report that our system did not violate a maximum contaminant level or
any other water quality standard. This report provides an overview of last year's water quality. 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 Mayor Gary Comstock at 822-6660. We want you to
be informed about your drinking water. If you want to learn more, please attend any of our regularly scheduled village board meetings. The meetings
are held the First and Third Mondays of each month at 7:30pm in the Village Hall, 9703 NYS Route 20, Bridgewater, NY.
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 120 service connections providing water to 300 residents. Our water sources are two drilled wells located
north of the Village on Town of Bridgewater-owned property. The water is currently disinfected with chlorine prior to entering the distribution system.
SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
A Source Water Assessment has not been completed for the BRIDGEWATER VILLAGE Water System. If and when this is completed by the New
York State Department of Health, possible and actual threats to drinking water source(s) will be evaluated. The state source water assessment
typically 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. When completed, a copy
of the assessment, including a map of the assessment area, will be available to our customers by contacting us, as noted above.
As part of our initial approval process, we enlisted the services of water professionals (e.g. engineers, hydrogeologists) to locate the best quality
water sources with the least exposure to contamination. Through study of the water from our wells in addition to monitoring wells around the
property, we believe the sources are protected from much 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.
Although a SWAP report has yet to be prepared, we will use good judgment and caution 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.
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, nitrite, 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.
Village of Bridgewater (NY3290094) AWQR - 2010 Calendar Year (OCHD-2/3/2010) Page 1 of 4
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
Gross Alpha activity (including
radium - 226 but excluding radon
and uranium)
No 2008 Well 1 = 1.12 pCi/l 0 MCL = 15 Erosion of natural deposits.
Beta particle and photon activity
from manmade radionuclides No
3/08 Well 1 = 1.13
pCi/l 0 MCL = 50 (1) Decay of natural deposits.
10/08 Well 2 = 1.51
Radon No
3/08 Well 1 = 498.3
pCi/l N/A N/A Erosion of natural deposits.
10/08 Well 2 = 260.6
Radium - 226 No
3/08 Well 1 = 0.437
pCi/l 0 MCL = 5 Erosion of natural deposits.
10/08 Well 2 = 0.0823
Radium - 228 No
3/08 Well 1 = 0.388
pCi/l 0 MCL = 5 Erosion of natural deposits.
10/08 Well 2 = 0.62
Uranium No
3/08 Well 1 = 0.4486
ug/l 0 MCL = 30 Erosion of natural deposits.
10/08 Well 2 = 0.9
Inorganic Contaminants
Barium No 8/10 0.074 mg/l 2 MCL = 2 Erosion of natural deposits.
Chloride No
3/08 Well 1 = 32
mg/l N/A MCL = 250 Naturally occurring or indicative of road salt
contamination. 10/08 Well 2 = 16
Copper No
6/10 0.55 (2)
(range = 0.030 - 0.73)
mg/l 1.3 AL = 1.3 Corrosion of household plumbing systems;
Erosion of natural deposits.
12/10 0.21 (2)
(range = 0.035 - 0.41)
Sodium No
3/08 Well 1 = 14
mg/l N/A see Health Effects (3) Naturally occurring; Road salt.
10/08 Well 2 = 12
Fluoride No
3/08 Well 1 = 0.17
mg/l N/A MCL = 2.2 Erosion of natural deposits.
10/08 Well 2 = 0.15
Lead No
6/10 6.5 (4)
(range = ND - 7.5)
ug/l 0 AL = 15 Corrosion of household plumbing systems,
Erosion of natural deposits.
12/10 4.0 (4)
(range = ND - 5.1)
Sulfate No
3/08 Well 1 = 13
mg/l N/A MCL = 250 Naturally occurring.
10/08 Well 2 = 14
Zinc No 10/08 Well 2 = 0.052 mg/l N/A MCL = 5 Naturally occurring.
Inorganics - Nitrate and Nitrite
Nitrate No 8/10 1.17 mg/l 10 MCL = 10 Erosion of natural deposits.
Disinfectants
Chlorine Residual No Daily /
Monthly
0.62 (5)
(range = 0.3 - 1.0) mg/l N/A MRDL = 4 (6) Water additive used to control microbes.
Disinfection Byproducts
Haloacetic Acids (mono-, di-, and
trichloroacetic acid, and mono- and
dibromoacetic acid)
No 8/10 4.6 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 8/10 12.6 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.
Notes:
1 - The State considers 50 pCi/l to be the level of concern for beta particles.
2 - 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.
3 - SODIUM HEALTH EFFECTS - 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.
4 - 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.
5 - The levels presented represent the average and range of the levels reported on the microbiological sampling reports.
6 - 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. MRDLs are currently not regulated but in the future they will be enforceable in the same manner as MCLs.
Village of Bridgewater (NY3290094) AWQR - 2010 Calendar Year (OCHD-2/3/2010) Page 2 of 4
Definitions:
ACTION LEVELMAXIMUM CONTAMINANT LEVELMAXIMUM CONTAMINANT LEVEL GOALMAXIMUM RESIDUAL DISINFECTANT LEVELMAXIMUM RESIDUAL DISINFECTANT LEVEL GOALMILLIGRAMS PER LITERMICROGRAMS PER LITERNON-DETECTEDPICOCURIES PER LITERTREATMENT TECHNIQUE
AL
MCL
MCLG
MRDL
MRDLG
mg/l
ug/l
ND
pCi/l
TT
The concentration of a contaminant that, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water
system must follow.
The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs
as feasible.
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.
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.
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.
Corresponds to one part of liquid in one million parts of liquid (parts per million - ppm).
Corresponds to one part of liquid in one billion parts of liquid (parts per billion - ppb).
Laboratory analysis indicates that the constituent is not present.
A measure of the radioactivity in water.
A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking.
WHAT DOES THIS INFORMATION MEAN?
As you can see, our system had no violations, but we have learned through our testing that some contaminants have been detected; however, all of
these contaminants were detected below New York State requirements.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in soil and outdoor air that may also be found in drinking water and indoor air. Some people
exposed to elevated radon levels over many years in drinking water may have an increased risk of getting cancer. The main risk is lung cancer from
radon entering indoor air from soil under homes. In 2008, we collected a single sample from each well that were analyzed for radon. The results for
the wells are indicated in the table above. For additional information call your state radon program (1-800-458-1158) or call EPA's Radon Hotline (1800-
SOS-Radon).
IS OUR WATER SYSTEM MEETING OTHER RULES THAT GOVERN OPERATIONS?
During 2010, our system was in compliance with applicable State drinking water operating, monitoring and reporting requirements.
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. Immunocompromised
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 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).
LEAD INFORMATION
The Federal Lead and Copper Rule requires us to include the following information about Lead in drinking water with our Annual Water Quality
Report. "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. Our water system 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.
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.
Village of Bridgewater (NY3290094) AWQR - 2010 Calendar Year (OCHD-2/3/2010)
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.
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.
Village of Bridgewater (NY3290094) AWQR - 2010 Calendar Year (OCHD-2/3/2010)
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