6 The Perquimans Weekly, June 25, 2003
Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
Perquimans County Water System
PWSID # 04-72-025
We’re pleased to present to you this year’s Annual Quality Water Report. This report is designed
to inform you about the quality water 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^o 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. Our water
source is wells which pump from the Yorktown Aquifer. *
I’m pleased to report that our drinking water is safe and meets federal and state requirements. If you have any
questions about this report or concerning your water utility, please contact Russ Chappell at 426-8230. We want our valued
customers to be informed about their water utility. If you want to learn more, please attend .any of our regualarly scheduled
meeting. They are held on the first Monday of every month at 3:00 p.m. in the Courthouse Annex.
Perquimans County Water System routinely monitors for contaminants in your drinking water according
to Federal and State laws. This table shows the results of our monitoring for the period of January l“to December 31",
2002 and the last test results of contaminants that were not due to be tested in 2002. As water travels over the land or
underground it can pick up substances or contaminants such as microbes, inorganic and organic chemicals, and radioac
tive substances. All drinking water, including bottle drinking water, may be reasonably expected to contain at least small
amounts of some contaminants. It’s important to remember that the presence of these contaminants does not necessarily
pose a health risk.
In this table you will find many terms and abbreviations you might not be familiar with. To help you better
understand these terms we’ve provided the following definitions:
Non-Detects (ND) - laboratory analysis indicates that the constituent is not present.
Parts per million (ppm) or Milligrams per liter (mg/l) - one part per million corresponds to one minute in two years or a
single penny in $10,000.
Parts per billion (ppb) or Milligrams per liter - one part per billion corresponds to one minute in 2,000 years or a single
penny in $10,000,000.
Parts per trillion (ppt) or Nanograms per liter (nanograms/1) - one part per trillion caoiresponds to one minute in
■ TEST RESULTS
2,000,000 years, or a single penny in $ 10,000,000,000.
Parts per quadrillion (ppg) or Picograms per liter (picpgrams/1) - one part per quadrillion corresponds to one minute in
2,000,000,000 years or one penny in $10,000,000,000,000,
Picocuries per liter (pCi/L) - picocuries per liter is a measure of the radioactivity in water.
Millirems per year (mrem/yr) - measure of radiation absorbed by the body.
Million Fibers per Liter (MFL) ■ million fibers per liter is a measure of the presence of asbestos fibers that are longer than 10
micrometers.
Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) - nephelometric turbidity unit is a measure of the clarity of water. Turbidity in excess of 5
NTU is just noticeable to the average person.
Variances & Exemption (V&E) - State or EPA permission not to meet an MCL or a treatment technique under certain conditions.
Action Level - the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water
system must follow.
Treament Technique (TT) - (mandatory language) A treatment technique is a required process intended to reduce the level of a
contaminant in drinking water.
Maximum Contaminant Level - (mandatory language) The “Maximum Allowed” (MCL) is the highest level of a contaminant that
is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal - (mandatory language) The “Goal” (MCLG) is 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.
Contaminant
Violation
Y/N
Level
Detected
Dint
Measurement
MCLG
MCL
Likely Source of Contamination
Microbiological Contaminants 2002
1. Total Colifonn Bacteria
N
ND
0
presence of
colifonn
bacteria in 5%
of monthly
samples
Naturally present in the environment
2. Fecal coliform and
E.coli
N
ND
0
a routine
sample and
repeat sample
are total
coliform
positive, and
one is also
fecal coliform
or E. coli
positive
3. Turbidity
n/a
TT
Soil runoff (not required)
Radioactive Contaminants
May 2001
4. Beta/photon emitters
N
ND
mrem/yr
0
4
Decay of natural and man-made
deposits
5. Alpha emiters
N
ND
pCi/1
0
15
Erosion of natural deposits
6. Combined radium
N
ND
pCi/1
0
5
Erosion of natural deposits
Inorganic Contaminants
Feburary 2002
7. Antimony
N
.003
ppb
6
6
Discharge from petroleum refineries;
fire retardants; ceramics; electronics;
solder
8. Arsenic
N
.005
ppb
n/a
50
Erosion of natural deposits; runoff
from orchards ;runoff from glass and
electronics production wastes
9. Asbestos
N
ND
MFL
7
7
Decay of asbestos cement water mains; erosion
of natural deposits
10. Barium
N
.100
ppm
2
2
Discharge of drilling wastes;
discharge from met^ refineries;
erosion of natural deposits .
11. Beryllium
N
.001
ppb
4
4
Discharge from metal refineries and coal-buming
factories; discharge from electrical, aerospace,
and defense industries
12. Cadmium
N
.001
ppb
5
5
Corrosion of galvanized pipes; erosion of natural
deposits; discharge from metal refineries; runoff
from waste batteries and paints
13. Chromium
N
.005
ppb
100
100
Discharge from steel and pulp mills; erosion of
natural deposits
14. Copper
N
1.0
ppm
1.3
AL=1.3
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; ero
sion of natural deposits; leaching from wood pre
servatives
15. Cyanide
N
.040
ppb
200
200
Discharge from steel/metal factories; discharge
from plastic and fertilizer factories
16. Fluoride
N
.26
ppm
4
4
Erosion of natural deposits; water additive which
promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer
and alumimum factories
17. Lead
N
.005
ppb
0
AL=15
Corrosion of household plumbing systems, ero
sion of natural deposits
18. Mercury (inorganic)
N
.0002
ppb
2
2
Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from refin- ’
eries and factories; runoff from landfills; runoff
from cropland
19.Nitrate (as Nitrogen)
N
.1.00
ppm
10
10
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic
tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits
20. Nitrite (as Nitrogen)
N
ND
ppm
1
1
Runoff' from fertilizer use; leaching from septic
tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits
21. Selenium
N
.010
ppb
50
50
Discharge from petroleum and metal refineries;
erosion of natur^ deposits; discharge from mines
22. Thallium
N
.001
ppb
0.5
2
Leaching from ore-processing sites; discharge
from electronics, glass, and drug factories
Synthetic Organic Contaminants including Pesticides and Herbicides
January 2002
23. 2, 4-D
N
ND
ppb
70
70
Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
24. 2, 4, 5-TP (Silvex)
N
ND
ppb
50
50
Residue of banned herbicide
25. Acrylamide
N
Not
Req.
0
TT
Added to water during sewage/wastewater
treatment
26. Alachlor
N
ND
ppb
0
2
Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
27. Atrazine
N
ND
ppb
3
3
Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
28. Berzo (a) pyrene (PAH)
N
ND
nanograms/1
0
200
Leaching from linings of water storage tanks
and distribution lines
29. Carbofuran
N
ND
ppb
40
40
Leaching of soil fumigant used on rice and
alfalfa
30. Chlordane
N
ND
ppb
0
2
Residue of banned termiticide
31. Dalapon
Y
.021
ppb
200
200
Runoff from herbicide used on rights of way
32. Di (2-ethylhexyl) adipate
N
ND
ppb
400
400
Discharge from chemical factories
33. Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
N
ND
ppb
0
6
Discharge from rubber and chemical factories
34. Dibromochloropropane
N
Not
Req.
nanograms/1
0
200
Runoff/leaching from soil fumigant used on
soybeans, cotton, pineapples, and orchards
35. Dinoseb
N
ND
ppb
7
7
Runoff from herbicide used on soybeans and
vegetables
36. Diquat
N
Not
Req.
ppb
20
20
Runoff from herbicide use
37. Dioxin
(2,3,7,8-TCDD)
N
Not
Req.
picograms/1
0
30
Emissions from waste incineration and other
combustion; discharge from chemical factories
38. Endothall
N
Not
Req.
ppb
100
100
Runoff from herbicide used
39. Endrin
N
ND
ppb
2
2
Residue of banned insecticide
40. Epichlorohydrin
N
Not
Req.
0
TT
Discharge from industrial chemical factories an
impurity of some water treatment chemicals
41. Ethrylene dibromide
N
ND
nanograms/1
0
50
Discharge from petroleum refineries
42. Glyphosate
N
Not
Req.
ppb
700
700
Runoff from herbicide use
43. Heptachlor
N
ND
nanograms/1
0
400
Residue of banned termiticide
44. Heptachor epoxide
N
ND
nanograms/1
0
200
Breakdown of heptachlor
45. Hexachlorobenzene
N
ND
ppb
0
1
Discharge from metal refineries and agricultural
chemical factories
Microbiological Contaminants;
(1) Total Conform. Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally pres
ent in the environment and are used as an indicator that other,
potentially-harraful, bacteria may be present. Coliforms were
found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of
potential problems.
(2) Fecal coliform/E.Coli. Fecal coliforms and E. coli are bac
teria whose presence indicates that the water may be contami
nated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes
can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea,
headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health
risk for infants, young children, and people with severely com
promised immune systems.
(3) Turbidity, Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity
can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for micro
bial growth. Turbidity may indicated the presence of disease-
causing organisms. 'These organisms include bacteria, viruses,
and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps,
diarrhea, and associated headaches.
Radioactive Contaminants:
(4) Beta/photonm emitters. Certain minerals are radioactive and
may emit forms of radiation known as photons and beta radia
tion. Some people who drink water containing beta and photon
emitters in excess of the MCL over many years may have an
increased risk of getting cancer.
(5) Alpha emitters. 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.
(6) Combined Radium 226/228. 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; '
(7) Antimony. Some people who drink water containing anti
mony well in excess of the MCL over many years could experi- .
ence increases in blood cholesterol and decreases in blood sugar.
(8) Arsenic. Some people who drink water containing arsenic
in excess of the MCL over many years could experience skin
damage or problems with their circulatory system, and may have
an increased risk of getting cancer.
(9) Asbestos. Some people who drink water containing asbestos
in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased
risk of developing benign intestinal polyps.
, (10) Barium. Sotne people who drink water containing barium in
excess of MCL over many years could experience an increase in j
their blood pressure.
(11) Beryllium. Some people who drink water containing beryl
lium well in excess of the MCL over many years could develop
intestinal lesions.
(12) Cadmium, Some people who drink water containing cad
mium well in excess of the MCL over many years could experi
ence kidney damage. ,
(13) Chromium. Some people who use water containing chro
mium well in excess of the MCL over many years could experi
ence allergic dermatitis.
(14) Copper. Copper is an essential nutrient, but some people
who drink water containing cooper in excess of the action level
over a relatively short amount of time could experience gastroin
testinal distress. Some people who drink water containing copper
in excess of the action level over many years could suffer liver “
or kidney damage. People with Wilson’s Disease should consult
their personal doctor.
(15) Cyanide. Some people who drink water containing cyanide ,
well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience
nerve damage or problems with their thyroid.
(16) Fluoride. Some people who drink water containing fluoride
in excess of the ^CL over many years could get bone disease,
including pain and tenderness of the bones. Children may get
mottled teeth.
(17) Lead. Infants and children who drink water containing lead
in excess of the action level could experience delays in their
physical or mental development. Children could show slight defi
cits in attention span and learning abilities. Adults who drink this -
water over many years could develop kidney problems or high
blood pressure.
(18) Mercury (inorganic). Some people who drink water contain-
ing mercury well in excess of the MCL over many years could
experience kidney damage.
(19) Nitrate. Infants below the age of six months who drink water .
containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously
ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of
breath and blue-baby syndrome.
(20) Nitrite. Infants below the age of six months who drink water
containing nitrite in excess of the MCL could become seriously
ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of
breath and blue-baby syndrome.
(21) Selenium. Selenium is an essential nutrient. However, some
people who drink water containing selenium in excess of the
MCL over many years could experience hair or fingernail losses,
numbness in fingers or toes, or problems with their circulation.
(22) Thallium. Some people who drink water containing thallium,
well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience
hair loss, changes in their blood, or problems with their kidneys,
intestines, or lover.
Synthetic organic contaminants including pesticides and
herbicides:
(23) 2,4-D, Some people who drink water containing the weed
killer, 2,4-D well in excess of the MCL over many years could
experience problems with their kidneys, liver, or adrenal glands. "
(24) 2,4,5-TP (Silvex). Some people who drink water containing ■
silvex in excess of the MCL over many years could experience
liver problems.
(25) Acbrylamide. Some people who drink water containing high
levels of acrylamide over a long period of time could have
problems with their nervous system or blood, and may have an
increased risk of getting cancer.
(26) Alachlor. Some people who drink water containing alachlor
in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with
their eyes, liver, kidneys, or spleen, or experience anemia, and
may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
(27) Atrazine. Some people who drink water containing atrazine .
well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience
problems with their cardiovascular system or reproductive dif
ficulties.
(28) Benzo(a)pyrene £PAH1. Some people who drink water
containing benzo(a)pyrene in excess of the MCL over many
years may experience reproductive difficulties and may have an
increased risk of getting cancer.
(29) Carbofuran. Some people who drink water containing carbo-
furan in excess of the MCL over many years could experience
problems with their blood, or nervous or reproductive systems.
(30) Chlordane. Some people who drink water containing chlor-
dane in excess of the MCL over many years could experience
problems with their liver or nervous system, and may have an
increased risk of getting cancer.