Presented By
SJWTX Triple Peak
annual
WATER
Quality REPORT
Water Testing Performed in 2016
Este reporte incluye informacion importante sobre el agua para tomar. Para asistencia en español, favor de llamar al telefono (830) 964-2166. PWS ID#: 0460172
From the General Manager
W
e are proud of our continued effort to provide water that meets and exceeds drinking water standards at both the State and Federal levels. To that end, CLWSC collected over 1,100 samples at various locations throughout our distribution system and production facilities, and sampled for over 80 substances. Please take a few minutes to look over our 2016 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). As you review the data, keep in mind that only those substances with detected levels are reported in this CCR, including the highest and lowest results of the analysis. In addition, many substances are detected at levels that vary throughout the year and at different locations. It is important to note that detectable levels of any one substance do not indicate unhealthy water. Natural waters, including the sources used by CLWSC, contain a wide range of natural substances at levels that are not harmful to human health. In fact, some of the minerals measured and detected are essential for good health. A system’s water source is one of the primary factors that affect the levels of the substances detected. CLWSC supplies both groundwater and surface water to our customers. Generally, groundwater contains more natural minerals, or is harder, than surface water. On the other hand, surface water typically contains small levels of natural organic substances and requires treatment by filtration. Regardless of the source, regulations require that we disinfect the water with chlorine and maintain a minimum level of chlorine residual throughout the distribution system in order to maintain public health. CLWSC’s commitment to providing safe, potable water continues to grow with the introduction of additional staff members who oversee the Water Quality program. The focus will continue to be preemptive in determining potential areas of improvement, development, and implementation of actions that provide the most benefit to our customers.
Water Conservation Public Participation Opportunities
N
one scheduled at this time. To learn about future public meetings, please call us at (830) 964-2166.
Y
ou can play a role in conserving water and save yourself money in the process 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. Here are a few tips: • 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.
Important Health Information
Y
ou may be more vulnerable than the general population to certain microbial contaminants, such as Cryptosporidium, in drinking water. Infants, some elderly, or immunocompromised persons such as those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer; those who have undergone organ transplants; those who are undergoing treatment with steroids; and people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, can be particularly at risk from infections. You should seek advice about drinking water from your physician or health care providers. Additional guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800) 426-4791.
• 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 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 an invisible toilet leak. Fix it and you save more than 30,000 gallons a year. • Use your water meter to detect hidden leaks. Simply turn off all taps and water-using appliances. Then check the meter after 15 minutes. If it moved, you have a leak.
Where Does My Water Come From?
T
he source of drinking water used by CLWSC Triple Peak is surface water from Canyon Lake Reservoir and groundwater sources from the Trinity Aquifer. SOURCE NAME / LOCATION
SOURCE WATER
TYPE OF WATER
REPORT STATUS
TCEQ SOURCE ID
Astro Hills
Trinity Aquifer
Groundwater
Active
G0460172W / G0460172X
Canyon Lake Forest
Trinity Aquifer
Groundwater
Active
G0460172S / G0460172T
Hampton
Trinity Aquifer
Groundwater
Active
G0460172AI
Lakeview Park
Trinity Aquifer
Groundwater
Active
G0460172P
Netherhill
Trinity Aquifer
Groundwater
Active
G0460172A
Riviera
Trinity Aquifer
Groundwater
Active
G0460172Y
Rolling Hills
Trinity Aquifer
Groundwater
Active
G0460172Q / G0460172R
Canyon Lake Reservoir
Surface Water
Active
S0460172A
Vintage Oaks #1
Trinity Aquifer
Groundwater
Active
G0460172AB
Vintage Oaks #3
Trinity Aquifer
Groundwater
Active
G0460172AJ
Triple Peak Surface Water Treatment Plant
Further details about sources and source-water assessments are available in Drinking Water Watch at the following URL: http://dww2.tceq.texas.gov/DWW/.
Source Water Assessment
T
he TCEQ completed an assessment of your source water, and results indicate that some of your sources are susceptible to certain contaminants. The sampling requirements for your water system are based on this susceptibility and previous sample data. Any detections of these contaminants may be found in this Consumer Confident Report. For more information on source water assessments and protection efforts at our system, contact Aubry Wolff, Water Quality Specialist, at 830-964-2166. SYSTEM SUSCEPTIBILITY SUMMARY
ASBESTOS
CYANIDE
METALS
MICROBIAL
MINERALS
RADIOCHEMICAL
SYNTHETIC ORGANIC CHEMICALS
LOW
LOW
HIGH
LOW
HIGH
LOW
HIGH
DISINFECTION BYPRODUCT
VOLATILE ORGANIC CHEMICALS
DRINKING WATER CONTAMINANT CANDIDATE
OTHER
HIGH
LOW
HIGH
LOW
*A Source Water Susceptibility Assessment for your drinking water source(s) is currently being updated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. This information describes the susceptibility and types of constituents that may come into contact with your drinking water source based on human activities and natural conditions. The information contained in the assessment allows us to focus source water protection strategies.
For more information about your sources of water, please refer to the Source Water Assessment Viewer available at the following URL: http://www.tceq.texas.gov/gis/swaview.
Questions? For more information about this report, or for any questions relating to your drinking water, please contact Aubry Wolff, Water Quality Specialist, at (830) 964-2166.
Substances That Could Be in Water
T
he 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 activity. 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. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the U.S. EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791. Contaminants that may be present in source water include: • Microbial Contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife. • Inorganic Contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming. • Pesticides and Herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses. • Organic Chemical Contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems. • Radioactive Contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health. Contaminants may be found in drinking water that may cause taste, color, or odor problems. These types of problems are not necessarily causes for health concerns. For more information on the taste, odor, or color of drinking water, please contact the system’s business office.
Water Treatment Process
S
urface water for the Triple Peak system is produced at our 2.5 million gallon per day (MGD) Triple Peak Surface Water Treatment Plant. Raw water is pumped from Canyon Lake Reservoir through our raw water pump station with three 900-gallon-per-minute (gpm) pumps. As the water travels to the filters, it is injected with alum and polymer, coagulating agents, and chlorine dioxide, a disinfecting agent. The alum and polymer injection causes smaller particulates in the water to join together to form bigger particles. The particles are captured in the clarifier located at the front of each filter. Of the three filters at the plant, two are rated at 1 MGD each; the third filter is rated at 0.5 MGD. The filters are up-flow clarifiers, meaning the water enters the bottom of the filter clarifier and makes its way through layers of gravel and sand before spilling over into the filter chamber. Once the water enters the top of filter chamber, it percolates through the media, which consists of layers of anthracite, and varying sizes of gravel. As the water leaves the filters, it is injected with chlorine for final disinfection and storage, prior to being pumped to the distribution system.
Lead in Home Plumbing
I
f 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. We are responsible for providing high-quality drinking water, but we 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.
About Our Violation TOTAL TRIHALOMETHANES (TTHM) MONITORING AND REPORTING VIOLATION Some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous systems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. VIOLATION TYPE
VIOLATION BEGIN
VIOLATION END
VIOLATION EXPLANATION
STEPS TAKEN TO CORRECT VIOLATION
MCL, LRAA
1/1/16
3/31/16
Water samples showed that the amount of this contaminant in our drinking water was above its standard (called a maximum contaminant level and abbreviated MCL) for the period indicated.
Line flushing, aeration in ground storage tank, chlorine residual reduction, increased monitoring frequency
MCL, LRAA
4/1/16
6/30/16
Water samples showed that the amount of this contaminant in our drinking water was above its standard (called a maximum contaminant level and abbreviated MCL) for the period indicated.
Continued monitoring, addition of carbon filters to treatment process, and recovery from initially high single-grab results which effect LRAA
I
n 2015, CLWSC experienced increased rainfall and subsequent flooding events. Flooding increases organic matter in surface water due to runoff from surrounding natural areas. As a result, the chlorine residual in the distribution system had the opportunity to react with the increased organic matter to produce greater amounts of disinfection by-products (DBPs), or total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) in this instance. CLWSC took action on this violation by reducing the chlorine-to-organic matter contact time. This procedure included flushing the main line, installing aeration in the ground storage tank, and reducing the chlorine residual. We continue to test for TTHMs on a more frequent monthly basis, separate from the quarterly samples taken by TCEQ, in order to identify and take action on any potential issues. In addition, CLWSC added four carbon filters to the treatment process to further reduce organic matter, and we have seen further reduction in TTHM levels.
Test Results
O
ur water is monitored for many different kinds of contaminants on a very strict sampling schedule. The information below represents only those substances that were detected; our goal is to keep all detects below their respective maximum allowed levels. The State recommends monitoring for certain substances less often than once per year because the concentrations of these substances do not change frequently. In these cases, the most recent sample data are included, along with the year in which the sample was taken. REGULATED SUBSTANCES SUBSTANCE (UNIT OF MEASURE)
YEAR SAMPLED
MCL [MRDL]
MCLG [MRDLG]
AMOUNT DETECTED
LOW-HIGH
VIOLATION
Antimony (ppb)
2012
6
6
0.832
0–0.832
No
Discharge from petroleum refineries; Fire retardants; Ceramics; Electronics; Solder
Arsenic (ppb)
2016
10
NA
3.2
0–3.2
No
Erosion of natural deposits; Runoff from orchards; Runoff from glass and electronics production wastes
Barium (ppm)
2016
2
2
0.0296
0.0136–0.0296
No
Discharge of drilling wastes; Discharge from metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits
Beta/Photon Emitters1 (pCi/L)
2016
50
0
4.2
0–4.2
No
Decay of natural and man-made deposits
Chlorine (ppm)
2016
[4]
[4]
1.32
1.12–1.52
No
Water additive used to control microbes
Chlorite (ppm)
2015
1
0.8
0.03
0–0.03
No
By-product of drinking water disinfection
Chromium (ppb)
2012
100
100
2.79
1.26–2.79
No
Discharge from steel and pulp mills; Erosion of natural deposits
Combined Radium (pCi/L)
2015
5
0
1.5
1.31–1.5
No
Erosion of natural deposits
Dalapon (ppb)
2015
200
200
1.1
0–1.1
No
Runoff from herbicide used on rights of way
Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate (ppb)
2015
6
0
3.6
0–3.6
No
Discharge from rubber and chemical factories
Fluoride (ppm)
2016
4
4
1.21
0.18–1.21
No
Erosion of natural deposits; Water additive that promotes strong teeth; Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories
Gross Alpha [excluding Radon & Uranium] (pCi/L)
2015
15
0
4.5
0–4.5
No
Erosion of natural deposits
Haloacetic Acids [HAAs] (ppb)
2016
60
NA
18
0–33.9
No
By-product of drinking water disinfection
Nitrate (ppm)
2016
10
10
1.84
0.05–1.84
No
Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits
Selenium (ppb)
2016
50
50
3.5
0–3.5
No
Discharge from petroleum and metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits; Discharge from mines
TTHMs [Total Trihalomethanes]2 (ppb)
2016
80
NA
55
6.7–85.3
Yes
By-product of drinking water disinfection
Thallium (ppb)
2012
2
0.5
0.02
0–0.02
No
Leaching from ore-processing sites; Discharge from electronics, glass, and drug factories
Toluene (ppm)
2012
1
1
0.00225
0–0.00225
No
Discharge from petroleum factories
Turbidity (NTU)
2016
TT
NA
0.58
0.03–0.58
No
Soil runoff
Turbidity (Lowest monthly percent of samples meeting limit)
2016
TT = 95% of samples meet the limit
NA
99
NA
No
Soil runoff
3
RANGE
TYPICAL SOURCE
Tap water samples were collected for lead and copper analyses from sample sites throughout the community. SUBSTANCE (UNIT OF MEASURE)
YEAR SAMPLED
AL
Copper (ppm)
2016
1.3
Lead (ppb)
2016
15
MCLG
AMOUNT DETECTED (90TH%TILE)
SITES ABOVE AL/TOTAL SITES
VIOLATION
1.3
0.105
0/30
No
Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching from wood preservatives; Corrosion of household plumbing systems
0
3.1
0/30
No
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits
TYPICAL SOURCE
SECONDARY SUBSTANCES SUBSTANCE (UNIT OF MEASURE)
YEAR SAMPLED
SCL
MCLG
AMOUNT DETECTED
LOW-HIGH
VIOLATION
Aluminum (ppb)
2016
200
NA
167
0–167
No
Erosion of natural deposits; Residual from some surface water treatment processes
Chloride (ppm)
2016
300
NA
20
16–20
No
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits
Copper (ppm)
2016
1.0
NA
0.0276
0.0055–0.0276
No
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits
Iron (ppb)
2016
300
NA
173
14–173
No
Leaching from natural deposits; Industrial wastes
Manganese (ppb)
2016
50
NA
12.5
2.1–12.5
No
Leaching from natural deposits
Silver (ppb)
2012
100
NA
0.006
0–0.006
No
Industrial discharges
Sulfate (ppm)
2016
300
NA
132
12–132
No
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; Industrial wastes
Total Dissolved Solids [TDS] (ppm)
2016
1,000
NA
489
238–489
No
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits
Zinc (ppm)
2016
5
NA
0.0877
0.0053–0.0877
No
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; Industrial wastes
UNREGULATED AND OTHER SUBSTANCES SUBSTANCE (UNIT OF MEASURE)
RANGE
TYPICAL SOURCE
4
YEAR SAMPLED
AMOUNT DETECTED
LOW-HIGH
2-Butanone [MEK] (ppb)
2012
325
0–325
Storm-water runoff
4-Methylphenol (ppb)
2015
2.6
0–2.6
Erosion of natural deposits
Bicarbonate (ppm)
2016
334
200–334
Erosion of natural deposits
Bromacil (ppb)
2015
0.19
0–0.19
Erosion of natural deposits
Bromochloroacetic Acid (ppb)
2016
8.9
1–8.9
Disinfection by-product
Bromodichloromethane (ppb)
2016
31.5
1.2–31.5
Disinfection by-product
Bromoform (ppb)
2016
4.8
1.0–4.8
Disinfection by-product
Calcium (ppm)
2016
94.3
53.6–94.3
Chlorate (ppb)
2013
223
88–223
Disinfection by-product
Chloroform (ppb)
2016
34.6
1.0–34.6
Disinfection by-product
Chromium [Total] (ppb)
2013
0.387
0.356–0.387
Erosion of natural deposits
Chromium-6 (ppb)
2013
0.148
0.0323–0.148
Erosion of natural deposits
Dibromoacetic Acid (ppb)
2016
3.9
1.1–3.9
Disinfection by-product
Dichloroacetic Acid (ppb)
2016
20.2
1.1–20.2
Disinfection by-product
Diluted Conductance (µS/cm)
2016
886
441–886
Erosion of natural deposits
Lead (ppb)
2016
1.0
0–1.0
Magnesium (ppm)
2016
46.1
13.9–46.1
Erosion of natural deposits
Molybdenum (ppb)
2013
5.2
1.02–5.2
Erosion of natural deposits
Dibromochloromethane (ppb)
2016
17.2
1.9–17.2
Disinfection by-product
Potassium (ppm)
2016
4.85
1.38–4.85
Erosion of natural deposits
Nickel (ppm)
2016
0.0139
0.0016–0.0139
Erosion of natural deposits
Sodium (ppm)
2016
11.5
7.67–11.5
Erosion of natural deposits
Strontium (ppb)
2013
21,800
367–21,800
Erosion of natural deposits
RANGE
TYPICAL SOURCE
Erosion of natural deposits
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits
UNREGULATED AND OTHER SUBSTANCES 4 SUBSTANCE (UNIT OF MEASURE)
YEAR SAMPLED
AMOUNT DETECTED
LOW-HIGH
TYPICAL SOURCE
Total Alkalinity [as CaCO3] (ppm)
2016
274
164–274
Erosion of natural deposits
Total Hardness (ppm)
2016
391
191–391
Erosion of natural deposits
Trichloroacetic Acid (ppb)
2016
9.8
3.7–9.8
Disinfection by-product
Vanadium (ppb)
2013
2.78
0.21–2.78
RANGE
Erosion of natural deposits
T he MCL for beta particles is 4 mrem/year. The U.S. EPA considers 50 pCi/L to be the level of concern for beta particles. Some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their livers, kidneys, or central nervous systems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. 3 Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water. It is monitored because it is a good indicator of the effectiveness of the filtration system. 4 Unregulated contaminants are those for which the U.S. EPA has not established drinking water standards. The purpose of unregulated contaminant monitoring is to assist the EPA in determining the occurrence of unregulated contaminants in drinking water and whether future regulation is warranted. 1 2
Definitions AL (Action Level): The concentration of a contaminant that, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow. µS/cm (microsiemens per centimeter): A unit expressing the amount of electrical conductivity of a solution. LRAA (Locational Running Annual Average): The average of sample analytical results for samples taken at a particular monitoring location during the previous four calendar quarters. Amount Detected values for TTHMs and HAAs are reported as LRAAs. MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level): 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.
MRDLG (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal): 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. NA: Not applicable NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units): Measurement of the clarity, or turbidity, of water. Turbidity in excess of 5 NTU is just noticeable to the average person. pCi/L (picocuries per liter): A measure of radioactivity. ppb (parts per billion): One part substance per billion parts water (or micrograms per liter). ppm (parts per million): One part substance per million parts water (or milligrams per liter).
MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level Goal): 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.
SCL (Secondary Constituent Level): SCLs are established to regulate the aesthetics of drinking water like appearance, taste and odor.
MRDL (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level): 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.
TT (Treatment Technique): A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.