Drinking Water Report
C I T Y O F N E Z P E R C E
Public Works Department
502 5th Avenue
Nezperce, ID 83543
Drinking Water Report***2019 Sampling Results
THIS IS OUR ANNUAL CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT (CCR)
We provide quality drinking water that meets all federal and state requirements.
During recent years we have sampled for many different chemicals and have found very little contamination. Contamination is anything other than pure water. We sample total coliform bacteria as an indicator of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses and other small creatures) that should not be present. The table below lists all the drinking water contaminants that we detected during the past calendar year or in our most recent tests as noted. 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 a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling our office at 208-937-1021 or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791). EPA’s website is www.epa.gov/safewater.
Terms and Abbreviations
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. IDEAL GOAL
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. HIGHEST LEVEL ALLOWED
Action Level (AL): the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements
which a water system must follow. na: not applicable nd: not detectable at testing limit ppm: parts per million or milligrams per liter (1 drop in 1 million gallons) ppb: parts per billion or micrograms per liter (1 drop in 1 billion gallons) pCi/L: picocuries per liter (a measure of radiation)
| Regulated Contaminant | MCLG | MCL | Our Water |
Sample Date |
Exceedance |
Typical Source of Contaminant |
| Nitrate (ppm) | 10 | 10 | 6.03* | 12-20-19 | No | Runoff from fertilizer |
| Gross Alpha (pCi/L) | 0 | 15 | 4.42 | 12-28-16 | No | Naturally occurring |
| Radium 226/228 (pCi/L) |
0 |
5 | 3.70 | 12-28-16 |
No |
Naturally occurring |
| Uranium (pCi/L) | 0 | 30 | .001 | 12-28-16 | No | Naturally occurring |
| Lead (ppb) | 0 | 15AL | 3.0 | 9-18-18 | No | Corrosive water & home plumbing |
| Copper (ppm) | 1.3 | 1.3AL | 0.133 | 9-18-18 | No | Corrosive water & home plumbing |
| Barium (ppm) | 2 | 2 | 0.014 | 12-20-19 | No | Naturally occurring |
| Fluoride (ppb) | 4 | 4 | 0.526 | 12-20-19 | No | Naturally occurring |
*Nitrate: Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 ppm is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age which causes blue baby nsyndrome. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If you are caring for an infant ask advice from your health care provider.
VIOLATION
We test for Total Coliform Bacteria monthly. State records indicate not receiving the test result report for July and December 2019. All other test results during 2019 showed no detection of contamination.
Your drinking water comes from ground water.
We have two wells: one on the east side of town and the other on the west side of town.
SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT
The State of Idaho has completed this assessment plan for our wells which includes a map of where the water comes from, possible sources of contamination, and a review of the susceptibility of the source for contamination. This plan is available for public review.
Sources of drinking water: both tap water and bottled water originate as “surface water” from rivers and lakes or as “ground water” from springs and wells. As water travels over the surface of land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material. Water picks up wastes from both human and animal activities. Surface water is usually filtered and disinfected to remove bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Ground water is usually filtered naturally.
Contaminants that may be present include:
Microbial contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa are very small living creatures that may be natural and harmless or harmful if originating from septic systems, agricultural livestock operations or wildlife.
Inorganic contaminants such as heavy metals can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges.
Pesticides and herbicides may come from agriculture and residential uses.
Radioactive contaminants are naturally occurring.
Organic chemical contaminants are usually man-made (synthetic) and vaporize easily (volatile). Petroleum products and degreasers are examples of gas station and dry cleaner waste transported by storm water and sewers.
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).
EPA ensures that tap water is safe to drink by writing regulations that limits both natural and manmade contaminants. We follow both state and federal regulations. Interstate bottled water is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
HEALTH TIP
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 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 & steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
MONTHLY MEETING
2nd Tuesday ……City Hall….606 Maple Street
5:30 p.m.
If you have any questions please call:
Rhonda Schmidt, City Clerk 208-937-1021
In emergencies please call:
Craig Cardwell 208-937-2652