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Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for 2024 Village of Cato 2564 Millard Ave Cato NY 13033 Public Water Supply NYID# 0501715 INTRODUCTION To comply with State regulations, Village of Cato, will be annually issuing a report describing the quality of your drinking water. The purpose of this report is to raise your understanding of drinking water and awareness of the need to protect our drinking water sources. Last year, your tap water met all State drinking water health standards. We are proud to report that our system did not violate a maximum contaminant level water quality standard. This report provides an overview of last year’s water quality. Included are details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to State standards. If you have any questions about this report or concerning your drinking water, please contact Donald C. Gleason, DPW Superintendent at [PHONE REDACTED]. We want you to be informed about your drinking water. If you want to learn more, please attend any of our regularly scheduled village board meetings every second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. WHERE DOES OUR WATER COME FROM? In general, 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 and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activities. Contaminants that may be present in source water include: microbial contaminants; inorganic contaminants; pesticides and herbicides; organic chemical contaminants; and radioactive contaminants. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the State and the EPA prescribe regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The State Health Department’s and the FDA’s regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health. Our water system serves 580 people through 269 service connections Our water source is a artisan ground water source consisting of two well fields. Schuler Well #2 which is located off RTE 34 south of the Village. Wells #10,14,15 are located on Bontabridge Road in Meridian and are owned and operated by Dudley Water Supply.The water is chlorinated by injection of sodium hypochlorite solution for disinfection purpose and is then pumped into the distribution system. Water not consumed by our customers is then stored in a 178,000- thousand gallon- elevated storage tank located on East Mechanic Street in the Village of Cato Our well #2 source is the Cato well which is a single drilled well. The source water assessment has rated this well as having no or low susceptibility to any contamination. No significant sources of contamination were identified. The well draws from an unconfined aquifer and the hydraulic conductivity is unknown. Please Note that our water is disinfected to ensure that the finished water delivered into your home meets the New York State's drinking water standards for microbial contamination. Our well # 10, 14, & 15 source is from Dudley Water Supply, which is derived from 3 drilled wells. The source water assessment has rated these wells as having a medium-high to microbial contaminants. These ratings are due primarily to the close proximity of animal pastures in relation to the wells. In addition, the wells draw from an unconfined aquifer with unknown hydraulic conductivity. Please note that, while the source water assessment rates these wells as being susceptible to microbials, the water is disinfected to ensure that the finished water delivered into your home meets New York State drinking water standards for microbial contamination. ---PAGE BREAK--- County and State Health Departments will use this information to direct future source water protection activities. These may include water quality monitoring, resource management, planning, and education programs. A copy of the assessment is available for review by calling the Cayuga County Health Department at 315-253- 1405 ARE THERE CONTAMINANTS IN OUR DRINKING WATER? As the State regulations require, we routinely test your drinking water for numerous contaminants. These contaminants include: total coliform, inorganic compounds, nitrate, nitrite, lead and copper, volatile organic compounds, total trihalomethanes, halo acetic acids, radiological and organic compounds. The table presented below depicts which compounds were detected in your drinking water. The State allows us to test for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of our data, though representative, are more than one year old It should be noted that all drinking water, including bottled drinking water, may be reasonably 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 EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline ([PHONE REDACTED]) or the Cayuga County Health Department at (315) 253-1405 Source #1 Village of Cato Contaminant Violation Yes/No Date of Sample Level Detected (Avg/Max) Unit of Measurement MCLG Regulatory Limit (MCL, TT, or AL) Likely Source of contamination Radiological Gross Alpha No 8/16/2023 Source #1 2.88 pCi/L 0 15 50 5 5 Contained in Soil or Sedimentary Rock Formation Gross Beta No 8/16/2023 Source #1 3.74 Radium 226 No 8/16/2023 Source #1 0.0857 Radium 228 No 8/16/2023 Source #1 0.579 Inorganic Contaminates: Part 5-1.42 and 5-1.47 Barium No 10/22/2024 Source #1 0.054 ug/L 2 2 Discharge of Drilling Waste and erosion of Natural Deposits Copper No 7/11/2022 Source #1 0.882 Range 0.1- 0.97 Mg/L (ppm) 1.3 AL=1.3 Contained in finished water, an artificial old piping and lead solder joints Lead No 7/11/2022 Source #1 2.1 Range ND 2.4 ug/L (ppb) 0 AL=15 ---PAGE BREAK--- Asbestos No 10/19/2020 Source #1 ND MFL 7 7 Decay of asbestos cement, water mains, erosion of natural deposits Inorganic Contaminates: Hyperchlorination ID TP001, Sodium, Nitrates Nitrates No 8/20/2024 Source #1 0.382 Mg/L (ppm) 10 10 MCL Field fertilizerrunoff, Leaching from septic systems, erosion of natural deposits Sodium1 No 8/16/2024 Source #1 47.0 Mg/L (ppm) N/A No Limit Natural occuring: road salt, water softeners and animal waste Volatile Organic Contaminants: Part 5-1.52 Table 9A - Disinfection Byproducts/Stage 2 Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) No 8/13/2024 Source #1 28.1 ug/L N/A 80 MCL By product of drinking water disinfection needed to kill harmful organisms Halo acetic Acids, HAA5 No 8/13/2024 Source #1 9.13 ug/L N/A 60 MCL By product of drinking water disinfection needed to kill harmful organisms Table of Non-Detected Contaminants Total Coliform No Each Month Source #1 ND N/A 0 TT=2 or more samples TC- Positive in one month 1.4 Dioxane No 3/12/2024 Source #1 ND ug/L This compound may enter the environment through its use as a solvent and in textile processing, printing process and detergent preperations ---PAGE BREAK--- Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) by by Isotope Dilution No 3/12/2024 Source #1 ND ng/L 1.9 Released into the environment from wide spread use, commercial and industrial applications Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), 11Cl-PF3OUdS (F53B Major), 9Cl-PF3ONS (F53B Minor), 4,8-Dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA), Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA), 8:2 Fluorotelomersulfonic acid (8:2FTSA), Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA), Perfluoro(2-ethoxyethane)sulfonic acid (PFEESA), Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid Fluorotelomersulfonic acid (4:2FTSA), Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid Perfluoro-4-oxapentanoic acid (PFMPA), Perfluoro-5-oxahexanoic acid (PFMBA), 6:2 Fluorotelomersulfonic acid (6:2FTSA), Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS), Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA), Nonafluoro-3,6-dioxaheptanoic acid (NFDHA), Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) 1. Water containing more than 20 mg/L of sodium should not be used for drinking water for people on severly restricted sodium diets. Water containing more then 270 mg/L of sodium should not be used for drinking by people on moderately restricted sodium diets. 2.The level presented is the 90th percentile of the 10 sites tested. A percentile is a value on a scale of 100 that indicates the percent measurements that is equal to or below it. This means in our system copper levels in 8 sites are below the 90th percentile value and 2 sites are above the 90th percentile.The action level for copper was not exceeded at any of the sites tested. 3 The level presented is the 90th percentile of the 10 sites tested. The action level for lead was not exceeded at two of the 10 sites tested. Source #2 Dudley water supply. Please refer to the 2024 AWQR from Dudley Water Supply at www.dudleywatersupplyinc.com. Definitions:. Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the as feasible. Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): 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. 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. 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 contamination. Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow. Treatment Technique (TT): A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water. Level 1 Assessment: A Level 1 assessment is an evaluation 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 an evaluation 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. ---PAGE BREAK--- Non-Detects (ND): Laboratory analysis indicates that the constituent is not present. Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU): A measure of the clarity of water. Turbidity in excess of 5 NTU is just noticeable to the average person. Milligrams per liter (mg/l): Corresponds to one part of liquid in one million parts of liquid (parts per million - ppm). Micrograms per liter (ug/l): Corresponds to one part of liquid in one billion parts of liquid (parts per billion - ppb). Nanograms per liter (ng/l): Corresponds to one part of liquid to one trillion parts of liquid (parts per trillion - ppt). Picograms per liter (pg/l): Corresponds to one part per of liquid to one quadrillion parts of liquid (parts per quadrillion – ppq). Picocuries per liter (pCi/L): A measure of the radioactivity in water. Millirems per year (mrem/yr): A measure of radiation absorbed by the body. Million Fibers per Liter (MFL): A measure of the presence of asbestos fibers that are longer than 10 micrometers. WHAT DOES THIS INFORMATION MEAN? As you can see by the table, our system had no violations. We have learned through our testing that some contaminants have been detected; however, these contaminants were detected below New York State requirements. We are required to present the following information on lead in drinking water: Lead can cause serious health effects in people of all ages, especially pregnant people, infants (both formula-fed and breastfed), and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and parts used in service lines and in home plumbing. Village of Cato is responsible for providing high quality drinking water and removing lead pipes but cannot control the variety of materials used in the plumbing in your home. Because lead levels may vary over time, lead exposure is possible even when your tap sampling results do not detect lead at one point in time. You can help protect yourself and your family by identifying and removing lead materials within your home plumbing and taking steps to reduce your family's risk. Using a filter, certified by an American National Standards Institute accredited certifier to reduce lead, is effective in reducing lead exposures. Follow the instructions provided with the filter to ensure the filter is used properly. Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. Boiling water does not remove lead from water. Before using tap water for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula, flush your pipes for several minutes. You can do this by running your tap, taking a shower, doing laundry or a load of dishes. If you have a lead service line or galvanized requiring replacement service line, you may need to flush your pipes for a longer period. If you are concerned about lead in your water and wish to have your water tested, contact The Village of Cato, Donald C. Gleason, DPW Superintendent at [PHONE REDACTED]. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available at IS OUR WATER SYSTEM MEETING OTHER RULES THAT GOVERN OPERATIONS?: We are required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminents on a regular basis. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not your drinking water meets health standards. During 2024 we did not complete all the required sampling for Organic Chemicals (SOC), EPA method 508, and therefore cannot be sure of the quality of your drinking water during that time. These test results will be completed in 2025. INFORMATION ON LEAD SERVICE LINE INVENTORY A Lead Service Line (LSL) is defined as any portion of pipe that is made of lead which connects the water main to the building inlet. An LSL may be owned by the water system, owned by the property owner, or both. The inventory includes both potable and non-potable SLs within a system. In accordance with the federal Lead and ---PAGE BREAK--- Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) our system has prepared a lead service line inventory and have made it publicly accessible by requesting a copy via email at [EMAIL REDACTED]. DO I NEED TO TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS? Although our drinking water met or exceeded state and federal regulations, some people may be more vulnerable to disease causing microorganisms or pathogens 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 from their health care provider about their drinking water. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Giardia and other microbial pathogens are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline ([PHONE REDACTED]). WHY SAVE WATER AND HOW TO AVOID WASTING IT? Although our system has an adequate amount of water to meet present and future demands, there are a number of reasons why it is important to conserve water: ♦ Saving water saves energy and some of the costs associated with both of these necessities of life; ♦ Saving water reduces the cost of energy required to pump water and the need to construct costly new wells, pumping systems and water towers; and ♦ Saving water lessens the strain on the water system during a dry spell or drought, helping to avoid severe water use restrictions so that essential firefighting needs are met. You can play a role in conserving water by becoming conscious of the amount of water your household is using, and by looking for ways to use less whenever you can. It is not hard to conserve water. Conservation tips include: ♦ 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 one of these otherwise invisible toilet leaks. Fix it and you save more than 30,000 gallons a year. CLOSING Thank you for allowing us to continue to provide your family with quality drinking water this year. In order to maintain a safe and dependable water supply we sometimes need to make improvements that will benefit all of our customers. The costs of these improvements may be reflected in the rate structure. Rate adjustments may be necessary in order to address these improvements. We ask that all our customers help us protect our water sources, which are the heart of our community. Please call our office if you have questions. ([PHONE REDACTED])