2007 Water Quality Report2007 Annual Drinking
Water Quality Report
(Consumer Confidence Report)
CITY OF SCHERTZ
Phone Number: 210 - 619 -1800
Special Notice for the ELDERLY,
Our Drinking Water
INFANTS, CANCER PATIENTS, people
Meets or Exceeds All Federal (EPA)
with HIV /AIDS or other immune
problems:
Drinking Water Requirements
Some people may be more vulnerable to
This report is a summary of the quality of the
contaminants in drinking water than the general
Water we provide our customers. The analysis
population. Immuno- compromised persons such
was made by using the data from the most recent
as persons with cancer undergoing
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
chemotherapy, persons who have undergone
required tests and is presented in the attached
organ transplants, people with HIV /AIDS or
pages. We hope this information helps you
other immune system disorders, some elderly,
become more knowledgeable about what's in
and infants can be particularly at risk from
your drinking water.
infections. These people should seek advice
about drinking water from their health care
providers. The EPA/Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on appropriate
WATER SOURCES: The sources of drinking
means to lessen the risk of infection by
water (both tap water and bottled water) include
Cryptosporidiu m and other microbial
rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs,
contaminants are available from the Safe
and wells. As water travels over the surface of
Drinking Water Hotline (1- 800 - 426 - 4791).
the land or through the ground, it dissolves
naturally- occurring minerals, and in some cases,
®
iti1C aI°t1C1 �tl ®11
radioactive material, and can pick up substances
resulting from the presence of animals or from
Opportunities
human activity. Contaminants that may be
present in source water before treatment include:
Date: Monday ® Friday
microbes, inorganic contaminants, pesticides,
Time: 6:00 am to 5:00 pm
herbicides, radioactive contaminants, and
organic chemical contaminants.
Location: 10 Commercial PI. Bldg #2
En Espanol
Phone Number: 210 - 619 -1600
Este informe incluye informacibn importante
To learn about future public meetings
sobre el agua potable. Si tiene preguntas o
(concerning your drinking water), or to request to
comentarios sobre Este informe en espanol, favor
schedule one, please call us.
de Ilamar al tel. (210) 619 -1110 - para hablar
con una persona bilingtie en espanol.
0940003 Page 1 2007 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
� � 6
Where do we get our drinking water?
Our drinking water is obtained from GROUND
water sources. It comes from the following
Lake /River/Reservoir /Aquifer: CARRIZO-
WILCOX. A Source Water Susceptibility
Assessment for your drinking water sources(s) is
currently being updated by the Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality and will
be provided to us this year. The report will
describe 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 will
allow us to focus our source water protection
strategies. For more information on source water
assessments and protection efforts at our system,
please contact us.
ALL drinking water may
contain contaminants.
When drinking water meets federal standards
there may not be any health based benefits to
purchasing bottled water or point of use devices.
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 EPA's Safe
Drinking Water Hotline (1- 800 - 426 - 4791).
Secondary Constituents
Many constituents (such as calcium, sodium, or
iron) which are often found in drinking water,
can cause taste, color, and odor problems. The
taste and odor constituents are called secondary
constituents and are regulated by the State of
Texas, not the EPA. These constituents are not
causes for health concern. Therefore,
secondaries are not required to be reported in
this document but they may greatly affect the
appearance and taste of your water.
About The Following Pages
The pages that follow list all of the federally
regulated or monitored contaminants which have
been found in your drinking water. The U.S.
EPA requires water systems to test for up to 97
contaminants.
DEFINITIONS
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
The highest permissible level of a contaminant in
drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs
as feasible using the best available treatment
technology.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG)
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below
which there is no known or expected health risk.
MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL)
The highest level of 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.
Treatment Technique (TT)
A required process intended to reduce the level of a
contaminant in drinking water.
Action Level (AL)
The concentration of a contaminant which, if
exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements
which a water system must follow.
ABBREVIATIONS
NTU - Nephelometric Turbidity Units
MFL - million fibers per liter (a measure of
asbestos)
pCi /L - picocuries per liter (a measure of
radioactivity)
ppm - parts per million, or milligrams per liter
(mg/L)
ppb - parts per billion, or micrograms per liter
(Itg /L)
ppt - parts per trillion, or nanograms per liter
ppq - parts per quadrillion, or picograms per liter
0940003 Page 2 of 82 2007 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
Year or
Contaminant
Average
Minimum
Maximum
MCL
MCLG
Unit of
Source of Contaminant
Range
Level
Level
Level
Level
Level
2007 2003
Measure
1.53
2007
2006
Barium
0.097
0.092
0.102
2
2
ppm
Discharge of drilling wastes;
discharge from chemical factories.
2007 2003
Toluene
1.9
0
5.7
1000 1000
discharge from metal refineries;
Discharge from petroleum factories.
2007 2003
Ethylbenzene
0.47
0
1.4
700 700
ppb
Discharge from petroleum refineries.
erosion of natural deposits.
2007
2006
Fluoride
0.13
0.1
0.16
4
4
ppm
Erosion of natural deposits; water
additive which promotes strong
teeth; discharge from fertilizer and
aluminum factories.
2007
2006
Selenium
19.5
0
39
50
50
ppb
Discharge from petroleum and metal
refineries; erosion of natural
deposits; discharge from mines.
2007
2006
Combined Radium
0.22
0
0.43
5
0
pCi /L
Erosion of natural deposits.
226 & 228
2007
2006
Gross beta emitters
6.75
5.5
8
50
0
pCi /L
Decay of natural and man -made
deposits.
2007
2006
Gross alpha
0.75
0
1.5
15
0
pCi /L
Erosion of natural deposits.
Orannie C nntnminants
Year or
Contaminant
Average
Minimum
Maximum
MCL MCLG
Unit of
Source of Contaminant
Range
Level
Level
Level
Measure
2007 2003
Xylenes
1.53
0
9.2
10000 10000
ppb
Discharge from petroleum factories;
discharge from chemical factories.
2007 2003
Toluene
1.9
0
5.7
1000 1000
ppb
Discharge from petroleum factories.
2007 2003
Ethylbenzene
0.47
0
1.4
700 700
ppb
Discharge from petroleum refineries.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
Year Disinfectant Average Minimum Maximum MRDL MRDLG Unit of Source of Disinfectant
Level Level Level Measure
2007 Chlorine Residual, 1.72 1 2.3 4 4 ppm Disinfectant used to control
Free microbes.
Disinfection Bvproducts
Year Contaminant Average Minimum Maximum MCL Unit of
Level Level Level Measure Source of Contaminant
2007 Total Trihalomethanes 12.7 12.3 13.1 80 ppb Byproduct of drinking water disinfection.
Unregulated Initial Distribution System Evaluation for Disinfection Byproducts WAIVED OR NOT YET SAMPLED
unre ulatea Uontammants
Bromoform, chloroform, dichlorobromomethane, and dibromochloromethane are disinfection byproducts. There is no maximum
contaminant level for these chemicals at the entry point to distribution.
Year or Average Minimum Maximum Unit of Source of Contaminant
Flange Contaminant Level Level Level Measure
2007 2003 Dibromochloromethane 0.43 0 1.3 ppb Byproduct of drinking water disinfection.
0940003 Page 3 of 82 2007 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
Lead and Conner
Year Contaminant The 90th
Number of Sites Action
Unit of
Source of Contaminant
Percentile
Exceeding Action Level Level
Measure
2007 Lead 1.6
1 15
ppb
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of
natural deposits.
2007 Copper 0.041
0 1.3
ppm
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of
natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives.
Recommended Additional Health Information for Lead
All water systems are required by EPA to report the language below starting with the 2009 CCR to be delivered to you by
July of 2010. We are providing this information now as a courtesy.
"If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problents, especially for pregnant women and young children.
Lead in drinking water is primarily fi -out materials and components associated ivith service lines and home plumbing. This
water supply 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 minhnLe 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 mininiLe exposure is available from the Safe Drinking IT ater Hotline or at
http: / /1vii,it,. epa. gov/safeii,atei /lead. "
Turbidity NOT REQUIRED
Total Coliform REPORTED MONTHLY TESTS FOUND NO COLIFORM BACTERIA.
Fecal Coliform REPORTED MONTHLY TESTS FOUND NO FECAL COLIFORM BACTERIA.
0940003 Page 4 of 82 2007 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
1
Secondary and Other Constituents Not Regulated
(No associated adverse health effects)
Year or
Average
Minimum Maximum
Secondary
Unit of
Range
Constituent
Level
Level
Level
Limit
Measure
Source of Constituent
2007
2006
Bicarbonate
81
61
101
NA
ppm
Corrosion of carbonate rocks such as limestone.
2007
2006
Calcium
16.2
13.9
18.4
NA
ppm
Abundant naturally occurring element.
2007
2006
Chloride
23
20
26
300
ppm
Abundant naturally occurring element; used in
water purification; byproduct of oil field activity
2007
2006
Copper
0.05
0
0.1
1
ppm
Corrosion of household plumbing systems;
erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood
preservatives.
2007
Hardness as
47
47
47
NA
ppm
Naturally occurring calcium and magnesium.
Ca/Mg
2007
2006
Iron
0.008
0
0.016
.3
ppm
Erosion of natural deposits; iron or steel water
delivery equipment or facilities.
2007
2006
Lead
0.001
0
0.001
NA
ppm
Corrosion of household plumbing systems;
erosion of natural deposits.
2007
2006
Magnesium
3.2
3
3.4
NA
ppm
Abundant naturally occurring element.
2007
2006
Manganese
0.0039
0.0013
0.0065
.05
ppm
Abundant naturally occurring element.
2007
2006
Nickel
0.001
0.001
0.002
NA
ppm
Erosion of natural deposits.
2007
2006
pH
7.5
7.4
7.6
>7.0
units
Measure of corrosivity of water.
2007
2006
Sodium
33
32
34
NA
ppm
Erosion of natural deposits; byproduct of oil field
activity.
2007
2006
Sulfate
24
21
26
300
ppm
Naturally occurring; common industrial
byproduct; byproduct of oil field activity.
2007
2006
Total Alkalinity
72
61
83
NA
ppm
Naturally occurring soluble mineral salts.
as CaCO3
2007
2006
Total Dissolved
168
151
185
1000
ppm
Total dissolved mineral constituents in water.
Solids
2006
Total Hardness as
60
60
60
NA
ppm
Naturally occurring calcium.
CaCO3
2007
2006
Zinc
0.021
0.01
0.032
5
ppm
Moderately abundant naturally occurring element;
used in the metal industry.
0940003 Page 5 of 82 2007 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report