HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 Drinking Water Quality Report-FinalDRINKING WATER QUALITY REPORT
Bolton Point Municipal Water System
2026
LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF
WATER SERVICES
Bolton Point Municipal Water System (Bolton Point or BP-MWS)
Cayuga Lake is the source of water for the BP-MWS. The water
intake is approximately 3 miles north of Stewart Park, 400 feet
out from the shore of Cayuga Lake, and 65 feet below the surface
of the lake. During 2025, the Bolton Point system did not
experience any restriction of its water source.
The system serves residents of the Towns of Dryden, Ithaca and
Lansing, and the Villages of Cayuga Heights and Lansing, and
provides water to some City of Ithaca customers on Oakwood
Lane, Hector Street, Warren Place, Sunrise Road, and Richards
Place.
It provides water to other parts of the City of Ithaca and Cornell
during emergencies and planned maintenance periods.
Meetings of the Bolton Point Water Commission are held on the
first Thursday after the first Tuesday of each month at 4:00 p.m.
at the Bolton Point water treatment plant, 1402 East Shore Drive,
Ithaca New York, 14850.
Bolton Point is providing this Drinking-
Water Quality Report to our consumers
because we want you to be fully
informed about your water’s quality and
the need to protect its source.
This overview of last year’s water quality
includes 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 your
drinking water, please contact Glenn
Ratajczak, Production Manager:
607-277-0660, ext. 241,
gratajczak@boltonpoint.org
or you may attend any of our regularly
scheduled public meetings.
COMMON WATER QUALITY DEFINITIONS
ALKALINITY is a measure of the capability of water to
neutralize acids. Bicarbonates, carbonates, and
hydroxides are the most common forms of alkalinity.
HARDNESS is a measure of the calcium and
magnesium content of natural waters. The harder the
water, the greater the tendency to precipitate soap
and to form mineral deposits. Alkalinity and hardness
occur naturally due to the contact of water with
minerals in the earth's crust.
pH indicates how acidic or alkaline a water sample is.
A value of 7 is neutral, 0-6 is acidic and 8-14 is
alkaline.
TOTAL ORGANIC CARBON (TOC) is a measure of the
organic content of water. A high concentration of TOC
in water may lead to high levels of disinfection by-
products.
TURBIDITY is a measure of the cloudiness of water. It is an
indication of the effectiveness of water treatment. NYS
regulations require that treated water turbidity always be below
1 NTU (nephelometric turbidity unit). For filtered systems 95% of
the composite effluent samples must be below 0.3 NTU.
A. Water Treatment Process
Bolton Point uses the following conventional surface water
treatment.
PRE-TREATMENT: Coagulating agents such as alum or polymers
are added to the water to remove impurities and control taste
and odor. A disinfectant is added to destroy microorganisms.
MIXING: The water is rapidly mixed to distribute the treatment
chemicals evenly.
COAGULATION AND FLOCCULATION: The water flows into large
basins where the coagulants react with impurities in the water
(coagulation) causing them to form larger, heavier particles
called floc (flocculation).
SEDIMENTATION: Flocculated water flows into basins where the
floc particles settle to the bottom, thereby removing impurities
and chemicals from the water.
FILTRATION: Following the settling process, water flows through
layers of anthracite coal, sand, and garnet where further
removal of particulate impurities occurs.
POST-TREATMENT: Chlorine is added to inhibit bacterial growth
in the distribution system, and the pH is adjusted to inhibit the
corrosion of metal pipes and fixtures.
B. Health Effects and Individuals At-Risk
All 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 the water
poses a health risk.
Some people may be more vulnerable to disease causing
microorganisms or pathogens in drinking water than the
general population. Immuno-compromised persons such
as those with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, those
who have undergone organ transplants, those with HIV/
AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly,
and some infants can be particularly at risk from
infections. These people should seek advice from their
health care provider about their drinking water.
Environmental Protection Agency/ Center for Disease
Control (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). No trace of
either of these pathogens has been detected in previous
testing of the treated water of Bolton Point. Individuals
who think they may have one of these illnesses should
contact their health care provider immediately. For
additional information please contact:
Tompkins County Whole Health, 55 Brown Road,
Ithaca, New York 14850 or by phone at 607-274-6688.
C. Water Quality Data
INTRODUCTION: The sources of drinking water (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 ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals
and, in some cases, radioactive material. It also 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 that limit the amount of certain
contaminants in water provided by public water systems. State Health Department and Federal Drug Administration
regulations also establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health.
In accordance with State regulations, Bolton Point routinely monitors your drinking water for numerous contaminants. Table
3 shows the analytical test results for contaminants that were detected. These results are compared to the applicable State
guideline or maximum contaminate level (MCL). Table 4 shows the contaminants that were not detected in your water.
The State allows testing less frequently than once per year for some contaminants since the concentrations of these
contaminants do not change frequently. Therefore some data, though representative, are more than one year old.
TOTAL COLIFORMS: Coliforms are bacteria that are
naturally present in the environment and are used as an
indicator that other, potentially harmful, bacteria may be
present.
LEAD AND COPPER: Bolton Point was required to sample
for lead in 2023. There were no violations of State
standards.
SODIUM: People who are on severely restricted sodium
diets should not drink water containing more than 20 mg/L
of sodium. Since the 2025 level of sodium in Bolton Point
was 38 mg/L, customers on severely restricted sodium
diets might wish to consult their health care providers.
People who are on moderately restricted sodium diets
should not drink water containing more than 270 mg/L of
sodium. The sodium levels of the water from Bolton Point
are well below this level.
During the course of the year, for maintenance purposes,
or for emergency help, potable water is exchanged among
the three local water systems. If you wish to know if this
occurred, the time periods, and the water volumes, please
contact Glenn Ratajczak at 607-277-0660 ext 241.
Required testing by the EPA for the Unregulated
Contaminant Monitoring Rule #5 (UCMR5) was completed
by Bolton Point in 2024. Information about the rule and
the contaminants can be found on EPA website (epa.gov).
The results of detected contaminants of UCMR5 can be
found in Table 3. For more information on UCMR5 testing
contact Glenn Ratajczak at 607-277-0660 ext 241.
HYDRILLA TREATMENT INFORMATION: Cayuga Lake was
treated in 2025 with herbicides after the invasive species
Hydrilla was located in Cayuga Inlet in 2011. All monitoring
results for sampling related to the Hydrilla Eradication
Program can be found at
https://tompkinscountyny.gov/health/hydrilla#monitoring
WATER SYSTEM
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY ID #
BP-MWS
5404423
Water Source Cayuga Lake
Approximate population
served
30,000
Number of service
connections
7359
Total production (MG1) 876
Average daily withdrawal
(MGD2)
2.439
Average daily delivered
(MGD)
2.424
Average daily lost (MGD) 0.015
Annual charge per 1000 gal. $11.043
Table 1: General Water Data -2025
1MG = million gallons
2MGD = million gallons per day
3Average of the rates charged by the five
member municipalities of the BP-MWS.
D. General Water Information
ANALYTE UNITS BP-MWS
ANNUAL AVERAGE
pH (EP)1 8.2
Turbidity (EP) NTU 0.031
Total Hardness mg/L 150.0
Total Alkalinity mg/L 116
Chlorine Residual
(EP)
mg/L 1.59
Chlorine Residual
(POU)2
mg/L 0.60
Turbidity (POU) NTU 0.046
Total Organic Carbon
(EP)
mg/L 2.1
Dissolved Organic
Carbon (EP)
mg/L 2.1
1EP = Entry Point; 2POU = Point of Use | Definitions of
NTU and mg/L found with Table 3.
Table 2: General Water Quality Data - 2025
Tables of Detected Contaminants
Table 3: Detected Contaminants: Bolton Point Municipal Water System
Contaminant Units Violation
Y/N
Date of
Sample
Maximum or
average Level
Detected
(Range)
Regulatory Limit MCLG
or
MRDLG
Likely Source of
Contamination
Microbiological contaminants
Turbidity (EP) NTU No 8/14/25 0.081 TT=<1 NTU N/A Soil runoff.
Turbidity samples(EP)
% below
MCL
No Daily 100% TT=95% of
samples <0.3NTU
N/A Soil runoff.
Turbidity (POU) NTU No 2/25 0.0625 MCL>5NTU N/A Soil runoff.
Disinfection and Disinfection By-Products
Total Organic Carbon mg/L No Quarterly 2.1 (1.8-2.4) TT N/A Naturally present in the
environment
Total THMs
Site 1
Site 2
Site 3
Site 4
Site 5
µg/L No Quarterly
53 (40-64)1
56 (44-67)1
43 (30-53)1
36 (30-43)1
51 (21-48)1
MCL = 80 Running
Annual Average
N/A By-product of drinking
water chlorination.
Total HAA5
Site 1
Site 2
Site 3
Site 4
Site 5
µg/L No Quarterly
13 (6.3-19)1
14 (6.0-21)1
16 (10-18) 1
17 (11-23)1
25 (13-28)1
MCL = 60 Running
Annual Average
N/A By-product of drinking
water chlorination.
Chlorine Residual
(POU)
mg/L No 2025 0.60 (ND-1.47) MRDL=4.0 4 Water additive used to
control microbes.
Chlorine Dioxide
Residual (EP)
mg/L No 2025 0.060 (ND-0.198) MRDL= 0.8 0.8 Water additive used to
control microbes.
Chlorite mg/L No 2025 0.344 (ND-
0.407)2
MCL = 1.0 0.8 By-product of drinking
water disinfection.
Inorganics
Barium mg/L No 10/8/25 0.028 MCL=2 2 Drilling wastes; erosion of natural
deposits.
Copper mg/L No 2023 0.140 (0.0096
-0.610)
AL=1.3 1.3 Household plumbing corrosion; erosion
of natural deposits; wood preservatives.
Lead µg/L No 2023 8.8 (ND-17) AL=15 0 Household plumbing corrosion; erosion
of natural deposits.
Nitrate mg/L No 10/8/25 1.12 MCL=10 10 Fertilizer runoff; septic tank leaching;
sewage; erosion of natural deposits.
Sodium mg/L No 10/8/25 37.5 See Water
Quality,
Section C
N/A Naturally occurring; road salt; animal
waste; water softeners; water
treatment chemicals.
Unregulated Contaminants (UCMR5)
Perfluorooctanoic acid
(PFOA)
ng/L No 2024 1.2 (1.0-1.4) Unregulated N/A Released into the environment from
widespread use in commercial and
industrial applications.
Perfluorooctanesulfonic
acid (PFOS)
ng/L No 2024 0.6 (ND-1.1) Unregulated N/A Released into the environment from
widespread use in commercial and
industrial applications.
Perfluorohexanoic acid
(PFHxA)
ng/L No 2024 1.3 (1.2-1.3) Unregulated N/A Released into the environment from
widespread use in commercial and
industrial applications.
Perfluorobutanoic acid
(PFBA)
ng/L No 2024 2.3 (1.6-2.7) Unregulated N/A Released into the environment from
widespread use in commercial and
industrial applications.
Perfluoropentanoic acid
(PFPeA)
ng/L No 2024 1.6 (1.3-1.8) Unregulated N/A Released into the environment from
widespread use in commercial and
industrial applications.
1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-
perfluorooctane sulfonic
acid (6:2 FTS)
ng/L No 2024 3.2 (ND-11.5) Unregulated N/A Released into the environment from
widespread use in commercial and
industrial applications.
1 See “maximum level detected” below. Range of site in parentheses.
2Chlorite is the average of 3 distribution samples taken monthly. Range of all samples
in parenthesis.
3Source Water
4Average of quarterly samples at 5 sites. Range of sites in parenthesis.
5Maximum monthly average.
Notes and Definitions for Table 3:
AL (action level): The concentration of a contaminant that, if exceeded, triggers additional treatment or other
requirements that a water system must follow.
Lead and Copper: The maximum level values reported for lead and copper represent the 90th percentile of the samples
taken. A percentile is a value on a scale of 100 that indicates the percent of a distribution that is equal to or below it.
Notes and Definitions for Table 3 (Continued):
The 90th percentile is equal to or greater than 90% of the lead and copper values detected at your water system.
The action level for lead was exceeded at one of the 30 sites tested. Testing for these metals is only required every
three years.
HAA5 (haloacetic acids): These are a group of chemicals that are formed when chlorine or other disinfectants used to
control microbial contaminants in drinking water react with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter in water.
The regulated haloacetic acids, known as HAA5, are monochloroacetic, dichloroacetic, trichloroacetic,
monobromoacetic, and dibromoacetic acids. The maximum level detected of HAA5 is the highest of the four quarterly
running annual averages calculated during the year and is the basis of the MCL for these compounds.
Maximum Level Detected: The highest measurement detected for the contaminant during the year. For total THMs
and HAA5 the maximum level detected is the highest of the four quarterly running annual averages during the year.
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.
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.
mg/L (milligrams per liter): Corresponds to one part in one million parts of liquid (parts per million, ppm).
MRDL (maximum residual disinfection level): The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is
convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary to control microbial contaminants.
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
contamination.
ng/L (nanograms per liter): Corresponds to one part of liquid to one trillion parts of liquid (parts per trillion- ppt).
N/A (not applicable).
ND (not detected): Laboratory analysis indicates that the constituent is not detectable.
NTU (nephelometric turbidity unit): A measure of the clarity of water. Turbidity of approximately 5 NTU is barely
noticeable by the average person.
pCi/I (picocuries per liter): A measure of radioactivity in water.
Range: The range of lowest to highest measurements detected for contaminants measured during the year.
THM (trihalomethanes): These are a group of chemicals that are formed when chlorine or other disinfectants used to
control microbial contaminants in drinking water react with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter in water.
The regulated trihalomethanes are bromodichloromethane, bromoform, chloroform, and dibromochloromethane.
These compounds result from the disinfection of water with chlorine. The maximum level detected of THMs is the high-
est of the four quarterly running annual averages calculated during the year and is the basis of the MCL for these com-
pounds.
X = Monitored, but not detected
TT (treatment technique): A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
ug/L (micrograms per liter): Corresponds to one part in one billion parts of liquid (parts per billion, ppb).
Table 4: Non-Detected Contaminates: Bolton Point Municipal Water System
F. Non-Detected Contaminants
CONTAMINANT Sample
Year
Microbiological 2025
Total Coliform
E. Coli
Inorganics 2025
Antimony
Arsenic
Beryllium
Cadmium
Chromium
Cyanide,Total
Fluoride
Mercury
Nickel
Selenium
Thallium
Synthetic Organics &
Pesticides 2025
Alachlor
Aldicarb
Aldicarb sulfone
Aldicarb sulfoxide
Atrazine
Carbofuran
Chlordane, Total
1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane
1,2-Dibromoethane
2,4-D
Endrin
Heptachlor
Heptachlor epoxide
Lindane
Methoxychlor
PCB - aroclor 1016
PCB - aroclor 1221
PCB - aroclor 1232
PCB - aroclor 1242
PCB - aroclor 1248
PCB - aroclor 1254
PCB - aroclor 1260
Pentachlorophenol
Toxaphene
2,4,5-TP (Silvex)
Aldrin
Benzo(a)pyrene
Butachlor
Carbaryl
Dalapon
bis (2-ethylhexyl) adipate
bis (2-ethylhexyl) pthalate
Dicamba
Dieldrin
Dinoseb
Hexachlorobenzene
Hexachlorocyclopentadiene
3-Hydroxycarbofuran
Methomyl
Metolachlor
Metribuzin
Oxamyl (Vydate)
Picloram
Propachlor
Simazine
Principal Organics, Vinyl
Chloride, and MTBE 2025
Benzene
Bromobenzene
Bromochloromethane
Bromomethane
n-Butylbenzene
sec-Butylbenzene
tert-Butylbenzene
Carbon tetrachloride
Chlorobenzene
Chloroethane
Chloromethane
2-Chlorotoluene
4-Chlorotoluene
Dibromomethane
1,2-Dichlorobenzene
1,3-Dichlorobenzene
1,4-Dichlorobenzene
Dichlorodifluoromethane
1,1-Dichloroethane
1,2-Dichloroethane
1,1-Dichloroethene
cis-1,2-Dichloroethene
trans-1,2-Dichloroethene
1,2-Dichloropropane
1,3-Dichloropropane
2,2-Dichloropropane
1,1-Dichloropropene
cis-1,3-Dichloropropene
trans-1,3-Dichloropropene
Ethylbenzene
Hexachlorobutadiene
Isopropylbenzene
p-Isopropyltoluene
Methylene chloride
n-Propylbenzene
Styrene
1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane
Tetrachloroethene
Toluene
1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene
X = Monitored, but not detected
G. Major Modifications Completed in 2025
System Improvements
• Installation of new pumps at the Brown Road Pump Station. (Village of Lansing)
Treatment Plant (Bolton Point)
• Final phase of the electrical upgrade project.
H. Future Projects and Capital Improvements (Planned for 2026)
Water Main Projects
• Dryden Road 8500’ water main replacement. (Town of Dryden)
System Improvements
• Installation of emergency generator at the Village Circle Pump Station (Town of Lansing)
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Trichloroethene
Trichlorofluoromethane
1,2,3-Trichloropropane
1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene
1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene
m-Xylene
o-Xylene
p-Xylene
Vinyl chloride
MTBE
Radiological 2023
Gross Alpha
Radium-226
Radium-228
1,4-Dioxane/PFAS 2025
1,4-Dioxane
Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)
Perfluorooctane sulfonate
(PFOS)
Unregulated Contami-
nants (UCMR5) 2024
Lithium
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)
Perfluoroundecanoic acid
(PFUnA)
Perfluorododecanoic acid
(PFDoA)
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid
(PFBS)
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid
(PFHxS)
Hexafluoropropylene oxide di-
mer acid (HFPO-DA) (Gen X
chemicals)
Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid
(PFHpS)
Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid
(PFPeS)
1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecane
sulfonic acid (8:2 FTS)
9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-
oxanone-1-sulfonic acid (9Cl-
PF3ONS)
11-chloroeicosafluoro-3-
oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid
(11Cl-PF3OudS)
1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorohexane
sulfonic acid (4:2 FTS)
Nonafluoro-3,6-dioxaheptanoic
acid (NFDHA)
Perfluoro(2-ethoxyethane)
sulfonic acid (PFEESA)
Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic
acid (PFMOPrA)
Perfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic
acid (PFMOBA)
Perfluorotridecanoic acid
(PFTrDA)
Perfluorotetradecanoic acid
(PFTDA)
n-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfon-
amidoacetic acid (NEtFOSAA)
n-methyl perfluorooctanesulfon-
amidoacetic acid (NMeFOSAA)
H. Future Projects and Capital Improvements (Planned for 2025) (Continued)
Treatment Plant (Bolton Point)
• Initial phase of the Raw Water Pump Station electrical upgrade project.
• Roof replacement on the administrative wing at the treatment plant.
I. Water Conservation Measures
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. The following are some ideas that you
can apply directly in your own home.
Use your water meter to detect hidden leaks. Turn off all taps and water using appliances, then record the meter read-
ing and check the meter after 15 minutes. If it registers, you have a leak.
Restaurants in the U.S. serve approximately 70 million meals a day. Every glass of water brought to your table requires
another two glasses of water to wash and rinse the glass.
The bathroom accounts for 75 percent of the water used inside the home.
Water your lawn only when it needs it. If you step on the grass and it springs back up when you move, it doesn’t need
water. If it stays flat, it does.
Put 10 drops of food coloring in your toilet tank. If the color shows up in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak to
repair. It is common to lose up to 100 gallons a day from a toilet leak. Fix it, and you save more than 30,000 gallons a
year.
Do not hose down your driveway or sidewalk. Use a broom to clean leaves and other debris from these areas. Using a
hose to clean a driveway can waste hundreds of gallons of water.
If every American home installed low-flow faucet aerators, the United States would save 250 million gallons of water a
day.
Fix leaks as soon as they are found. A dripping faucet with a 1/16 inch stream wastes 100 gallons of water per day.
Saving water can lower your power bills by reducing your demand for hot or pumped water. These few simple steps
will preserve the resource for future generations and also save up to 30% on your bill.
J. Security Concerns
Generally, security threats to our water system have consisted of primarily minor vandalism and property damage.
However, our security efforts focus to a high degree on the much less likely, but more serious, threat of intentional
contamination of the water supply. We have performed security assessments of our entire system and updated our
Emergency Response Plans to cover the possibility of terrorism. Weaknesses in procedures have been corrected and
improvements to increase the security of the infrastructure have been undertaken. Local police are aware of the secu-
rity needs of the water systems and have maintained increased patrolling of the facilities.
Your awareness and reporting of suspicious activity throughout the system is appreciated. The Bolton Point Water Sup-
ply Emergency Plan was updated and approved by the NYSDoH in 2025. A copy of the public version is available for
viewing at the Bolton Point water treatment plant, 1402 East Shore Drive, Ithaca New York, 14850, or by contacting
Glenn Ratajczak, Production Manager; 607-277-0660, ext. 241 or by email; gratajczak@ boltonpoint.org
K. Source Water Protection
The New York State Health Department is in the process of developing a Source Water Assessment Report for every
surface drinking water source in the state. When the report for our source is completed, we will review it and provide a
summary. If this report becomes available in 2026, a summary will be posted on our website and provided in next
year’s Annual Drinking Water Quality Report.
L. 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. A LSL may be owned by the water system, 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 have made it publicly accessible by contacting Glenn
Ratajczak at 277-0660 ext 241 or visiting our website at boltonpoint.org
HIGH QUALITY
DRINKING WATER
FOR TOMPKINS
COUNTY RESIDENTS
CURRENT RESIDENT
Water Trivia
• There are over 58,900 community water systems in the United States processing more than 34 billion gallons per day.
• The average residence in the United States uses 107,000 gallons of water a year.
• It takes 62,600 gallons of water to produce one ton of steel.
• Eighty percent of the earth’s surface is covered by water, but only one percent of the earth’s water is suitable for drinking.
• It takes 101 gallons of water to make one pound of wool or cotton.
• Water acts as a natural buffer against extreme or rapid changes in the earth’s temperature.
• It would take 219 million gallons of water to cover one square mile with one foot of water.
• One gallon of water weighs 8.34 pounds.
• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe
- even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
Resources
Web sites with more water information and activities for children:
• www.epa.gov/safewater/index.html
• www.epa.gov/safewater/kids/index.html