2004 Annual

Drinking Water Quality Report 

Ann Arbor Charter Township

Utilities Department

My Drinking Water - CLEAN … CLEAR … SAFE …

We are pleased to present a summary of the quality of the drinking water provided to you during the past year January 1 to December 31, 2004.  The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), under the direction of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), requires that utilities issue an annual "Consumer Confidence" report to their customers in addition to other notices that may be required by law.  Included in this report are details and other important information about where your drinking water comes from, what it contains, how it compares to standards set by regulatory agencies and the risks our water testing and treatment are designed to prevent.  The staff members of the Ann Arbor Charter Township Utilities Department are strongly committed to providing you with the safest, most reliable water supply available.  In addition, we are committed to providing you with information about your water supply, because customers who are well informed are our best allies in supporting improvements necessary to maintain the highest drinking water standards.  Sound water management is a critical component to sustainable economic growth and improved quality of life in the Ann Arbor region.  Protection of water resources and maintaining our excellent water quality are essential to public health and wellbeing.

We take great pride in not only meeting all federal and state drinking water regulations, but in reaching higher goals.  We participate in voluntary programs which improve our organization and establish more stringent water quality goals.  Our monitoring programs far exceed those required to assure the quality of your drinking water.  This report is record reflecting the hard work by our employees to bring you water that is absolutely safe. 

Ann Arbor Charter Township receives its water supply from the City of Ann Arbor, and in turn delivers a portion of the water supply to Superior Charter Township.  The City of Ann Arbor water supply is drawn from two sources.  About 85% comes from the Huron River.  The remaining 15% is from wells south of Ann Arbor and a well located on the west side of Ann Arbor.  A well located on the northwest side of Ann Arbor was discontinued from use in early 2001 due to water quality concerns.  The water from the sources is blended at the treatment plant.  Since the City of Ann Arbor uses a surface supply, Huron River water, the USEPA and the MDEQ regulations require it to be treated, filtered and disinfected to ensure that any harmful substances are removed.  When the treatment is complete in the City of Ann Arbor, the water is pumped to Ann Arbor Township, where we pump the water to homes, schools and businesses in Ann Arbor Township and a portion of Superior Township. 

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least a small amount 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 Safe Drinking Water Hotline at: (800) 426-4791.

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 and 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 activity.

Contaminants that might be expected to be in source water - untreated water - include: microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria; inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals; pesticides and herbicides; organic chemical contaminants; including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals; and radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring.

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.
 
 

Text Box: Water Quality Concerns

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 persons and infants can be particularly at risk from infections.

These people should seek advice about drinking water from their healthcare providers.  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Centers for Disease Control guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Water Drinking Hotline: (800) 426-4791.

The water system is occasionally discussed at regularly scheduled board meetings.  The public is welcome and encouraged to attend to learn more about their water system or to discuss any concerns they may have.

The Ann Arbor Charter Township Board meetings are open to the public and meet on the third Monday of each month.  Unless announced otherwise, the meetings are at 7:30 PM in the Ann Arbor Charter Township Hall located at 3792 Pontiac Trail.

 


Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that is too small to be seen without a microscope.  It is sometimes found in some surface waters, especially when the waters contain a high amount of fecal waste from run-off or other activities.  Those who are infected with this parasite can experience gastrointestinal illness.

USEPA and the Center for Disease Control have published guidelines on ways to reduce the risk of Cryptosporidium infection.  The guidelines are available from the Safe Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Huron River samples and drinking water samples collected during 2003 had no detectable levels of Cryptosporidium.

                                       

Providing Input

It is very important to us that this report is clear, easy to understand and provides the information that our customers find useful.  Therefore, your input is appreciated.  If you have any comments or ideas, we would love to hear them.  You may contact us at (734) 663-3418 or email rjudkins@aatwp.org

 


Violation Free

We are happy to report that the water supply in Ann Arbor Charter Township has remained free of violations, as set forth by USEPA and State drinking water regulations.  We will continue to provide safe drinking water for you and your family.

   

IMPLEMENTATION OF PUBLIC NOTICE
 

TO ANN ARBOR CHARTER TOWNSHIP PROPERTY OWNERS OR OCCUPANTS: If you experience an overflow or backup of sewage disposal system or storm water system, you must file a written claim with Ann Arbor Charter Township within 45 days after the overflow or backup was discovered.  Notice must be mailed to the Utilities Department Supervisor at 3792 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, (734) 663-3418.  Failure to provide the required notice will prevent recovery of damages.  Contact Ann Arbor Charter Township immediately upon discovery of an overflow or backup to obtain a claim form. However, you do not need to use the Township’s form to file a written claim. The written claim should include your name and address, the address of the affected property, the dates of the overflow or backup, the date the backup or overflow was discovered, and a brief description of the overflow or backup.

 


Safeguarding Your Family

The Ann Arbor Charter Township Utilities Department in cooperation with the City of Ann Arbor Water Plant conducts extensive routine monitoring of water quality.  Our testing program far exceeds requirements and we are vigilant against potential threats to our water system.  We have taken steps to enhance the physical security of our water system.  We are following recommendations made by our state regulatory agency, the American Water Works Association and others.  We will continue to work to protect the Charter Township of Ann Arbor and its customers from potential threats to the drinking water. 

Ann Arbor Charter Township Utilities Department has highly trained staff members that hold many licenses issued by the State of Michigan.  In addition our Utilities Department Staff are active members in the following associations:

American Water Works Association (AWWA)

AWWA Research Foundation

Michigan Rural Water Association

We also share affiliations and partnerships with ...

Michigan Coalition for Clean Water

Water Environment Research Foundation
 
 

http://www.aatwp.org

Ann Arbor Charter Township Utilities Department have highly trained staff members that hold many licenses issued by the State of Michigan.  In addition our Utilities Department Staff are active members in the following associations:

American Water Works Association (AWWA)

AWWA Research Foundation

Michigan Rural Water Association

We also share affiliations and partnerships with ...

Michigan Coalition for Clean Water

Water Environment Research Foundation
 
Water Quality Test Results

The following regulated substances were detected in some samples

This report is a summary of the quality of water provided to you last year.  Included are details about what the water contains, and how it compares to standards set by regulatory agencies.  In coordination with the City of Ann Arbor we monitor for approximately 280 different substances and contaminants in the drinking water and the vast majority of these were not detected in your water.

Results were gathered from tests performed by the City of Ann Arbor Water Utilities certified lab.

Please note that some substances, such as monochloramine and fluoride, are added to the water to improve health.  All the detected substances are well within stringent Federal and State limits.

Definition Key

AL                Action Level: The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.

ALG             Action Level Goal: The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health.  ALG’s allow for a margin of safety.

AVG             Regulatory compliance with MCL is based on running annual average of monthly samples.

MCL             Maximum Contaminant Level: The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water.  MCL’s are set as close to the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal 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.  MCLG’s allow for a margin of safety.

mg/l              milligrams per liter or parts per million – or one ounce in 7,350 gallons of water.

mg/l              micrograms per liter or parts per billion – or one ounce in 7,350,000 gallons of water.

MRDL          Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level: the highest level of disinfectant allowed in drinking water.

MRDLG       Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal: the level of disinfectant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health.  MRDLG’s allow for a margin of safety.

na                  not applicable

NTU              Nephelometric Turbidity Unit: a measure of light scattered from particles in the water.

Turbidity    A measure of cloudiness of water. The Ann Arbor Water Treatment staff monitors it because it is a good indicator of the effectiveness of the filtration system.  Turbidity must be less than 0.3 NTU in at least 95% of the measurements taken throughout each month.  It must never exceed 1.0 NTU.

TT                 Treatment Technique: A process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

Regulated at the Water Treatment Plant

Regulated Substance

Highest Level Detected

Range of Individual Samples

MCL

MCLG

Source of Contamination

Fluoride

1.2 mg/l

0.7 – 1.2 mg/l

4 mg/l

4 mg/l

Added to water to promote strong teeth. Erosion of natural deposits. Discharge from fertilizer factories

Nitrate

0.9 mg/l

0.3 – 0.9 mg/l

10 mg/l

10 mg/l

Run-off from fertilizer use. Leaching from septic tanks, sewage. Erosion of natural deposits

Nitrite

31 mg/l

11 – 31 mg/l

1000 mg/l

1000 mg/l

Run-off from fertilizer use. Leaching from septic tanks, sewage. Erosion of natural deposits

Bromate

3 mg/l avg

0 – 3 mg/l

10 mg/l

0 mg/l

By-product of ozone, disinfection of drinking water

Total Organic Carbon

30% Removalt

30% - 63% Removal

≥25% Removal (TT)

na

Naturally occurring

t      Poorest removal corresponds to highest concentration

Monochloramine - Regulated at the Water Treatment Plant

Regulated Substance

Highest Level Detected

Range of Individual Samples

MRDL

MRDLG

Source of Contamination

Monochloramine

3.2 mg/l

2.6 – 3.2 mg/l

4 mg/l

4 mg/l

Disinfectant added at Water Plant

Turbidity - Regulated at the Water Treatment Plant

Regulated Element

95th Percentile TT achieved (max)

95th Percentile TT required

95th Percentile TT voluntary goal

Lowest % of Samples within requirements

Single highest measurement

Source of Contamination

Turbidity

0.2 NTU

0.3 NTU

0.1 NTU

100%

0.2 NTU

Soil Runoff

 

 

 

Water Quality Test Results

The following regulated substances were detected in some samples

Copper and Lead – Regulated at the Customer’s Tap –Zero of 5 at-risk  homes that were sampled exceeded the lead or cooper action level.  At-risk homes are defined by the USEPA as homes with cooper plumbing installed between 1982 – 1988 using lead solder.  Lead levels can easily be eliminated by flushing the cold water prior to use.

Regulated Substance

Detection Level at the 90th Percentile

AL

ALG

Source of Contamination

Copper – 2002 Customers pluming

22 mg/l

1300 mg/l

1300 mg/l

Corrosion of household plumbing systems.

Erosion of natural deposits.

Lead – 2002 Customers pluming

1.5 mg/l

15 mg/l

0 mg/l

Corrosion of household plumbing systems.

Erosion of natural deposits.

Regulated in the Distribution System

Regulated Substance

Highest Level Detected

Range of Individual Sample

MCL

MCGL

Source of Contamination

Total Coliform

Detected in 2.5% of all samples taken in April

0 – 2.5%

Detected in not more than 5% of samples taken monthly

0 %

Naturally occurring in the environment

Chlorine

2.5 mg/l

2.4 – 2.5 mg/l

4 mg/l

4 mg/l

Water additive to control microbes

Total Trihalomethanes

4 mg/l avg.

0 – 11 mg/l

80 mg/l

0 mg/l

By-product of drinking water disinfection

Total Haloacetic Acids

5 mg/l avg.

2 – 9 mg/l

60 mg/l (MCL)

0 mg/l

By-product of drinking water disinfection

These tests also showed the following characteristics in our water. Federal and State standards have yet to be established and all results are well within limits accepted by most public health officials.

Non-regulated Substance

Average

Range of Individual Samples

Source of Contamination

Hardness

148 mg/l

110 – 218 mg/l

Naturally occurring minerals, controlled by water treatment process

pH – acidity

9.3

9.1 – 9.5

Controlled by water treatment process

Cyanogen Chloride (2000)

3.1 mg/l

2.5 – 3.7 mg/l

By-product of drinking water chlorination

Aldehydes

8 mg/l

0 – 33 mg/l

By-product of drinking water ozonation

Ammonia

0.12 mg/l

0.03 – 0.33 mg/l

Naturally occurring, added to water to form disinfectant

Methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE)

0 mg/l

0 mg/l

Gasoline additive

1,4-Dioxane

0 mg/l

0 mg/l

Groundwater contamination from manufacturing process and landfills

Perchlorate

0 mg/l

0 mg/l

Groundwater contamination from manufacturing process

Unregulated contaminants are those for which the USEPA has not established drinking water standards. The purpose of unregulated contaminant monitoring is to assist the USEPA in determining the occurrence of unregulated contaminants in the drinking water and whether future regulation is warranted. Only one unregulated contaminant was detected.

Non-regulated Substance

Average

Range of Individual Samples

Source of Contamination

Sodium

54 mg/l

46 – 61 mg/l

Naturally occurring minerals; run-off of road salt into surface water

Proposed Regulations – After extensive review and debate, the USEPA is moving forward to implement a standard of 10 parts per billion for arsenic in drinking water by January 2006

Regulated Substance

Highest Level Detected

Range of Individual Samples

MCL

MCLG

Source of Contamination

Arsenic

0 mg/l

0 mg/l

10 mg/l

0mg/l

Erosion of natural deposits.

Additional Information and Contacts

To receive additional copies of this report or if you have any questions about this report or would like to know anything further about your water and/or water utilities please feel free to call us:

Rick Judkins, Utilities Director

(734) 663-3418

rjudkins@aatwp.org

In the event of an emergency, such as water main breaks, emergency water turn-offs and sanitary or storm sewer back-ups, please call:

AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY:  (734) 663-0995