2002 Laboratory analysis

We are please to present to you this year's Annual Water Quality Report. The table that follows shows the results of our monitoring for the period January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2002. This report is designed to inform you about the water quality and services we deliver to you every day. Our constant goal is to provide you with a safe and dependable supply of drinking water. We want you to understand the efforts we make to continually improve the water treatment process and protect our water resources. We are committed to ensuring the quality of your water and I'm pleased to report that our drinking water is safe and meets all federal and state requirements.

SUBSTANCE

V
I
O
L
A
T
I
O
N
Y/N

L D
E E
V T
E E
L C
   T
   E
    D

RANGE
OF
DETECTED
LEVELS

U
N
I
T
S

M
C
L
G

MCL

LIKELY SOURCE
OF CONTAMINATION

HEALTH EFFECTS

RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINANTS

*Alpha Emitters*	N	*4.5*	*0 - 4.5*	*pCi/L*	0	15	Erosion of natural deposits	Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit a form of radiation known as alpha radiation. Some people who drink water containing alpha emitters in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
*Combined Radium*	N	*4.7*	*1.9 - 4.7*	*pCi/L*	0	5	Erosion of natural deposits	Some people who drink water containing radium 226 or 228 in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS

*Barium*	N	*0.119*	*0.03 - 0.119*	*ppm*	2	2	Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits	Some people who drink water containing barium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience an increase in their blood pressure.
*Fluoride*	N	*1.62*	*0.2 - 1.62*	*ppm*	4	4	Erosion of natural deposits; water additive which promotes strong teeth, discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories	Some people who drink water containing fluoride in excess of the MCL over many years could get bone disease, including pain and tenderness of the bones. Children may get mottled teeth.
*Mercury*	N	*.0009*	0 - .0009	*ppm*	-	*.002*
*Nitrate*	N	*3.9*	*0 - 3.9*	*ppm*	10	10	Runoff from fertilizer use, leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits	Nitrate in drinking water levels above 10 ppm is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If you are caring for an infant, you should ask advice from your health care provider.

SECONDARY CONTAMINANTS

*Sodium*	N	*102*	*2.12 - 102*	*ppm*	50	*RUL 50*	Naturally occurring in underground aquifers	For healthy individuals, the sodium intake from water is not important because a much greater intake of sodium takes place in the diet. However, sodium levels above the Recommended Upper Limit may of concern to individuals on sodium restricted diet.
*Sulfate*	N	*11.4*	*5 - 11.4*	*ppm*	*250*	*RUL 250*	Occurs naturally in waters as a result of leachings from gypsum and other common materials. Can also be a result of many different types of industrial waste	The Recommended Upper Limit for sulfate is based on salty taste and possible laxative effects to the drinking water.
*Chlorides*	N	*12.2*	*5 - 12.2*	*ppm*

VOLATILE ORGANICS

M.T.B.E.

1.09

0 - 1.09

ppb

Leaking underground gasoline and fuel oil tanks, gasoline and fuel oil spills.

Some people who drink water containing MTBE in excess of the MCL's over many years could experience problems with kidneys.

LEAD AND COPPER (Samples were collected from 30 homes)

SUBSTANCE

V
I
O
L
A
T
I
O
N
Y/N

A L
C E
T V
I E
O L N

AMOUNT DETECTED 90th PERCENTILE

M
C
L
G

UNIT
MEAS.

SITES ABOVE ACTION LEVEL

HEALTH EFFECTS

*Lead*	N	15	3	*ppb*	0	1	Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching of wood preservatives.
*Copper*	N	*1.3*	*0.579*	*ppm*	*1.3*	0	Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits

We, at the Washington Twp. MUA work around the clock to provide top quality water to every tap. We ask that all our customers help us protect our water sources, which are the heart of our community, our way of life and our children's future.

If you have questions about this report or concerning your water utility, please contact Matt Mallon, Supt. or Chuck Chew , Asst. Supt at 227-0880. We want our valued customers to be informed about their water utility. If you want to learn more, please attend any of our regularly scheduled meetings. They are held on the second and last Monday of every month, at 7:30pm, at the WTMUA office on Whitman Drive.