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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 Annual Water Report Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for 2025 WEST DANBY WATER DISTRICT WATER PLANT: SYLVAN LANE WATER OFFICE: 46 SYLVAN LANE WEST DANBY, NEW YORK 14883 (Public Water Supply ID# 540442) INTRODUCTION To comply with State regulations, West Danby Water District 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 l ast 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 WATER PLANT OPERATORS SCOTT WENDT or SHAWN WENDT. We want you to be informed about your drinking water. If you want to learn more, please attend any of our regular meetings. All contact information is listed on the last page of this report. 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. To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the State and the EPA prescribe regulations which limit the number of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The State Health Departments 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 280 people through 133 - service connections. Disinfection is provided by Sodium Hypochlorite, which is dumped into the water as it is transferred from the pump to the storage tank. OUR WATER SOURCE is one ground water well. 6" diameter 270 feet deep, pump is set at the 145 -foot level, with a 30-foot stainless steel screen on the inlet side. The well and pump house, along with one 90,000-gallon storage tank, are located on 24 acres of water district property, which is located at 46 Sylvan Lane —off State Route 34/96 same as the West Danby Fire House. The water is treated (as required by the State Health Code) prior to distribution. ARE THERE CONTAMINANTS IN OUR WATER? As the State regulations require, we routinely test your drinking water for numerous contaminants. These contaminants include total coliform, turbidity, inorganic compounds, nitrate, lead and copper, volatile organic compounds, total trihalomethanes and synthetic organic compounds. The table presented depicts of 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, are more than a year old. None of the compounds we analyzed were found in your drinking water. It should be noted that all drinking water, including bottled drinking water, might reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of 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) or Tompkins County Health Department at (607-274-6688 or Fax 607-274-6695). Table of Detected Contaminates Contaminant Violation Yes/no Date of Sample Level Detected Unit MCLG Measurement Regulatory Limit (MCL or AL) Likely Source of Contamination BARIUM NO 09/19/24 0.279 mg/l 2.0 2.0 Erosion of natural deposits LEAD (5 Samples) NO 8/26/25 0.701 (ND – 1.4) ug/l 0 AL = 15.0 Corrosion of plumbing COPPER (5 Samples) NO 8/26/25 0.07031 (0.0151 – 0.0738) mg/l 1.3 AL = 1.3 Erosion of natural deposits Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) NO 8/26/25 3.77 ug/l N/A 80 By-product of drinking water chlorination needed to kill harmful organisms. TTHMs are formed when source water contains organic matter. Gross Alpha activity NO 05/04/2017 -0.365 PCi/L 0 15 Erosion of natural deposits. Gross Beta particle NO 05/04/2017 1.08 PCi/L 0 50* Decay of natural deposits and man- made emissions. Combined radium – 226 and 228 NO 05/04/2017 0.787 PCi/L 0 5 Erosion of natural deposits. 1 The level presented represents the 90th percentile of the sites tested. A percentile is a value on a scale of 100 that indicates the percentage of a distribution that is equal to or below it. The 90th percentile is equal to or greater than 90% of the lead/copper values detected at your water system. 5 samples were collected at your water system and the 90th percentile value was the average of the two highest values. The action levels for copper and lead did not exceed at any of the sites tested. * The State considers 50 PCi/l to be the level of concern for beta particles. DEFINITIONS: 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. 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. Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL): 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. 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. Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow. Non-Detects (ND): Laboratory analysis indicates that the constituent is not present. Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU): A measure of the clarity of water. Turbidity in excess of 5 NTU is just noticeable to the average person. Milligrams per liter (mg/l): Corresponds to one part of liquid in one million parts of liquid (parts per million - ppm). Micrograms per liter (ug/l): Corresponds to one part of liquid in one billion parts of liquid (parts per billion - ppb). Picocuries per liter (pCi/L): A measure of the radioactivity in water. WHAT DOES THIS INFORMATION MEAN? As you can see from the table, our system had no violations. We have learned through our testing that some contaminants have been detected, however, these contaminants were detected below the level allowed by the State. We are required to present the following information on lead in drinking water. NOTE TO WATER USERS: If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially in pregnant women, infants, and young children. It is possible that lead levels at your home may be higher than at other homes in the community because of materials used in your home's plumbing. West Danby 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 it 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 your drinking water, testing methods and steps you can take to State Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or http:/www.epa.gov/safewater/lead. INFORMATION ON LEAD SERVICE LINE INVENTORY A Lead Service Line (LSL) is defined as any portion of pipe that is made of lead which connects the water main to the building inlet. An LSL may be owned by the water system West Danby Water District, owned by the property owner, or both. The inventory includes both potable and non-potable SLs within a system. In accordance with the federal Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) our system has prepared a lead service line inventory and has made it publicly accessible by posting it on the Danby Town Website: Danby.ny.gov. Click Documents, Document Library, West Danby Water District then reports. A paper copy may also be obtained from the Water District Clerk, Marrell Cortright at 607-319-6166. IS OUR WATER SYSTEM MEETING OTHER RULES THAT GOVERN OPERATIONS? During 2025 our system followed applicable State drinking water operating, monitoring and reporting requirements. INFORMATION ON RADON: 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. For more information call your State Radon Program (1-800-458-1158) or call EPA's Radon Hotline (1-800- SOS-Radon) DO I NEED TO TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS? Although our drinking water met and exceeded state and federal regulations, some people may be more vulnerable to disease causing microorganisms or pathogens in drinking water than the general population. Immune-compromised people such as people with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, people that have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly and infants can be particularly at risk from infection. 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 or other microbial pathogens are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791). 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 several reasons why it is important to conserve water. • Saving water saves energy and some of the costs are associated with both 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. • Saving water lessens the strain on the water system during a dry spell or drought, helping to avoid severe water restrictions so that essential firefighting 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 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 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 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 can save more than 30,000 gallons a year. SOURCE WATER PROTECTION The NYS DOH has completed a Source Water Assessment for this system, based on available information. Possible and actual sources of contamination to this drinking water source were evaluated. The State Source Water Assessment includes a susceptibility rating based on the risk posed by each potential source of contamination and how easily contamination can move through the surface to the wells. The susceptibility rating is an estimate of potential for contamination of the source water-it does not mean that the water delivered to the consumer is or will not become contaminated. See section: "Contaminates Have Been Detected at Levels that Impact Health". The Source Water Assessment provides the Water System Operators with additional information for protecting source waters for the future. As noted, elsewhere in this report, our water is derived from one drilled well. The Source Water Assessment has rated this as having a low susceptibility to any contaminants. Few significant sources of contamination were identified. The well draws from an unconfined aquifer and the hydraulic conductivity is unknown. Please note that our water is disinfected to ensure that the finished water delivered into your home meets the NYS Drinking Water Standards for Microbial Contamination. County and State Health Departments will use this information to direct future source water protection activities. These may include water quality monitoring resource management, planning and education programs. A copy of the assessment, including a map of the assessment area, can be obtained by contacting us, as noted in this report. Monthly meetings: The West Danby Water District team and Board members meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 5pm at the West Danby Fire Station on Sylvan Lane. These meetings are always open to the public and everyone is welcome. Update Your Information: We are asking that everyone update your contact information with the water district. We are attempting to build an emergency text notification list for emergency water system notifications. You can call/text/email the clerk with this information. You can also write it on the back of your receipt part that is returned with your payment next quarter. SIREN Alerts: The West Danby Water team would also like to ask you to consider signing up for the Tompkins County SIREN alert system. “SIREN” stands for Safety & Incident Real-Time Emergency Notifications. This public service is provided by the Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response and is a free service allowing you to be notified by email, text or voice messages. There is a specific option for the “West Danby Water District” within this alert system. You can choose to be notified about road closures and a host of other emergency-related situations. To sign up go to: www.tompkinscountyny.gov/siren for or text SIREN to 67283 from a mobile phone. Thank you for allowing us to continue to provide your family with quality drinking water this year. To maintain a safe and dependable water supply we sometimes need to make improvements that will benefit all our customers. The costs of these improvements may be reflected in the rate structure. Rate adjustments may be necessary to address these improvements. We ask all our customers to help us protect our water sources, which are the heart of our community. Contact Information: Head Water Operator: Scott Wendt - (607)-846-1071 Assistant Water Operator – Shawn Wendt – (607) 319-9727 Water District Clerk – Marrell Cortright – (607) 319-6166 Or Marrell1@aol.com Any of us can be reached through calling or texting our phones. Our office has no separate phone number, nor do we have the option to be reached through the Danby Town Hall. Water mailing address: West Danby Water District 46 Sylvan Lane West Danby, NY. 14883-9681 Thank-you! Be Well, Be Safe! The West Danby Water District Team- Scott, Shawn, Marrell