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STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #8 LARAMIE WY 82072 CITY OF LARAMIE PUBLIC WORKS P.O. BOX C LARAMIE WY 82073 POSTAL CUSTOMER 2007 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report For City of Laramie PWS WY5600029C PO Box C Laramie WY 82073 (307) 721-5280 We’re pleased to present to you this year’s Annual Water Quality Report. This report is designed to inform you about the quality of 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 to 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. If you have any questions about this report or concerning your water utility, please contact Richard Elliott at (307) 721-5241. We want our valued customers to be informed about their water utility. The City of Laramie routinely monitors for constituents in your drinking water according to Federal and State laws. The source of our water is the Laramie River and a series of groundwater wells at Pope-Soldier Springs and Turner Well Fields at City Springs. All of the groundwater wells draw from the Casper Aquifer. The table (on page 3) shows the results of our monitoring for the period of January 1st to December 31st, 2007. As water travels over the land or underground it can pick up substances or contaminants such as microbes, inorganic and organic chemicals, and radioactive substances. All drinking water, including bottled drinking water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some constituents. It’s important to remember that the presence of these constituents does not necessarily pose 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-[PHONE REDACTED]. For an electronic copy of the Annual Drinking Water Report, visit the City of Laramie website at: http://www.ci.laramie.wy.us Brought to you by the City of Laramie Public Works Department ---PAGE BREAK--- C o n s u m e r C o n f i d e n C e r e p o r t 2 C C r C C o n s u m e r C o n f i d e n C e r e p o r t TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTACT US City of Laramie Public Works Director Richard Elliott: 721-5230 Utility Division Manager Linda Cope: 721-5281 Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator Oliver Chilson: 721-5204 City of Laramie website www.ci.laramie.wy.us State of Wyoming, Department of Environmental Quality Pollution Prevention Program [PHONE REDACTED] Emergency Spill Report [PHONE REDACTED] Environmental Protection Agency [PHONE REDACTED] Safe Drinking Water Hotline [PHONE REDACTED] Hazardous Waste Hotline [PHONE REDACTED] Contact Information 2 Defi nitions 2 Water Quality Casper Aquifer Protection Plan 5 Water Projects 6 Water Conservation 7 Water Billing Discounts 7 Watersheds/Community Projects 8 Treatment 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 - The “Maximum Allowed” (MCL) is the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCL’s are set as close to the MCLG’s as feasible using the best available treatment technology. Maximum Contaminant Level Goal - The “Goal”(MCLG) is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLG’s allow for a margin of safety. Variences & Exemptions (V&E) This is to inform you that the City of Laramie public water system has met the requirements for reduced monitoring for total trihalomethane (TTHM) and haloacetic acids (HAA5) However, we cannot meet the reduced monitoring criteria for disinfectant byproducts precursors, bromate and bromide. These decisions are based on the EPA’s review of the Stage 1 D/DBPR data submitted between January of 2004 and March of 2006. Reduced sampling for TTHM/ HAA5 has begun the last two quarters of 2006. This report contains important information about your drinking water. Translate it, or speak with someone who understands it. Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua potable. Tradúzcalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien. Non-Detects (ND) - laboratory analysis indicates that the laboratory does not detect the constituent. 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 Micrograms per liter - one part per billion corresponds to one minute in 2,000 years, or a single penny in $10,000,000. Picocuries per liter (pCi/L) – picocuries per liter is a measure of the radioactivity in water. 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. Action Level - the concentration of a contaminant, which if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow. In this table you will fi nd many terms and abbreviations you might not be familiar with. To help you better understand these terms we’ve provided the following defi nitions: DEFINITIONS TO KNOW ---PAGE BREAK--- C o n s u m e r C o n f i d e n c e R e p o r t 3 TEST RESULTS Contaminant Violation Y/N Level Detected Unit Measurement MCLG MCL Likely Source of Contamination Microbiological Contaminants Total Coliform Bacteria N Negative N/A 0 Presence of coliform bacteria in 5% of samples Naturally present in the environment Turbidity (May 20, 2007) N 0.223 NTU N/A 0.3 Soil runoff Radioactive Contaminants Alpha emitters SP01 (Dec. 1, 2004) SP02 (Dec. 1, 2004) SP03 (Dec. 1, 2004) SP04 (Dec. 1, 2004) N ND ND 1.9 1.0 pCi/1 0 15 Erosion of natural deposits Inorganic Contaminants Barium SP01 (May 8, 2007) SP02 (May 8, 2007) SP03 (May 8, 2007) SP04 (May 8, 2007) N ND 0.2 0.2 ND ppm 2 2 Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits Copper (Source) SP01 (May 8, 2007) SP02 (May 8, 2007) SP03 (May 8, 2007) SP04 (May 8, 2007) N ND ND ND 0.02 ppm 1.3 AL=1.3 Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives Copper (Pb&Cu Rule/Tap Monitoring) N 0.21 ppm 1.3 AL=1.3 Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives Fluoride SP01 (May 8, 2007) SP02 (May 8, 2007) SP03 (May 8, 2007) SP04 (May 8, 2007) N 0.9 1.6 0.2 1.5 ppm 4 4 Erosion of natural deposits; water additive which promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories Lead (Source) SP01 (May 8, 2007) SP02 (May 8, 2007) SP03 (May 8, 2007) SP04 (May 8, 2007) N ND 2 ND 2 ppb 0 AL=15 Corrosion of household plumbing systems, erosion of natural deposits Lead (Pb&Cu Rule/Tap Monitoring) N 5 ppb 0 AL=15 Corrosion of household plumbing systems, erosion of natural deposits Nitrate (as Nitrogen) SP01 (May 8, 2007) SP02 (May 8, 2007) SP03 (May 8, 2007) SP04 (May 8, 2007) N ND 2.0 1.6 1.6 ppm 10 10 Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits Sodium SP01 (May 8, 2007) SP02 (May 8, 2007) SP03 (May 8, 2007) SP04 (May 8, 2007) N 10 3.1 2 2.8 ppm None None Natural occurring ---PAGE BREAK--- C o n s u m e r C o n f i d e n C e r e p o r t 4 TEST RESULTS Contaminant Violation Y/N Level Detected Unit Measurement MCLG MCL Likely Source of Contamination Volatile Organic Contaminants TTHM [Total trihalomethanes] SP01 (May 8, 2007) SP02 (May 8, 2007) SP03 (May 8, 2007) SP04 (May 8, 2007) N 12 ND ND ND ppb 0 80 By-product of drinking water chlorination Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Average TTHM (Total trihalomethanes) Indian Hills Highest Running Annual Average for 2007 Range for 2007 Wastewater Treatment Plant Highest Running Annual Average for 2007 Range for 2007 N 14.64 6.25-24.4 19.68 5-.87-25.1 ppb N/A 80 By-product of drinking water chlorination Average HAA5 (Haloacetic Acids) Indian Hills Highest Running Annual Average for 2007 Range for 2007 Wastewater Treatment Plant Highest Running Annual Average for 2007 Range for 2007 N 16.86 4.34-51.7 18.02 10.1-30.5 ppb N/A 60 By-product of drinking water chlorination Bromide (Source Water) Running Annual Average N 6.05 ppm N/A N/A Natural occurring Bromate (Source Water) Running Annual Average N 0.00 ppm 0 0.01 Bromate is a by-product of using Ozone as a disinfectant if Bromide is present in the source water. Average TOC (Total Organic Carbon) Highest Level Found for 2006 Range for 2008 N 2.1 1.4-2.1 ppm N/A N/A Natural occurring WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? As you can see by the table, our system had no Maximum Contaminant Level violations. We’re proud that your drinking water meets or exceeds all Federal and State requirements. We have learned through our monitoring and testing that some constituents have been detected. The EPA has determined that your water IS SAFE at these levels. In 1995, EPA issued state-wide monitoring waivers indefi nitely for the following four SOCs Organic Chemicals) and no monitoring is required: disquat, endothall, and 2,3,7,8-TCDD (dioxin). EPA also issued a state-wide monitorining waiver for asbestos except for systems whose distribution system may contain asbestos-cement pipe. We test for a total of 76 contaminants. Those of which were undetected, are not included in the table. A list is available upon request. Some of our data in the tables are more than one year old, since certain chemical contaminants are monitored less than once a year. Our sampling frequency complies with EPA drinking water regulations. The sources of drinking water include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it can dissolve naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials. The water can also pick up substances such as: ---PAGE BREAK--- C o n s u m e r C o n f i d e n C e r e p o r t 5 CASPER AQUIFER PROTECTION PLAN Whittman Hydro Planning Associates (WHPA), Inc. was charged with updating the Casper Aquifer Protection Plan (CAPP) and the Casper Aquifer Protection Overlay (APO) Zone Ordinance in 2008. As part of the project, a technical advisory committee was formed to assist WHPA with identifying necessary amendments to the CAPP and the APO and reviewing proposed changes. The technical advisory committee included City and County elected and appointed offi cials, City and County staff, citizens, local scientists and land owners. WHPA interviewed several key citizens that advocated changes to the CAPP and the APO including: landowners and elected and appointed offi cials. The APO ordinance is the fi rst step in implementing the CAPP. The APO sets forth zoning, development and platting regulations. In summary, the APO requires that with any new development or platting, the developer must prepare and submit a site specifi c investigation study to, among other items, illustrate how the development or plat mitigates its impacts, if any, to groundwater quality. The APO also establishes prohibited uses, which have been determined to pose a high risk to groundwater quality. For a complete copy of the CAPP visit the City of Laramie website at: http://www.ci.laramie.wy.us 1) Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations and wildlife. 2) Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic waste water discharges, oil and gas production, mining or farming. 3) Pesticides and Herbicides, which may come from agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses. 4) Organic chemical contaminants, which can come from industrial processes, gas stations, urban storm water runoff and septic systems. 5) Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or the result of oil and gas production and mining activities. In order to insure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA establishes regulations, which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration establishes limits for contaminants in bottled water. MCL’s are set at very stringent levels. To understand the possible health effects described for many regulated constituents, a person would have to drink a half gallon of water every day at the MCL level for a lifetime to have a one-in-a- million chance of having the described health effect. 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 and other microbiological contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline ([PHONE REDACTED]) or EPA ([PHONE REDACTED]). We at the City of Laramie work around the clock to provide high quality water to every tap. We ask that all our customers help us protect our water sources, which are the heart of our community, our way of life and our children’s future. Xeriscape gardens use drought tolerant plants that can thrive in Laramie’s challenging climate. A xeriscape demonstration garden is located behind the Albany County Public Library. The garden features many varieties of xeric plants, and a rainharvesting system that reduces stormwater pollution and helps to water plants. Other examples of water-wise landscaping can be found around town. ---PAGE BREAK--- C o n s u m e r C o n f i d e n C e r e p o r t 6 CITY OF LARAMIE WATER PROJECTS RAW WATER PIPELINE – A 3.5 mile raw water pipeline connecting the Big Laramie River directly to the Laramie Water Treatment Plant is currently in the engineering phase and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2009. Currently water is diverted from the river via the Pioneer Canal into Sodergren Lake. During summer months major ditch losses can occur, meaning that 10 cubic feet per second of water can be diverted from the river, but only 2 cfs arrives at Sodergren. This is due in part to transpiration of plants (cottonwoods along the canal), seepage and evaporation. The pipeline will alleviate ditch loss and also, with bypassing Sodergren Lake we should reduce algae intake (that contribute taste and odor) to the water plant in late summer. WATER RIGHTS – Water rights on the Monolith Ranch are being enhanced and protected by the City for future transfer for municipal use. The City has improved hay meadows, planted crops that develop and increase our consumptive water right and rebuilt diversion dams on the Laramie River to protect our water rights for future use by the citizens of Laramie. DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS – New drinking water regulations are in place for the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) and have been distributed to the City of Laramie. “If 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. The City of Laramie is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but 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 fl ushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 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 or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.” CONTINUING EDUCATION – The City of Laramie Water Treatment, Wastewater Treatment, Distribution, Meter and Collection crews are required to obtain and maintain licenses in their respective sections. To obtain licenses a certain amount of hours in the fi eld and the satisfactory completion of written exams are required. To maintain said license or licenses a required amount of Continued Education Units (CEU’s) are required in a designated time frame. Here, Mike Lytle (Water Plant Supervisor) conducts training on Zone Breaks. ---PAGE BREAK--- C o n s u m e r C o n f i d e n C e r e p o r t 7 WATER CONSERVATION 1. Take shorter showers: Aim for 5 minutes. 2. Check for leaks in toilet: A leaky toilet is one of the most common water wasters in the home. Add a few drops of food coloring, drink powder, or instant coffee to the toilet tank water. Don’t fl ush, but let sit for 30 minutes. If color migrates to the bowl, then you may have to replace a leaky fl apper. 3. Check for leaks in house: Turn off all water using appliances, then read your water meter. Come back after an hour and read the meter again. If it is registering water use you might have a leak. 4. Install water conserving appliances: Ultra-low-fl ow toilets and front-loading washing machines are very water and energy effi cient. 5. Install low-fl ow shower heads and faucet aerators: These devices are inexpensive and easy to install yourself. 6. Xeriscape: Using low-water use plants, preferably native species, will require less watering and fewer pesticides and herbicides while still being beautiful. 7. Irrigate effi ciently: Water in the morning or evening/ night to minimize evaporation losses. This graph shows the average water demand for the City of Laramie. You can see how summertime demand is double that of winter demand. This peak is due to outdoor water use such as watering lawns. WATER BILLING DISCOUNTS Water billing discounts are available for qualifying households. If you: * Are 65 years old or older or on social security disability * Have a combined household income less than $16,520 * Receive a water bill * And reside in the address at least 9 months out of the year ...then you may be eligible to receive the fi rst 6,000 gallons of water every month for free. Base and meter rates still apply. Pick up a form from City Hall at 406 Ivinson St., or call 721-5200 for more information. SNOWPACK Snowpack levels for the Big Laramie River watershed are 116% of average as of May 1, 2008, well above last year’s snowpack of 69%. The Big Laramie River near the city’s diversion point for the water treatment plant is predicted to fl ow 121% of average this summer. The Crow Creek Watershed, near the Casper Aquifer recharge area, had snowpack of 128% of average, well over the 74% at this time last year. 75.00 156.25 237.50 318.75 400.00 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Average Water Production 1992-2007 Million Gallons Month ---PAGE BREAK--- C o n s u m e r C o n f i d e n C e r e p o r t 8 The City of Laramie has achieved Groundwater Guardian status for the sixth time in seven years. This award is given to communities that have an active program to protect their groundwater resources. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Where does Laramie’s water come from? For the last several years water supply averages 50% groundwater from the Casper aquifer and 50% surface water from the Laramie River. What is the hardness of the water? Hardness of the water depends on where you live within the city. Water coming from the water treatment plant has a medium hardness of 86ppm while the ground water is relatively hard at 210ppm. Generally, residences west of 4th Street receive more surface water resulting in softer water. The rest of the town gets water that has been blended in the reservoir resulting in harder water. Grains per gallon x 17.118 = ppm hardness. What is the water pressure in my neighborhood? Water pressure varies throughout the whole city and again depends on where you live. Pressures range from a low of 40psi to a high of 70psi. For specifi c pressures call the Water Department at 721-5280. This map shows the watersheds for the City of Laramie’s water supply: The Big Laramie River and the Casper Aquifer. Most of the Big Laramie River watershed is Forest Service Land. Most of the Casper Aquifer watershed is undeveloped rangeland, but development pressure is increasing to the east of the City and over this fragile water source. High density subdivisions with septic systems are already located near one of the City’s wellfi elds.