HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019 Consumer Confidence Report
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
Saint Joseph 2019 Drinking Water Report
This report contains important information about your drinking water. Have someone translate it for you,
or speak with someone who understands it.
Making Safe Drinking Water
Your drinking water comes from a groundwater source: six wells ranging from 64 to 75 feet deep, that
draw water from the Quaternary Water Table aquifer.
Saint Joseph works hard to provide you with safe and reliable drinking water that meets federal and state
water quality requirements. The purpose of this report is to provide you with information on your drinking
water and how to protect our precious water resources.
Contact Terry Thene, Public Works Director, at 320-363-7201 or tthene@cityofstjoseph.com if you have
questions about Saint Joseph’s drinking water. You can also ask for information about how you can take
part in decisions that may affect water quality.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets safe drinking water standards. These standards limit the
amounts of specific contaminants allowed in drinking water. This ensures that tap water is safe to drink for
most people. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates the amount of certain contaminants in
bottled water. Bottled water must provide the same public health protection as public tap water.
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 poses a health
risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the
Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
Saint Joseph Monitoring Results
This report contains our monitoring results from January 1 to December 31, 2019.
We work with the Minnesota Department of Health to test drinking water for more than 100
contaminants. It is not unusual to detect contaminants in small amounts. No water supply is ever
completely free of contaminants. Drinking water standards protect Minnesotans from substances that may
be harmful to their health.
Learn more by visiting the Minnesota Department of Health’s webpage Basics of Monitoring and testing of
Drinking Water in Minnesota
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY IDENTIFICATION (PWSID): 1730033 PAGE 1
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
(https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/factsheet/sampling.html).
How to Read the Water Quality Data Tables
The tables below show the contaminants we found last year or the most recent time we sampled for that
contaminant. They also show the levels of those contaminants and the Environmental Protection Agency’s
limits. Substances that we tested for but did not find are not included in the tables.
We sample for some contaminants less than once a year because their levels in water are not expected to
change from year to year. If we found any of these contaminants the last time we sampled for them, we
included them in the tables below with the detection date.
We may have done additional monitoring for contaminants that are not included in the Safe Drinking
Water Act. To request a copy of these results, call the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-4700
or 1-800-818-9318 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Definitions
AL (Action Level): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or
other requirements which a water system must follow.
EPA: Environmental Protection Agency
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 using the best available treatment
technology.
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.
MRDL (Maximum residual disinfectant level): 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.
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 contaminants.
N/A (Not applicable): Does not apply.
ppb (parts per billion): One part per billion in water is like one drop in one billion drops of water, or
about one drop in a swimming pool. ppb is the same as micrograms per liter (μg/l).
ppm (parts per million): One part per million is like one drop in one million drops of water, or
about one cup in a swimming pool. ppm is the same as milligrams per liter (mg/l).
PWSID: Public water system identification.
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY IDENTIFICATION (PWSID): 1730033 PAGE 2
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
Monitoring Results – Regulated Substances
LEAD AND COPPER – Tested at customer taps.
Number
EPA’s of
Contaminant (Date, if EPA’s 90% of
Ideal Homes
sampled in previous Action Results Were Violation Typical Sources
Goal with
year) Level Less Than
(MCLG) High
Levels
Lead (08/14/17) 0 ppb 90% of 5.5 ppb 1 out of NO Corrosion of
homes 20 household
less than
plumbing.
15 ppb
Copper (08/14/17) 0 ppm 90% of 0.28 ppm 0 out of NO Corrosion of
homes 20 household
less than plumbing.
1.3 ppm
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY IDENTIFICATION (PWSID): 1730033 PAGE 3
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
INORGANIC & ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS – Tested in drinking water.
Highest
EPA’s Range of
Contaminant (Date, EPA’s Average or
Ideal Detected
if sampled in Limit Highest Violation Typical Sources
Goal Test
previous year) (MCL) Single Test
(MCLG) Results
Result
Nitrate 10 ppm 10.4 1 ppm 0.13 - 1.00 NO Runoff from fertilizer
ppm ppm use; Leaching from
septic tanks, sewage;
Erosion of natural
deposits.
Barium 2 ppm 2 ppm 0.08 ppm N/A NO Discharge of drilling
wastes; Discharge from
metal refineries;
Erosion of natural
deposit.
Mercury 2 ppb 2 ppb 0.1 ppb N/A NO Erosion of natural
deposits; Dis charge
from refineries and
factories; Runoff from
landfills; Runoff from
cropland.
Dichloromethane 0 ppb 5 ppb 2.5 ppb 0.00 - 2.50 NO Discharge from
ppb chemical and
agricultural chemical
factories.
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY IDENTIFICATION (PWSID): 1730033 PAGE 4
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
CONTAMINANTS RELATED TO DISINFECTION – Tested in drinking water.
Highest
EPA’s
Substance (Date, if EPA’s Ideal Average or Range of
Limit
sampled in previous Goal (MCLG Highest Detected Violation Typical Sources
(MCL or
year) or MRDLG) Single Test Test Results
MRDL)
Result
Total N/A 80 ppb 16.9 ppb N/A NO By-product of
Trihalomethanes drinking water
(TTHMs) disinfection.
Total Haloacetic N/A 60 ppb 4.6 ppb N/A NO By-product of
Acids (HAA) drinking water
disinfection.
Total Chlorine 4.0 ppm 4.0 ppm 0.85 ppm 0.71 - 0.90 NO Water additive
ppm used to control
microbes.
Total HAA refers to HAA5
OTHER SUBSTANCES – Tested in drinking water.
Highest
Substance (Date, EPA’s EPA’s Range of
Average or
if sampled in Ideal Goal Limit Detected Violation Typical Sources
Highest Single
previous year) (MCLG) (MCL) Test Results
Test Result
Fluoride 4.0 ppm 4.0 ppm 0.88 ppm 0.65 - 0.92 NO Erosion of natural
ppm deposits; Water
additive to promote
strong teeth.
Potential Health Effects and Corrective Actions (If Applicable)
Fluoride: Fluoride is nature's cavity fighter, with small amounts present naturally in many
drinking water sources. There is an overwhelming weight of credible, peer-reviewed,
scientific evidence that fluoridation reduces tooth decay and cavities in children and adults,
even when there is availability of fluoride from other sources, such as fluoride toothpaste
and mouth rinses. Since studies show that optimal fluoride levels in drinking water benefit
public health, municipal community water systems adjust the level of fluoride in the water to
a concentration between 0.5 to 1.5 parts per million (ppm), with an optimal fluoridation goal
between 0.7 and 1.2 ppm to protect your teeth. Fluoride levels below 2.0 ppm are not
expected to increase the risk of a cosmetic condition known as enamel fluorosis.
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY IDENTIFICATION (PWSID): 1730033 PAGE 5
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
Monitoring Results – Unregulated Substances
In addition to testing drinking water for contaminants regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act, we
sometimes also monitor for contaminants that are not regulated. Unregulated contaminants do not
have legal limits for drinking water.
Detection alone of a regulated or unregulated contaminant should not cause concern. The meaning of a
detection should be determined considering current health effects information. We are often still
learning about the health effects, so this information can change over time.
The following table shows the unregulated contaminants we detected last year, as well as human-health
based guidance values for comparison, where available. The comparison values are based only on
potential health impacts and do not consider our ability to measure contaminants at very low
concentrations or the cost and technology of prevention and/or treatment. They may be set at levels
that are costly, challenging, or impossible for water systems to meet (for example, large-scale treatment
technology may not exist for a given contaminant).
A person drinking water with a contaminant at or below the comparison value would be at little or no
risk for harmful health effects. If the level of a contaminant is above the comparison value, people of a
certain age or with special health conditions - like a fetus, infants, children, elderly, and people with
impaired immunity – may need to take extra precautions. Because these contaminants are unregulated,
EPA and MDH require no particular action based on detection of an unregulated contaminant. We are
notifying you of the unregulated contaminants we have detected as a public education opportunity.
▪ More information is available on MDH’s A-Z List of Contaminants in Water
(https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/contaminants/index.html)
and Fourth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 4)
(https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/com/ucmr4.html).
UNREGULATED CONTAMINANTS – Tested in drinking water.
Highest Average Result
Range of Detected Test
Contaminant Comparison Value or Highest Single Test
Results
Result
Sodium* 20 ppm 24.6 ppm 10.10 - 24.60 ppm
Sulfate 500 ppm 37.9 ppm 31.00 - 37.90 ppm
*Note that home water softening can increase the level of sodium in your water.
Some People Are More Vulnerable to Contaminants in Drinking Water
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. The developing fetus and therefore pregnant women
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY IDENTIFICATION (PWSID): 1730033 PAGE 6
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
may also be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water. These people or their caregivers should
seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/Centers for Disease Control (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 at 1-800-426-4791.
Learn More about Your Drinking Water
Drinking Water Sources
Minnesota’s primary drinking water sources are groundwater and surface water. Groundwater is the water
found in aquifers beneath the surface of the land. Groundwater supplies 75 percent of Minnesota’s
drinking water. Surface water is the water in lakes, rivers, and streams above the surface of the land.
Surface water supplies 25 percent of Minnesota’s drinking water.
Contaminants can get in drinking water sources from the natural environment and from people’s daily
activities. There are five main types of contaminants in drinking water sources.
▪ Microbial contaminants, such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Sources include sewage treatment
plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, pets, and wildlife.
▪ Inorganic contaminants include salts and metals from natural sources (e.g. rock and soil), oil and gas
production, mining and farming operations, urban stormwater runoff, and wastewater discharges.
▪ Pesticides and herbicides are chemicals used to reduce or kill unwanted plants and pests. Sources
include agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and commercial and residential properties.
▪ Organic chemical contaminants include synthetic and volatile organic compounds. Sources include
industrial processes and petroleum production, gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic
systems.
▪ Radioactive contaminants such as radium, thorium, and uranium isotopes come from natural sources
(e.g. radon gas from soils and rock), mining operations, and oil and gas production.
The Minnesota Department of Health provides information about your drinking water source(s) in a source
water assessment, including:
▪ How Saint Joseph is protecting your drinking water source(s);
▪ Nearby threats to your drinking water sources;
▪ How easily water and pollution can move from the surface of the land into drinking water sources,
based on natural geology and the way wells are constructed.
Find your source water assessment at Source Water Assessments
(https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/swp/swa) or call 651-201-4700 or 1-
800-818-9318 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Lead in Drinking Water
You may be in contact with lead through paint, water, dust, soil, food, hobbies, or your job. Coming in
contact with lead can cause serious health problems for everyone. There is no safe level of lead. Babies,
children under six years, and pregnant women are at the highest risk.
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY IDENTIFICATION (PWSID): 1730033 PAGE 7
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
Lead is rarely in a drinking water source, but it can get in your drinking water as it passes through lead
service lines and your household plumbing system. Saint Joseph is responsible for providing high quality
drinking water, but it cannot control the plumbing materials used in private buildings.
Read below to learn how you can protect yourself from lead in drinking water.
1. Let the water run for 30-60 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking if the water has not been
turned on in over six hours. If you have a lead service line, you may need to let the water run longer. A
service line is the underground pipe that brings water from the main water pipe under the street to
your home.
▪ You can find out if you have a lead service line by contacting your public water system, or you can
check by following the steps at: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2016/06/24/npr-find-lead-
pipes-in-your-home
▪ The only way to know if lead has been reduced by letting it run is to check with a test. If letting
the water run does not reduce lead, consider other options to reduce your exposure.
2. Use cold water for drinking, making food, and making baby formula. Hot water releases more lead
from pipes than cold water.
3. Test your water. In most cases, letting the water run and using cold water for drinking and cooking
should keep lead levels low in your drinking water. If you are still concerned about lead, arrange with
a laboratory to test your tap water. Testing your water is important if young children or pregnant
women drink your tap water.
▪ Contact a Minnesota Department of Health accredited laboratory to get a sample container and
instructions on how to submit a sample:
Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program
(https://eldo.web.health.state.mn.us/public/accreditedlabs/labsearch.seam)
The Minnesota Department of Health can help you understand your test results.
4. Treat your water if a test shows your water has high levels of lead after you let the water run.
▪ Read about water treatment units:
Point-of-Use Water Treatment Units for Lead Reduction
(https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/factsheet/poulead.html)
Learn more:
▪ Visit Lead in Drinking Water
(https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/contaminants/lead.html)
▪ Visit Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water (http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead)
▪ Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.To learn about how to reduce your
contact with lead from sources other than your drinking water, visit Lead Poisoning Prevention:
Common Sources (https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/lead/sources.html).
Help Protect Our Most Precious Resource – Water
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY IDENTIFICATION (PWSID): 1730033 PAGE 8
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
The Value of Water
Drinking water is a precious resource, yet we often take it for granted.
Throughout history, civilizations have risen and fallen based on access to a plentiful, safe water supply.
That’s still the case today. Water is key to healthy people and healthy communities.
Water is also vital to our economy. We need water for manufacturing, agriculture, energy production,
and more. One-fifth of the U.S. economy would come to a stop without a reliable and clean source of
water.
Systems are in place to provide you with safe drinking water. The state of Minnesota and local water
systems work to protect drinking water sources. For example, we might work to seal an unused well to
prevent contamination of the groundwater. We treat water to remove harmful contaminants. And we
do extensive testing to ensure the safety of drinking water.
If we detect a problem, we take corrective action and notify the public. Water from a public water
system like yours is tested more thoroughly and regulated more closely than water from any other
source, including bottled water.
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY IDENTIFICATION (PWSID): 1730033 PAGE 9