HomeMy WebLinkAboutBolton Point 2024 Drinking Water Quality Report - FinalDRINKING WATER QUALITY REPORT
Bolton Point Municipal Water System
2024
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 eastern shore of Cayuga Lake and 65 feet below the
surface of the lake. During 2023 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 and Cornell
during emergencies and planned maintenance periods.
Meetings of the Bolton Point Water Commission are held on the
first Thursday afler 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, 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 eftfuent 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 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 the 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 2023 level of sodium in Bolton Point
was 33 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 277-0660 ext 241.
Required testing by the EPA for the Unregulated
contaminant Monitoring Rule #4 (UCMR4) was completed
by Bolton Point in 2020. Information about the rule and
the contaminants can be found on EPA website (epa.gov).
The results of detected contaminants of UCMR4 can be
found in Table 3. For more information on UCMR4 testing
contact Glenn Ratajczak at 277-0660 ext 241.
HYDRILLA TREATMENT INFORMATION: Cayuga Lake was
treated in 2023 with herbicides afler 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 connec-
tions
7295
Total production (MG1) 875
Average daily withdrawal
(MGD2)
2.401
Average daily delivered
(MGD)
2.398
Average daily lost (MGD) 0.003
Annual charge per 1000 gal. $9.813
Table 1: General Water Data -2023
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 0.035
Total Hardness mg/L 150.0
Total Alkalinity mg/L 108
Chlorine Residual
(EP)
mg/L 1.50
Chlorine Residual
(POU)2
mg/L 0.51
Turbidity (POU) NTU 0.050
Total Organic Carbon
(EP)
mg/L 1.7
Dissolved Organic
Carbon (EP)
mg/L 1.7
1EP = Entry Point; 2POU = Point of Use | Definitions of
NTU and mg/L found with Table 3.
Table 2: General Water Quality Data - 2023
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 9/2/23 0.068 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 9/23 0.0605 MCL>5NTU N/A Soil runoff.
Disinfection and Disinfection By-Products
Total Organic Car-mg/L No Quarterly 1.7 (1.5-2.0) TT N/A Naturally present in the environ-
Total THMs
Site 1
Site 2
Site 3
Site 4
Site 5
µg/L No Quarterly
69 (40-81)1
72 (32-77)1
70 (36-74)1
52 (26-59)1
66 (39-68)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
15 (2.4-26)1
14 (5.6-21)1
17 (13-21) 1
15 (14-16)1
22 (18-26)1
MCL = 60 Running
Annual Average
N/A By-product of drinking water
chlorination.
Chlorine Residual mg/L No 2023 0.51 (ND-1.52) MRDL=4.0 4 Water additive used to control
Chlorine Dioxide
Residual (EP)
mg/L No 2023 0.050 (ND-
0.190)
MRDL= 0.8 0.8 Water additive used to control
microbes.
Chlorite mg/L No 2023 0.445 (0.037- MCL = 1.0 0.8 By-product of drinking water
Inorganics
Barium mg/L No 10/4/23 0.028 MCL=2 2 Drilling wastes; erosion of natu-
ral deposits.
Contaminant Units Violation
Y/N
Date of
Sample
Maximum or
average Level
Detected
(Range)
Regulatory Limit MCLG or
MRDLG
Likely Source of Contamination
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.
Nickel mg/L No 10/4/23 0.0016 N/A N/A Erosion of natural deposits.
Nitrate mg/L No 10/4/23 1.4 MCL=10 10 Fertilizer runoff; septic tank
leaching; sewage; erosion of
natural deposits.
Sodium mg/L No 10/4/23 33 See Water Quality,
Section C
N/A Naturally occurring; road salt;
animal waste; water sofleners;
water treatment chemicals.
Unregulated Perfluoroalkyl Substances
Perfluorobutanoic acid
(PFBA)
ng/L No 11/8/23 3.38 Unregulated N/A Released into the environment
from widespread use in
commercial and industrial
applications.
Perfluoropentanoic
acid (PFPeA)
ng/L No 11/8/23 2.15 Unregulated N/A Released into the environment
from widespread use in
commercial and industrial
applications.
Unregulated Contaminants (UCMR4)
Bromide3 µg/L No 2019-
2020
46.9 (44.9-50.6) Unregulated N/A
HAA5 µg/L No 2019-
2020
25.7 (2.2-64.4)4 Unregulated N/A By-product of drinking water
chlorination.
HAA6Br µg/L No 2019-
2020
15.0 (3.5-31.4)4 Unregulated N/A By-product of drinking water
chlorination.
HAA9 µg/L No 2019-
2020
39.1 (6.4-91.1)4 Unregulated N/A By-product of drinking water
chlorination.
Manganese µg/L No 2019-
2020
2.03 (0.48-3.44) Unregulated N/A Naturally occurring; Indicative of
landfill contamination.
Total Organic Carbon3 mg/L No 2019-
2020
2.1 (1.9-2.3) Unregulated N/A Naturally present in the
environment.
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 require-
ments 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.
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
highest of the four quarterly running annual averages calculated during the year and is the basis of the MCL for these
compounds.
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 2023
Total Coliforms X
E. Coli X
Inorganics 2023
Antimony X
Arsenic X
Beryllium X
Cadmium X
Chromium X
Cyanide,Total X
Fluoride X
Mercury X
Selenium X
Thallium X
Synthetic Organics &
Pesticides 2023
Alachlor X
Aldicarb X
Aldicarb sulfone X
Aldicarb sulfoxide X
Atrazine X
Carbofuran X
Chlordane, Total X
1,2-Dibromo-3-
chloropropane X
1,2-Dibromoethane X
2,4-D X
Endrin X
Heptachlor X
Heptachlor epoxide X
Lindane X
Methoxychlor X
PCB - aroclor 1016 X
PCB - aroclor 1221 X
PCB - aroclor 1232 X
PCB - aroclor 1242 X
PCB - aroclor 1248 X
PCB - aroclor 1254 X
PCB - aroclor 1260 X
Pentachlorophenol X
Toxaphene X
2,4,5-TP (Silvex) X
Aldrin X
Benzo(a)pyrene X
Butachlor X
Carbaryl X
Dalapon X
bis (2-ethylhexyl)
adipate X
bis (2-ethylhexyl)
pthalate X
Dicamba X
Dieldrin X
Dinoseb X
Hexachlorobenzene X
Hexachlorocyclopentadi-
ene X
3-Hydroxycarbofuran X
Methomyl X
Metolachlor X
Metribuzin X
Oxamyl (Vydate) X
Picloram X
Propachlor X
Simazine X
Principal Organics, Vinyl
Chloride, and MTBE 2023
Benzene X
Bromobenzene X
Bromochloromethane X
Bromomethane X
n-Butylbenzene X
sec-Butylbenzene X
tert-Butylbenzene X
Carbon tetrachloride X
Chlorobenzene X
Chloroethane X
Chloromethane X
2-Chlorotoluene X
4-Chlorotoluene X
Dibromomethane X
1,2-Dichlorobenzene X
1,3-Dichlorobenzene X
1,4-Dichlorobenzene X
Dichlorodifluoro-
methane X
1,1-Dichloroethane X
1,2-Dichloroethane X
1,1-Dichloroethene X
cis-1,2-Dichloroethene X
trans-1,2-
Dichloroethene X
1,2-Dichloropropane X
1,3-Dichloropropane X
2,2-Dichloropropane X
1,1-Dichloropropene X
cis-1,3-Dichloropropene X
trans-1,3-
Dichloropropene X
Ethylbenzene X
Hexachlorobutadiene X
Isopropylbenzene X
4-Isopropyltoluene X
Methylene chloride X
n-Propylbenzene X
Styrene X
1,1,1,2-
Tetrachloroethane X
1,1,2,2-
Tetrachloroethane X
Tetrachloroethene X
Toluene X
1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene X
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene X
1,1,1-Trichloroethane X
1,1,2-Trichloroethane X
Trichloroethene X
Trichlorofluoromethane X
1,2,3-Trichloropropane X
1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene X
1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene X
m-Xylene X
o-Xylene X
p-Xylene X
Vinyl chloride X
MTBE X
X = Monitored, but not detected
Radiological 2023
Gross Alpha X
Radium-226 X
Radium-228 X
1,4-Dioxane/PFAS 2023
1,4-Dioxane X
Perfluorooctanoic Acid
(PFOA) X
Perfluorooctane sul-
fonate (PFOS) X
G. Major Modifications Completed in 2023
Water Main Projects
Ridgecrest Road 2000’ water main replacement. (Town of Ithaca)
Cascadilla Creek crossing 150’ transmission main installation. (Bolton Point)
System Improvements
Pump upgrades at the Coddington and Troy Road Pump Stations. (Town of Ithaca)
Treatment Plant (Bolton Point)
Backwash flow meter replacement.
H. Future Projects and Capital Improvements (Planned for 2024)
Water Main Projects
Dryden Road 8500’ water main replacement. (Town of Dryden)
Graham Road and Dart Drive 5800’ water main replacement. (Village of Lansing)
System Improvements
Installation of emergency generators at the Troy and Coddington Pump Stations (Town of Ithaca)
Treatment Plant (Bolton Point)
Treatment plant electrical upgrades.
X = Monitored, but not detected
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 afler 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
security 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 Supply Emergency Plan
was updated and sent for approval by the NYSDoH in 2023. 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, 277-0660, ext. 241, 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 2024, a summary will be posted on our website and provided in next
year’s Annual Drinking Water Quality Report.
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