2015 annual drinking water quality report · 2016. 6. 16. · 2015 highest level detected 36 range...

2015 Annual Drinking Water QualityReport

(Consumer Confidence Report)TX0890006

GONZALES COUNTY WATERSUPPLY CORPORATION

P. O. Drawer 749Gonzales, Texas 78629

830-672-6509www.gcwsc.org

This report is intended to provide you with importantinformation about your drinking water and the efforts made byGCWSC to provide safe drinking water. The report mainlyconcentrates on our water treatment plant which is not usedexcept during the summer months.

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonable beexpected to contain at least small amounts of somecontaminants. The presence of contaminants does notnecessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. Moreinformation about contaminants and potential health effectscan be obtained by calling the EPS's Safe Drinking WaterHotline at 800-426-4791.For more information regarding this report contactBarry Miller at 830-672-6509.

Este informe contiene informaction muy importante sobre elaqua que usted bebe. Tradiizcalo 6 hable con alguien que loentienda bien.

Public Participation OpportunitiesYou may attend any regular monthly meeting of the Board ofDirectors. They are held on the third Tuesday of each monthat 6:00 P.M., at the GCWSC office located at 1903 SarahDeWitt Drive in Gonzales.

SPECIAL NOTICEImmuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancerundergoing chemotherapy, person who have undergone organtransplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune systemdisorder, some elderly and infants can be particularly at riskfrom infections. These people should seek advice aboutdrinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDCguidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infectionby Crypthosporidium and other microbial contaminants areavailable from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious healthproblems, especially for pregnant women and young children.Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials andcomponents associated with service lines and home plumbing.We cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbingcomponents. When your water has been sitting for severalhours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure byflushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before usingwater for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned aboutlead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested.

Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, andsteps you can take to minimize exposure is available from theSafe Drinking Water Hotline or athttp://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Source of Drinking WaterThe sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottledwater) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs,springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of theland or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurringminerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pickup substances resulting from the presence of animals or fromhuman activity. Contaminants that may be present in sourcewater include:- Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, whichmay come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems,agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.- Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which canbe naturally-occurring or result from urban storm water runoff,industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gasproduction, mining, or farming.- Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a varietyof sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, andresidential uses.- Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic andvolatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrialprocesses and petroleum production, and can also come fromgas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems.- Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally-occurringor be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

Our drinking water is obtained from Ground and Surfacewater sources. It comes from Lake Wood on the GuadalupeRiver and wells in the Carrizo Sands Aquifer.

In 2015, GCWSC produced or purchased 599,898,924 gallonsof water. Of that number, 74,364,887 gallons of water wasused in production, flushing the system, and leak repairs,leaving an unaccounted for loss of 95,260,437 gallons.

A Source Water Susceptibility Assessment for your drinkingwater sources(s) is currently being updated by the TexasCommission on Environmental Quality. The informationdescribes the susceptibility and types of constituents that maycome into contact with your drinking water sources based onhuman activities and natural conditions. The informationcontained in the assessment allows us to focus source waterprotection strategies. For more information about yoursources of water, please refer to the Source Water AssessmentViewer available at the following URL:http://gis3.tceq.state.tx.us.swav/Controller/index.jsp?wtsrc=Further details about sources and source-water assessments areavailable in Drinking Water Watch at the following URL:http//dww.tceq.texas.gov/DWW

Secondary ConstituentsMany constituents (such as calcium, sodium, or iron) whichare often found in drinking water can, cause taste, color, andodor problems. The taste and odor constituents are calledsecondary constituents and are regulated by the State of Texas,

not the EPA. These constituents are not causes for healthconcern. Therefore, secondaries are not required to bereported in this document but they may greatly affect theappearance and taste of your water.

DEFINITIONSMaximum Contaminant Level Goal or MCLGThe level of a contaminant in drinking water below whichthere is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allowfor a margin of safety.

Maximum Contaminant LevelThe highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinkingwater. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible usingthe best available treatment technology.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG)The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there isno known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflectthe benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbialcontaminants.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) Thehighest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water.There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant isnecessary for control of microbial contaminants.

Avg: Regulatory compliance with some MCLs are based onrunning annual average of monthly samples.

ppm: milligrams per liter or parts per million - or one ouncein 7,350 gallons of water.

ppb: micrograms per liter or parts per billion — or one ouncein 7,350,000 gallons of water.

na: not applicable.

NTU: nephelometric turbidity units (a measure of turbidity

pCi/L: picocuries per liter (a measure of radioactivity)

mg/L: milligrams per liter

Our Commitment

Gonzales County Water Supply Corporation2015 Regulated Contaminants Detected

Water Treatment PlantColiform Bacteria

MaximumContaminantLevel Goal

0

Total ColiformMaximum

ContaminantLevel

1 PositiveMonthly Sample

Highest No.of Positive

1

Fecal Coliformor E. ColiMaximum

ContaminantLevel

0

Total No ofPositive E. Coli

or FecalColiformSamples

0

Violation

N

Likely Source of Contamination

Naturally present in the environment.

Lead and CopperLead andCopperCopper

Lead

DateSampled2015

2015

MCLG1.3

0

Action Level(AL)1.3

15

90th

Percentile0.17

2.4

#Sites OverAL0

0

Units

ppm

ppb

Violation

N

N


Erosion of natural deposits; leaching fromwood preservatives: Corrosion of householdplumbing systemsCorrosion of household plumbing systems:Erosion of natural deposits.

Regulated ContaminantsDisinfectants

andDisinfectionBy-Products

HaloaceticAcids(HAA5)*

CollectionDate

2015

HighestLevel

Detected

36

Range ofLevels

Detected

0-23.2

MCLG

No goalfor thetotal

MCL

60

Units

ppb

Violation

N


By-Product of drinking waterchlorination.

TotalTrihalomethanes(TThm)*

2015 61 0-49.4 No goalfor thetotal

80 ppb N By-product of drinking waterchlorination.

Inorganic Contaminants

Barium

Cyanide

Fluoride

Nitrate (measured asNitrogen)

Radioactive Contaminants

Beta/photon emitters*EPA considers 50 pCi/Lto be the level of concernfor beta particles.Combined Radium226/228Gross alpha excludingradon and uraniumSynthetic organiccontaminants includingpesticides and herbicidesHexachorocyclopentadiene

CollectionDate

2015

2015

2015

2015

CollectionDate

2015

2015

2015

CollectionDate

2015

HighestLevel

Detected0.1

70

0.2

1

HighestLevel

Detected13.1

3

3.4

HighestLevel

Detected0.23

Range ofLevels

Detected0.0618-

0.1

70-70

0-0.21

0-0.92

Range ofLevels

Detected13.1-13.1

3-3

3.4-3.4

Range ofLevels

Detected0-0.23

MCLG

2

200

4

10

MCLG

0

0

0

MCLG

50

MCL

2

200

4.0

10

MCL

50

5

15

MCL

50

Units

ppm

ppb

ppm

ppm

Units

pCi/L*

pCi,L

pCi/L

Units

ppb

Violation

N

N

N

N

Violation

N

N

N

Violation

N


Discharge of drilling wastes:Discharge from metalrefineries: erosion of naturaldeposits.Discharge from plastic andfertilizer factories: Dischargefrom steel/metal factories.Erosion of natural deposits:water additive which promotesstrong teeth: discharge fromfertilizer and aluminumfactories.Runoff from fertilizer use:leaching from septic tanks,sewage; erosion of naturaldepositsLikely Source of Contamination

Decay of natural and man-madedeposits.

Erosion of natural deposits

Erosion of natural deposits.

Runoff from herbicide used onrow crops.

VolatileOrganicContaminantsXylenes

CollectionDate

2015

HighestLevelDetected0.001

Range ofLevelsDetected0-0.001

MCLG

10

MCL

10

Units

ppm

Violation

N

Likely source of Contamination

Discharge from petroleum factories:discharge from chemical factories.

Turbidity

Highest single measurementLowest monthly % meeting limit

Limit (TreatmentTechnique)

1 NTU0.3 NTU

Level Detected

0.28 NTU100%

Violation

NN


Soil run offSoil run off

Turbidity is a measurement of the cloudiness of the water caused by suspended particles. We monitor it because it is a good indicator of waterquality and the effectiveness of our filtration.

Total Organic CarbonThe percentage of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal was measured each month and the system met all TOC removal requirements set.

Violation Table

E. ColiFecal coliform and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes inthese waters can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk forinfants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune system.Violation TypeMonitor GWRTriffered/Additional, Major

Violation Begin3-1-15

Violation End3-31-15

Violation ExplanationGCWSC failed to collect follow-up samples within 24 hours of learningof the total coliform-positive sample. These needed to be tested forfecal indicators from all sources that were being used at the time thepositive sample was collected.

Lead and Copper RuleThe Lead and Copper Rule protects public health by minimizing lead and copper levels in drinking water, primarily by reducing water corrosively.Lead and copper enter drinking water mainly from corrosion of lead and copper containing plumbing materials.Violation Type

Follow-Up or Routine Tap M/R(LCR)



Lead Consumer Notice (LCR)

Violation Begins

10/1/2011

10/1/2013

10/1/2014

12/30/15

Violation End

2015

2015

2015

2/5/16

Violation Explanation

GCWSC Failed to test our drinking water for the contaminant andperiod indicated. Because of this failure, we cannot be sure of thequality of our drinking water during the period indicated.GCWSC Failed to test our drinking water for the contaminant andperiod indicated. Because of this failure, we cannot be sure of thequality of our drinking water during the period indicated.GCWSC Failed to test our drinking water for the contaminant andperiod indicated. Because of this failure, we cannot be sure of thequality of our drinking water during the period indicated.GCWSC failed to provide the results of lead tap water monitoring tothe consumers at the location water was tested. These were supposedto be provided no later than 30 days after learning the results.


794 WellColiform Bacteria


0


ContaminantLevel



1


ContaminantLevel

0



0

Violation

N

Likely Source of Contamination •



Lead

DateSampled2015

2015

MCLG1.3

0

Action Level(AL)1.3

15

90th

Percentile0.2

2.9

#Sites OverAL0

0

Units

ppm

ppb

Violation

N

N


Erosion of natural deposits; leaching fromwood preservatives: Corrosion of householdplumbing systemsCorrosion of household plumbing systems;Erosion of natural deposits.




CollectionDate

2015

HighestLevel

Detected

0

Range ofLevels

Detected

0

MCLG

0

MCL

0.060

Units

mg/L

Violation

N




2015 0 0 0 0.080 mg?l N By-product of drinking waterchlorination.

InorganicContaminants

Arsenic

Barium

Fluoride

Nitrate(measured asNitrogen)

RadioactiveContaminants

CombinedRadium226/228Syntheticorganiccontaminantsincludingpesticides andherbicidesAtrazine

CollectionDate

2015

2015

2015

2015

CollectionDate

2015

CollectionDate

2015

HighestLevel

Detected0

0.132

0

0

HighestLevel

Detected0

HighestLevel

Detected

0

Range ofLevels

Detected0

0-0.132

0

0

Range ofLevels

Detected0

Range ofLevels

Detected

0

MCLG

0.002

2

4

10

MCLG

0

MCLG

0.1

MCL

0.01

2

4

10

MCL

5

MCL

3

Units

mg?l

mg/L

mg/L

mg/L

Units

pci/I

Units

ug/1

Violation

N

N

N

N

Violation

N

Violation

N


Erosion of natural deposits. Runofffrom orchards; Runoff from glass andelectronics production wastes.Discharge of drilling wastes:Discharge from metal refineries;erosion of natural depositsErosion of natural deposits: wateradditive which promotes strong teeth;discharge from fertilizer andaluminum factories.Runoff from fertilizer use: leachingfrom septic tanks, sewage; erosion ofnatural deposits



Runoff from herbicide used on rowcrops.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant LevelDisinfectant

Chlorine

CollectionDate2015

Minimum

0.4

Maximum

2.3

MRDL

4

MRDLG

<4.0

Units

ppm


Disinfectant used to control microbes.

Fecal coliforms and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes inthe wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk forinfants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune systems.

Violation Table

E. ColiFecal coliform and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes inthese waters can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk forinfants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune system.Violation TypeMonitor GWRTriffered/ Additional, Major









Violation Begins

10/1/2011

10/1/2013

10/1/2014

12/30/15

Violation End

2015

2015

2015

2/5/16




304 WellColiform Bacteria


0


ContaminantLevel



1


ContaminantLevel

0



0

Violation

N




Lead

DateSampled2015

2015

MCLG1.3

0

Action Level(AL)1.3

15

90th

Percentile0.2

2.9

#Sites OverAL0

0

Units

ppm

ppb

Violation

N

N


Erosion of natural deposits; leaching fromwood preservatives: Corrosion of householdplumbing systemsCorrosion of household plumbing systems:Erosion of natural deposits.




CollectionDate

2015

HighestLevel

Detected

0

Range ofLevels

Detected

0

MCLG

0

MCL

0.060

Units

mg/L

Violation

N




2015 0 0 0 0.080 mg/L N By-product of drinking waterchlorination.


Arsenic

Barium

Fluoride




CollectionDate

2015

2015

2015

2015

CollectionDate

2015

CollectionDate

2015

HighestLevel

Detected0

0.0823

0

0

HighestLevel

Detected3.04

HighestLevel

Detected

0

Range ofLevels

Detected0

0-0.0823

0

0

Range ofLevels

Detected0-3.04

Range ofLevels

Detected

0

MCLG

0

2

4

10

MCLG

5

MCLG

0.1

MCL

0.01

2

4

10

MCL

5

MCL

3

Units

mg/L

mg/L

mg/L

mg/L

Units

pci/L

Units

ug/L

Violation

N

N

N

N

Violation

N

Violation

N


Erosion of natural deposits. Runofffrom orchards; Runoff from glass andelectronics production wastes.Discharge of drilling wastes;Discharge from metal refineries;erosion of natural depositsErosion of natural deposits: wateradditive which promotes strong teeth;discharge from fertilizer andaluminum factories.Runoff from fertilizer use; leachingfrom septic tanks, sewage; erosion ofnatural deposits





Chlorine

CollectionDate2015

Minimum

0.5

Maximum

2.4

MRDL

4

MRDLG

<4.0

Units

ppm




Violation Table










Violation Begins

10/1/2011

10/1/2013

10/1/2014

12/30/15

Violation End

2015

2015

2015

2/5/16




Oak Forest WellColiform Bacteria


0


ContaminantLevel



1


ContaminantLevel

0



0

Violation

N




Lead

DateSampled2015

2015

MCLG1.3

0

Action Level(AL)1.3

15

90th

Percentile0.2

2.9

#Sites OverAL0

0

Units

ppm

ppb

Violation

N

N


Erosion of natural deposits: leaching fromwood preservatives: Corrosion of householdplumbing systemsCorrosion of household plumbing systems:Erosion of natural deposits.




CollectionDate

2015

HighestLevel

Detected

0

Range ofLevels

Detected

0

MCLG

0

MCL

0.060

Units

mg/L

Violation

N






Arsenic

Barium

Fluoride




CollectionDate

2015

2015

2015

2015

CollectionDate

2015

CollectionDate

2015

HighestLevel

Detected0

0.1

0

0

HighestLevel

Detected3.04

HighestLevel

Detected

0

Range ofLevels

Detected0

0-0.1

0

0

Range ofLevels

Detected0-3.04

Range ofLevels

Detected

0

MCLG

0.002

2

4

10

MCLG

5

MCLG

0.1

MCL

0.01

2

4

10

MCL

5

MCL

3

Units

mg/L

mg/L

mg/L

mg/L

Units

mg/L

Units

ug/L

Violation

N

N

N

N

Violation

N

Violation

N


Erosion of natural deposits. Runofffrom orchards: Runoff from glass andelectronics production wastes.Discharge of drilling wastes:Discharge from metal refineries;erosion of natural depositsErosion of natural deposits: wateradditive which promotes strong teeth;discharge from fertilizer andaluminum factories.Runoff from fertilizer use; leachingfrom septic tanks, sewage; erosion ofnatural deposits





Chlorine

CollectionDate2015

Minimum

0.9

Maximum

3.5

MRDL

4

MRDLG

<4.0

Units

ppm




Violation Table










Violation Begins

10/1/2011

10/1/2013

10/1/2014

12/30/15

Violation End

2015

2015

2015

2/5/16




Bebe WellColiform Bacteria


0


ContaminantLevel



1


ContaminantLevel

0



0

Violation

N




Lead

DateSampled2015

2015

MCLG1.3

0

Action Level(AL)1.3

15

90th

Percentile0.2

2.9

#Sites OverAL0

0

Units

Ppm

ppb

Violation

N

N


Erosion of natural deposits: leaching fromwood preservatives: Corrosion of householdplumbing systemsCorrosion of household plumbing systems:Erosion of natural deposits.




CollectionDate

2015

HighestLevel

Detected

0

Range ofLevels

Detected

0

MCLG

0

MCL

0.060

Units

ug/L

Violation

N






Arsenic

Barium

Fluoride




CollectionDate

2015

2015

2015

2015

CollectionDate

2015

CollectionDate

2015

HighestLevel

Detected0

0.113

0.12

0.05

HighestLevel

Detected0

HighestLevel

Detected

0

Range ofLevels

Detected0

0-.113

0-.12

0-.05

Range ofLevels

Detected0

Range ofLevels

Detected

MCLG

0.000226

2

4

10

MCLG

0

MCLG

0.1

MCL

0.010

2.0

4

10

MCL

5

MCL

3

Units

mg/L

mg/L

mg/L

mg/L

Units

pci/L

Units

ug/L

Violation

N

N

N

N

Violation

N

Violation

N


Erosion of natural deposits. Runofffrom orchards; Runoff from glass andelectronics production wastes.Discharge of drilling wastes:Discharge from metal refineries:erosion of natural depositsErosion of natural deposits: wateradditive which promotes strong teeth:discharge from fertilizer andaluminum factories.Runoff from fertilizer use; leachingfrom septic tanks, sewage; erosion ofnatural deposits





Chlorine

CollectionDate2015

Minimum

0.5

Maximum

2.2

MRDL

4

MRDLG

<4.0

Units

ppm




Violation Table

E. ColiFecal coliform and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes inthese waters can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk forinfants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune system.Violation TypeMonitor GWRTriffered/ Additional, Major



Violation ExplanationGCWSC failed to collect follow-up samples within 24 hours of learningof the total coli form-positive sample. These needed to be tested forfecal indicators from all sources that were being used at the time thepositive sample was collected.






Violation Begins

10/1/2011

10/1/2013

10/1/2014

12/30/15

Violation End

2015

2015

2015

2/5/16



Coliform Bacteria


Wrightsboro Well


0


ContaminantLevel



1


ContaminantLevel

0



0

Violation

N




Lead

DateSampled2015

2015

MCLG1.3

0

Action Level(AL)1.3

15

90th

Percentile0.2

2.9

#Sites OverAL0

0

Units

ppm

Ppb

Violation

N

N


Erosion of natural deposits; leaching fromwood preservatives; Corrosion of householdplumbing systemsCorrosion of household plumbing systems;Erosion of natural deposits.




CollectionDate

2015

HighestLevel

Detected

0

Range ofLevels

Detected

0

MCLG

0

MCL

0.060

Units

mg/L

Violation

N






Arsenic

Barium

Fluoride




CollectionDate

2015

2015

2015

2015

CollectionDate

20155

CollectionDate

2015

HighestLevel

Detected0

0.283

0.2

0

HighestLevel

Detected0

HighestLevel

Detected

0

Range ofLevels

Detected0

0-.283

0-.2

0

Range ofLevels

Detected0

Range ofLevels

Detected

0

MCLG

0.002

2

4

10

MCLG

5

MCLG

0.1

MCL

0.01

2

4

10

MCL

5

MCL

3

Units

mg/L

mg/L

mg/L

mg/L

Units

pCi/L

Units

ug/L

Violation

N

N

N

N

Violation

N

Violation

N


Erosion of natural deposits. Runofffrom orchards; Runoff from glass andelectronics production wastes.Discharge of drilling wastes;Discharge from metal refineries;erosion of natural depositsErosion of natural deposits: wateradditive which promotes strong teeth;discharge from fertilizer andaluminum factories.Runoff from fertilizer use; leachingfrom septic tanks, sewage: erosion ofnatural deposits





Chlorine

CollectionDate2015

Minimum

0.37

Maximum

1.56

MRDL

4

MRDLG

<4.0

Units

ppm




Violation Table










Violation Begins

10/1/2011

10/1/2013

10/1/2014

12/30/15

Violation End

2015

2015

2015

2/5/16



DEFINITIONS

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal or MCLGThe level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGsallow for a margin of safety.

Maximum Contaminant Level or MCLThe highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs asfeasible using the best available treatment technology.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG)The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGsdo not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinkingwater. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbialcontaminants.

Avg: Regulatory compliance with some MCLs are based on running annual average of monthly samples.

ppm: milligrams per liter or parts per million - or one ounce in 7,350 gallons of water.

ppb: micrograms per liter or parts per billion - or one ounce in 7,350,000 gallons of water.

na: not applicable.

NTU - nephelometric turbidity units (a measure of turbidity)

pCi/L - picocuries per liter ( a measure of radioactivity)

mg/L: milligrams per liter

2015 annual drinking water quality report · 2016. 6. 16. · 2015 highest level detected 36 range...

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