2004 WATER QUALITY REPORT FOR
City of Hawarden

This report contains important information regarding the water quality in our water system. The source of our water is groundwater. Our groundwater is drawn from the alluvial aquifer(s). Our water quality testing shows the following results:

CONTAMINANT	MCLG	MCL	DETECTED LEVEL	DATE SAMPLED	RANGE OF DETECTION	VIOLATION	SOURCE
Alpha emitters (pCi/L)	0	15	4.1	1/11/2000		No	Erosion of natural deposits
Copper (ppm)	1.3	AL=1.3	1.0	6/21/2003	ND-1.1	No	Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits
Lead (ppb)	0	AL=15	2.0	6/21/2003	ND-2	No	Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits
TTHM (ppb) [Total trihalomethanes]	N/A	80	12			No	By-products of drinking water disinfection
Arsenic (ppb)	N/A	50	1	9/25/2002		No	Erosion of natural deposits; Runoff from orchards; Runoff from glass and electronic production wastes
Sodium (ppm)	N/A	N/A	26	9/25/2002		No	Erosion of natural deposits; Added to water during treatment process
Nitrate [as N] (ppm)	10	10	6.4		5.1-6.4	No	Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits
Nitrite [as N] (ppm)	1	1	0.01			No	Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits
Chlorine (ppm)	MRDLG = 4.0	MRDL = 4.0	1.8825		1.43-2.32	No	Water additive used to control microbes
Fluoride (ppm)	4	4	1.11		0.5-1.11	No	Water additive which promotes strong teeth; Erosion of natural deposits; Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories

Note: Contaminants with dates indicate results from the most recent testing done in accordance with regulations.

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 using the best available treatment technology.
• 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.
• ppb -- parts per billion.
• ppm -- parts per million.
• pCi/L – picocuries per liter
• N/A – Not applicable
• ND -- Not detected
• Treatment Technique (TT) – A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
• Action Level (AL) – The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.
• 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 contaminants.
• 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.

GENERAL INFORMATION

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 that water posed a health risk.  More information about contaminants or potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population.  Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.  EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Nitrate in drinking water at 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.

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

The Hawarden water supply obtains its water from the alluvial aquifer.  The alluvial aquifer was determined to be highly susceptible to contamination because the characteristics of the aquifer and overlying materials allow contaminants to move through the aquifer fairly quickly.  The wells will be most susceptible to activities such as dry cleaners, gas stations, industrial sites, and municipal wastewater dischargers.  A detailed evaluation of your source water was completed by the IDNR, and is available from City of Hawarden at 551-2565.

OTHER INFORMATION

Our water utility is making every effort to protect the water system from potential security threats.  You, as customers, can also help.  If you see any suspicious activity near the water tower, treatment plant, wells or fire hydrants, please contact us at [City of Hawarden, 551-2565] or the local police/sheriff department.  We appreciate your assistance in protecting the water system.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions regarding this information, please contact City of Hawarden at 551-2565 during the following hours: 7:30-4:30 Monday thru Friday.

Decisions regarding the water system are made at the council meetings held on 2nd and 4th  Wednesday at 7:00pm at the City Hall and the public is welcome.

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