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Presented By City of Blackfoot Water Department PWS ID#: 6060007 ---PAGE BREAK--- Blackfoot Is Evolving! T he City of Blackfoot Water Department presents our annual water quality report covering the period between January 1 and December 31, 2021. This past year has been full of challenges as we experienced growth and change in our community. Some of those challenges have included supply chain disruptions, rapid growth, and drought. Even though there are challenges, our staff works diligently to provide the highest-quality drinking water. We are making investments in smart meter technology to detect leaks earlier and accurately. Those same investments will give us tools to help us manage and conserve water resources. System upgrades are being planned to improve flow capacity and water quality. Water operators attend annual training, gaining new skills and knowledge. Blackfoot has recently formed a water conservation committee to create a citywide water conservation plan. Investments in technology, training, and the community will help us achieve sustainability and resiliency for our water system. We look forward to meeting tomorrow’s challenges and continuing to provide Blackfoot with safe, clean drinking water. The Blackfoot Water Department works around the clock to provide top-quality water to every tap. In 2021 the City of Blackfoot pumped 1.373 BILLION gallons of water. We ask that all our customers help us protect and conserve our water sources, which are the heart of our community, our way of life, and our children’s future. If you have any questions about this report or your water utility, please feel free to contact Princton Lee, Water Superintendent, at (208) 785-8608, Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Public Meetings W e encourage our valued customers to stay informed about their water utility. To learn more, please attend our regularly scheduled meetings in person. Just show up! Come as you are! City council meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Find out more online at www.cityofblackfoot.org or visit the Facebook page for the City of Blackfoot. Important Health Information S ome people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised 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 may be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. The U.S. EPA/CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426- 4791 or http://water.epa.gov/ drink/hotline. Lead in Home Plumbing I f present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. We are responsible for providing high-quality drinking water, but we cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to two minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead. Source Water Assessment A Source Water Assessment Plan (SWAP) is available at our office. This plan is an assessment of the delineated area around our listed sources through which contaminants, if present, could migrate and reach our source water. It also includes an inventory of potential sources of contamination within the delineated area and a determination of the water supply’s susceptibility to contamination by the identified potential sources. According to the SWAP, our water system had a susceptibility rating of moderate. If you would like to review the SWAP, please feel free to contact our office during regular office hours. The SWAP is also available online at swaOnline/. Where Does My Water Come From? T he city’s source is groundwater from the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer. It is pumped by nine vertical turbine wells located throughout the system. ---PAGE BREAK--- Substances That Could Be in Water T o ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. EPA prescribes regulations limiting the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of these contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. The sources of drinking water (both 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, in some cases, radioactive material, and substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Substances that may be present in source water include: Microbial Contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, or wildlife; Inorganic Contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or may result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming; Pesticides and Herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses; Organic Chemical Contaminants, including and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production and may also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems; Radioactive Contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or may be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the U.S. EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791. Level 1 Assessment Update C oliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, waterborne pathogens may be present or that a potential pathway exists through which contamination may enter the drinking water distribution system. We found coliforms indicating the need to look for potential problems in water treatment or distribution. When this occurs, we are required to conduct assessment(s) to identify problems and to correct any problems that were found during these assessments. During the past year, Level 2 Assessments were required to be completed for our water system. Level 2 Assessments were completed. We were required to take corrective actions and we completed of these actions. Level 2 Assessment Update E . coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Human pathogens in these wastes can cause short- term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely-compromised immune systems. We found E.coli bacteria, indicating the need to look for potential problems in water treatment or distribution. When this occurs, we are required to conduct assessment(s) to identify problems and to correct any problems that were found during these assessments. We were required to complete Level 2 Assessment because we found E.coli in our water system. We were required to take corrective actions and we completed of these actions. What’s a Cross-connection? C ross-connections that contaminate drinking water distribution lines are a major concern. A cross-connection is formed at any point where a drinking water line connects to equipment (boilers), systems containing chemicals (air conditioning systems, fire sprinkler systems, irrigation systems), or water sources of questionable quality. Cross-connection contamination can occur when the pressure in the equipment or system is greater than the pressure inside the drinking water line (backpressure). Contamination can also occur when the pressure in the drinking water line drops due to fairly routine occurrences (main breaks, heavy water demand), causing contaminants to be sucked out from the equipment and into the drinking water line (backsiphonage). Outside water taps and garden hoses tend to be the most common sources of cross-connection contamination at home. The garden hose creates a hazard when submerged in a swimming pool or attached to a chemical sprayer for weed killing. Garden hoses that are left lying on the ground may be contaminated by fertilizers, cesspools, or garden chemicals. Improperly installed valves in your toilet could also be a source of cross- connection contamination. Community water supplies are continuously jeopardized by cross- connections unless appropriate valves, known as backflow prevention devices, are installed and maintained. We have surveyed industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities in the service area to make sure that potential cross-connections are identified and eliminated or protected by a backflow preventer. We also inspect and test backflow preventers to make sure that they provide maximum protection. For more information on backflow prevention, contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791. ---PAGE BREAK--- Test Results O ur water is monitored for many different kinds of substances on a very strict sampling schedule, and the water we deliver must meet specific health standards. Here, we only show those substances that were detected in our water (a complete list of all our analytical results is available upon request). Remember that detecting a substance does not mean the water is unsafe to drink; our goal is to keep all detects below their respective maximum allowed levels. The state recommends monitoring for certain substances less than once per year because the concentrations of these substances do not change frequently. In these cases, the most recent sample data are included, along with the year in which the sample was taken. REGULATED SUBSTANCES SUBSTANCE (UNIT OF MEASURE) YEAR SAMPLED MCL [MRDL] MCLG AMOUNT DETECTED RANGE LOW-HIGH VIOLATION TYPICAL SOURCE E. coli positive samples) 2021 TT1 0 1 NA Yes Human and animal fecal waste Nitrate (ppm) 2021 10 10 1.530 1.020–2.570 No Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits Tap water samples were collected for lead and copper analyses from sample sites throughout the community SUBSTANCE (UNIT OF MEASURE) YEAR SAMPLED AL MCLG AMOUNT DETECTED (90TH %ILE) SITES ABOVE AL/TOTAL SITES VIOLATION TYPICAL SOURCE Copper (ppm) 2021 1.3 1.3 0.182 0/30 No Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits Lead (ppb) 2021 15 0 5 0/30 No Lead service lines; Corrosion of household plumbing systems, including fittings and fixtures; Erosion of natural deposits 1 Routine and repeat samples indicate the presence of total coliform and E. coli, or the system fails to take repeat samples following a positive E. coli routine sample, or the system fails to analyze a repeat sample containing total coliform for E. coli. Definitions 90th %ile: The levels reported for lead and copper represent the 90th percentile of the total number of sites tested. The 90th percentile is equal to or greater than 90% of our lead and copper detections. AL (Action Level): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow. Level 1 Assessment: A Level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system. Level 2 Assessment: A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions. MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the 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. 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. (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal): The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants. NA: Not applicable. ppb (parts per billion): One part substance per billion parts water (or micrograms per liter). ppm (parts per million): One part substance per million parts water (or milligrams per liter). TT (Treatment Technique): A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water. ---PAGE BREAK--- About Our Violation F ive water samples were taken from different parts of the water system. On Tuesday, October 26, one sample indicated the presence of E. coli. That triggered a resampling event at the original location and one location within five service taps upstream and another within five service taps as well as samples from all the wells that were pumping into the system at the time the original sample was taken. The repeat samples were taken Wednesday, October 27. Both the upstream and samples showed no total coliform or E. coli above the detection limit. Samples from both wells that were active at the time of the original sampling also contained no total coliform or E. coli above the detection limit. The repeat sample taken at the original location indicated no E. coli but did contain total coliform. Since total coliform was present, it triggered a Tier 1 violation. We added chlorine and flushed water mains to help deliver the chlorine through the water system. We completed the first round of new samples on November 1 and received the results - all below the detection limit - for all samples on November 2. We conducted a second round of sampling on November 2, and the results came back on November 3 showing no detections for total coliform or E. coli. We were able to lift the boil order that afternoon. We have completed the corrected actions set forth by the Department of Environmental Quality and completed additional training on proper sampling techniques. E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Human pathogens in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. Safeguard Your Drinking Water P rotection of drinking water is everyone’s responsibility. You can help protect your community’s drinking water source in several ways: • Eliminate excess use of lawn and garden fertilizers and pesticides – they contain hazardous chemicals that can reach your drinking water source. • Pick up after your pets. • If you have your own septic system, properly maintain it to reduce leaching to water sources, or consider connecting to a public water system. • Dispose of chemicals properly; take used motor oil to a recycling center. • Volunteer in your community. Find a watershed or wellhead protection organization in your community and volunteer to help. If there are no active groups, consider starting one. Use U.S. EPA’s Adopt Your Watershed to locate groups in your community. • Organize a storm drain stenciling project with others in your neighborhood. Stencil a message next to the street drain reminding people “Dump No Waste – Drains to River” or “Protect Your Water.” Produce and distribute a flyer for households to remind residents that storm drains dump directly into your local water body. Count on Us D elivering high-quality drinking water to our customers involves far more than just pushing water through pipes. Water treatment is a complex, time-consuming process. Because tap water is highly regulated by state and federal laws, water treatment plant and system operators must be licensed and are required to commit to long-term, on-the-job training before becoming fully qualified. Our licensed water professionals have a basic understanding of a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics. Some of the tasks they complete on a regular basis include: • Operating and maintaining equipment to purify and clarify water. • Monitoring and inspecting machinery, meters, gauges, and operating conditions. • Conducting tests and inspections on water and evaluating the results. • Maintaining optimal water chemistry. • Applying data to formulas that determine treatment requirements, flow levels, and concentration levels. • Documenting and reporting test results and system operations to regulatory agencies. • Serving our community through customer support, education, and outreach. So the next time you turn on your faucet, think of the skilled professionals who stand behind each drop. ---PAGE BREAK--- Water Conservation Tips Y ou can play a role in conserving water and save yourself money in the process by becoming conscious of the amount of water your household is using and looking for ways to use less whenever you can. It’s not hard to conserve water. Here are a few tips: • Automatic dishwashers use 15 gallons for every cycle, regardless of how many dishes are loaded. So get a run for your money and load it to capacity. • Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. • Check every faucet in your home for leaks. Just a slow drip can waste 15 to 20 gallons a day. Fix it and you can save almost 6,000 gallons per year. • Check your toilets for leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank. Watch for a few minutes to see if the color shows up in the bowl. It is not uncommon to lose up to 100 gallons a day from an invisible toilet leak. Fix it and you save more than 30,000 gallons a year. • Use your water meter to detect hidden leaks. Simply turn off all taps and water-using appliances. Then check the meter after 15 minutes. If it moved, you have a leak. To The Last Drop T he National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines drought as a deficiency in precipitation over an extended period of time, usually a season or more, resulting in a water shortage causing adverse impacts on vegetation, animals, and people. Drought strikes in virtually all climate zones, from very wet to very dry. There are primarily three types of drought: meteorological drought refers to the lack of precipitation, or the degree of dryness and the duration of the dry period; agricultural drought refers to the agricultural impact of drought, focusing on precipitation shortages, soil water deficits, and reduced groundwater or reservoir levels needed for irrigation; and hydrological drought usually occurs following periods of extended precipitation shortfalls that can impact water supply stream flow, reservoir and lake levels, groundwater). Drought is a temporary aberration from normal climatic conditions; thus, it can vary significantly from one region to another. Although normally occurring, human factors such as water demand can exacerbate the duration and impact that drought has on a region. By following simple water conservation measures, you can help significantly reduce the lasting effects of extended drought.