In this report
Where your water comes from
(p. 2)
General information
about all drinking water
(p. 3)
Frequently asked questions
about drinking water
(p. 4)
Testing definitions & results
(pp. 5 - 7)
How you can become involved
in decisions affecting your
drinking water
(Back cover)
Special Health
Information
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
S
particularly at risk from infec-
nohomish County PUD is pleased to report that your drinking
tions. These people should seek
water safely complies with federal and state drinking water quality
advice about drinking water
standards. This report summarizes the key findings of the PUD’s
from their health care providers.
2004 water quality testing program. It illustrates the utility’s commitment
EPA/CDC guidelines on appro-
to delivering the best quality drinking water.
priate means to lessen the risk
Each year the PUD prepares a Water Quality Report for its customers. We
of infection by Cryptosporidium
want you to know where your water comes from, how it is treated, and that it
and other microbial contami-
is safe to drink. The purpose of this report is to help people, especially those
nants are available from the
with special health needs, to make informed decisions about their drinking
Safe Drinking Water Hotline
water.
(1-800-426-4791).
SNOHOMISH COUNTY PUD
Where Does Your Water Come
From?
The water distributed to your home is purchased from
the City of Everett. The water comes from the Spada
Lake Reservoir, which is located at the headwaters of the
Sultan River about 30 miles east of Everett.
Spada Reservoir is located in the Sultan Basin Watershed, which covers about 84 square miles. A watershed
is a geographic area where all precipitation drains into
a single body of water. In the Sultan Basin Watershed,
rainfall and snowmelt from the Cascade Mountains
flow into Spada Reservoir. One of the wettest watersheds
in the continental United States, the average rainfall is
about 165 inches.
Spada Lake in the Sultan Basin provides drinking water for about
two-thirds of Snohomish County. The lake is surrounded by several
recreational sites that allow for boating, hiking, and picnicking.
Created in 1965 by construction of the Culmback
Dam and increased in size in 1984, Spada Lake Reservoir holds about 50 billion gallons of water. Water from
Spada Lake travels eight miles by tunnel and pipeline to
the PUD’s Jackson Hydroelectric Project where turbines
generate enough power to supply electricity to about
35,800 homes.
The water is then routed by pipeline from the powerhouse to Everett’s Lake Chaplain, where it is held in
preparation for treatment. Everett’s treatment plant
uses coagulation and advanced fi ltration techniques to
remove suspended particles that may contaminate the
water. Chlorine is added as a disinfectant to make sure
the water is free of harmful microorganisms, and fluoride
is added for enhanced dental protection. The levels of
these two additives are monitored constantly to assure
proper dosages are being used.
Map of service territory for the PUD’s Greater
Lake Stevens, Arlington & Granite Falls Water
System. (The PUD does not provide water to the
cities of Marysville and Snohomish.)
2
ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT
General Information
About All drinking Water
Substances Expected to be in Drinking Water
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and
To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Washington bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds,
State Department of Health and the U.S. Environmental reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the
Protection Agency (EPA) set regulations limiting the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves
amount of certain contaminants in the water provided by naturally occurring minerals – in some cases, radioactive
public water systems. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration material – and substances resulting from the presence of
(FDA) and the Washington State Department of Agriculture animals or from human activity. Substances that may be
regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled present in source water include:
water that 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.
Why Protect Source Waters?
Microbial
contaminants
May come from wildlife, agricultural livestock or septic systems.
Inorganic
contaminants
Can occur naturally or may result
from urban stormwater runoff,
industrial or domestic wastewater
discharges, mining, or farming.
Pesticides and
herbicides
May come from a variety of sources
such as farming, urban stormwater
runoff, and homes or businesses.
Organic
contaminants
Are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production
and may also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff,
and septic systems.
Radioactive
contaminants
Can be naturally occurring or may
be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
such as viruses and
bacteria
such as salts and
metals
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Amendments of
1996 recognizes the importance of clean drinking water
supplies and mandates its protection as an essential barrier against contaminants. The quality of streams, lakes,
and rivers is affected by nearby activities on land and
water. Source water contamination issues in the Sultan
Basin Watershed include recreational use and historic
activities such as mining and land use changes.
Source Water Assessment and
Protection
To achieve the desired protection goals, Washington
State is developing a Source Water Assessment Program
including synthetic
and organic
chemicals
(SWAP). The SWAP is designed to give you and your
community more information about the source of your
drinking water, and any threats to its long-term quality
that we can identify and address through a pollution prevention approach. The program encourages community-
Drinking water quality is determined by testing for
these contaminants. All of the water the PUD distrib-
based protection and preventive management strategies
utes through its integrated system is purchased from the
to ensure that all public drinking water resources are
City of Everett. Everett’s water quality testing program
kept safe from future contamination.
goes far beyond what the EPA and State of Washington
To learn more about SWAP contact:
Washington State Department of Health
Office of Drinking Water
7211 Cleanwater Lane, Building 12
P.O. Box 47849
Olympia, Washington 98504-7849
1-360-236-3149
www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw
require.
3
SNOHOMISH COUNTY PUD
Did You Know?
Safe Drinking Water & Water
System Security
Do You Have Hard Water or
Soft Water?
As co-licensees in the Sultan Basin, the PUD and the
Hardness in water is caused by the presence of two min-
City of Everett are committed to a strong security
erals: calcium and magnesium.
program to protect water quality. The Sultan Basin Wa-
Degrees of hardness can be interpreted as:
tershed is patrolled and human activities are carefully
• 0 - 50 ppm = soft
managed to minimize the potential impact on water
• 50 - 150 ppm = moderately hard
quality. While there have been no direct threats to the
• 150 - 300 ppm = hard
water supply system, security has been increased, and
• 300+ ppm = very hard
the area is routinely monitored.
The water from the PUD’s water system is rated at
The PUD is committed to a strong security program
8 to 12 ppm, or is considered “soft” water and contains
to protect water quality. The PUD’s facilities are secured;
little calcium and/or magnesium. If calcium and/or mag-
however, we could use your assistance. If you see suspi-
nesium is present in your water in substantial amounts,
cious activity in or around PUD pump stations, reser-
the water is said to be hard because it contains more
voirs, or hydrants, please contact us at 425-783-8605
dissolved minerals, making it difficult to create lather
(after regular working hours, holidays, or on weekends,
or suds for washing. Water containing little calcium or
please contact us at 425-783-8000).
magnesium is called soft water.
Hard water is not a health hazard. In fact, the Na-
Bottled Water vs. Tap Water
Bottled water is easy and convenient but …
tional Research Council states that hard drinking water
contributes a small amount toward total calcium and
• Bottled water is NO SAFER than tap water.
magnesium human dietary needs (the harder the wa-
• Bottled water can be 1,000 times MORE EXPEN-
ter, the more minerals are contributed). However, hard
SIVE than tap water.
• Bottled water creates 1.5 million tons of PLASTIC WASTE annually.
water can affect your laundry, making clothes dingy
and scratchy and reduce the life of clothes by up to 40
percent. It can also contribute to inefficient and costly
operation of water-using appliances by adding a lime-
Water Filters
Installing a water fi lter is a personal decision. A fi lter is
not needed to make PUD tap water meet federal or state
water safety standards.
All filters require maintenance, should be bought
from a reputable dealer, and should meet the performance standards of NSF International and the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI). Beware of water
fi lter companies that make fraudulent claims.
4
scale deposit in pipes and equipment (and on sinks, tubs,
and showers). Finally, bathing in hard water can leave a
soapy fi lm on the skin and hair.
There are two ways to help control hard water problems: use a packaged water softener or a mechanical
water-softening unit.
ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT
DEFINITION OF TERMS USED
AL (Action Level): The concentration of a contaminant,
which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.
HAA5 (Haloacetic acid): Disinfection by-products.
MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level): The highest level
of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs
are set as close to the MCLGs 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. MCLGs allow for
a margin of safety.
MRDL (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level): The
highest level of disinfectant allowed in drinking water.
There is convincing evidence that the addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants (e.g., chlorine, chloramines, chlorine dioxide).
MRDLG (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
Goal): The level of a drinking water disinfectant below
which there is no known or expected risk to health.
MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
N/A: The EPA has not set MCLGs for these substances.
N/R: Not regulated by the EPA.
NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units): Measurement
of the clarity, or turbidity, of water.
ppb (parts per billion): One part per billion (corresponds to one dollar in $1,000,000,000).
TT (Treatment Technique): A required process intended
to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
TTHM (Total Trihalomethane): Disinfection byproducts.
Turbidity: Has no health effects. It is a measure of the
cloudiness of the water. It is monitored because it is a
good indicator of water quality. High turbidity can hinder the effectiveness of disinfectants.
How Do I Read This Report?
The Maximum Allowable (MCL) column provides
you with the maximum level established by the EPA
or the Department of Health. These are standards
that all drinking water suppliers serving over 15
customers must meet.
The Minimum/Maximum Range and Average Value
or Highest Result show you the contaminant level
detected in the water analysis test.
The last column tells you whether or not the test
complies with regulations. A “Yes” indicates that the
range detected is within EPA regulations.
Snohomish County PUD also regularly performs
tests for unregulated compounds for which state and
federal agencies have not set standards at this time.
ppm (parts per million): One part per million (corresponds to one dollar in $1,000,000).
5
SNOHOMISH COUNTY PUD
GREATER LAKE STEVENS, arlington &
GRANITE FALLS WATER SYSTEM
Where both Everett and the PUD test, results are that of the PUD.
REGULATED SUBSTANCES
Substance
Major Source
EPA Regulations
Ideal
Level/
Maximum
Goal
Allowable
(MCLG)
(MCL)
Units
Your Water Testing Results
Average
Minimum/
Value or
Maximum
Highest
Range
Result
Comply?
Nitrate
Erosion of natural deposits, animal waste
ppm
10
10
0.05 – 0.12
0.09
Yes
Total Coliform Bacteria
Naturally present in the environment
% positive
0
Not more than 5%
positive per month
0% – 2.5%
2.5%
(1 of 45)
Yes
Total coliform bacteria testing is used to monitor microbial quality in the water distribution system. The PUD collected 40-45 samples per month.
Not more than 5 percent of the monthly total can be positive for total coliforms. One positive sample out of 45 was detected in August 2004. During
all other months of 2004, no positive results were obtained. The one positive sample was determined to be the result of a procedural error during
collection. Re-testing was performed and the repeat samples came back negative.
Fluoride
Dental health additive
ppm
2
4
0.7 – 1.1
1.0
Yes
N/A
N/A
4 (MRDLG)
60
80
4 (MRDL)
13.3 – 49.4
24.5 – 54.7
0.24 – 1.30
27.3
38.2
0.69
Yes
Yes
Yes
Fluoride is added to your water in carefully controlled levels for dental health.
Haloacetic Acids (5)
Total Trihalomethanes
Chlorine Residual
By-product of drinking water chlorination ppb
By-product of drinking water chlorination ppb
Measure of disinfectant added to water
ppm
Haloacetic acids and trihalomethanes form as by-products of the chlorination process that is used to kill or inactivate disease-causing microbes.
Turbidity
Soil erosion
NTU
N/A
TT
100%1
0.082
Turbidity is a measure of the amount of particulates in water measured in Nephlometric Turbidity Units (NTU). Particulates in water can include
bacteria, viruses and protozoans that can cause disease. Turbidity measurements are used to determine the effectiveness of the treatment processes
used to remove these particulates.
Each month 95% of the turbidity samples collected for compliance must not exceed the treatment limit of 0.3 NTU set by the EPA. Everett’s treatment
plant meets this requirement easily because it also complies with an even more strict turbidity standard set by WDOH (0.1 NTU).
1
2
Highest single turbidity measurement collected during 2004.
Disinfection By-Products and Risks to Pregnancy: Some health effects studies have suggested that high levels of trihalomethanes (THMs) in
drinking water may be linked to increased risks of birth defects or miscarriage in pregnant women. THMs are one of the by-products that form
when drinking water is chlorinated to kill disease-causing organisms. The studies suggest that levels of THMs above the new EPA safety standard of
80 parts per billion (ppb) may be of concern for pregnant women. In 2002, the Environmental Working Group and the US Public Interest Research
Group released a joint independent report listing all US water systems since 1995 that have provided or are currently providing water exceeding the
new 80 ppb standard. Everett and PUD water systems are not on that list. Since required monitoring began over 15 years ago, the THM content in the
water purchased from the City of Everett, and subsequently distributed through the PUD’s integrated system, has consistently been below the EPA
threshold.
Chlorine is one of 90 natural elements, the basic building blocks of our planet. To be useful, an element must be relatively abundant or have extremely
desirable properties. Chlorine has both characteristics. As a result – over the course of many decades of careful research and development – scientists
have learned to use chlorine and the products of chlorine chemistry to make drinking water safe; destroy life-threatening germs; produce life-saving
drugs and medical equipment; shield police and fire fighters in the line of duty; and ensure a plentiful food supply. Chemists began experimenting
with chlorine and chlorine compounds in the 18th century. First used as a germicide to prevent the spread of “child bed fever” in the maternity wards
of Vienna General Hospital in Austria in 1846, chlorine has been one of society’s most potent weapons against a wide array of life-threatening infections, viruses, and bacteria for 150 years.
6
Yes
ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT
UNREGULATED SUBSTANCES
Substance
Bromodichloromethane
Chloroform (trichloromethane)1
Dibromaoecetic Acid1
Dichloroacetic Acid1
Trichloroacetic Acid1
1
Units
Ideal Level/
Goal (MCLG)
ppb
ppb
ppb
ppb
ppb
0
300
0
0
0
Your Water Testing Results
Minimum/
Average
Maximum Range
Value
1.3 – 2.2
25.6 – 54.7
14.8
2.7 – 18.0
7.3 – 31.4
1.8
38.8
0.08
11.0
15.7
These substances are by-products of the chlorine disinfection process and were monitored quarterly during 2004 to determine compliance with the
Stage 1 Disinfectants/Disinfection By-products Rule regulation.
1
Copper & Lead Monitoring
Substance
Copper
Lead
Major Source
Plumbing, erosion of natural deposits
Plumbing, erosion of natural deposits
Units
ppm
ppb
EPA Regulations
Ideal
Level/
Action
Goal
Level
(MCLG)
(AL)
1.3
0
1.3
15
Your Water Testing Results
90th
%
Level
0.068
3
Homes
Exceeding
the AL
Comply?
None
3 of 178
(1.7%)
Yes
Yes
USEPA and state regulations require Everett and the systems it supplies to monitor for the presence of lead and copper at household taps in their
service area every three years. The above data was collected in 2003. The next round of required sampling will be conducted in late summer of 2006.
The 90th % Level is the highest result obtained in 90 percent of the samples collected when the results are ranked in order from lowest to highest.
The results for water tested before it enters household plumbing were even lower. This indicates that there is virtually no lead or copper in the water
you are provided, but your household plumbing may contribute to the presence of lead and copper at your tap.
voluntarily monitored substances
The information below is voluntary and describes additional characteristics of drinking water purchased by the PUD from the City of
Everett.
Characteristic Elements
Alkalinity
Aluminum
Arsenic
Calcium
Magnesium
pH
Sodium
Total Hardness
Units
ppm
ppb
ppb
ppm
ppm
standard unit
ppm
ppm
Your Water Testing Results
Minimum/
Maximum Range
Average
or Highest Value
Value
19.6 – 24.0
9.0 – 23.0
None
3.1 – 3.3
0.5 – 0.7
7.81 – 9.01
7.6 – 8.8
8 – 12
22.0
15.0
Not Detected
3.2
0.6
8.26
8.3
10
Arsenic: In January 2001, considerable media attention was given to the Bush administration’s decision to review the new arsenic standard for
drinking water approved by President Clinton. After extensive review of all available health effects data, the USEPA and President Bush reinstated
the new maximum contaminant level (MCL) for arsenic in drinking water of ten parts per billion (10 ppb). Over the past year, Everett has routinely
monitored the treated drinking water for arsenic. None was detected in any of the samples collected.
7
SNOHOMISH COUNTY PUD
Customer Views Welcome
There are several ways you can get involved in water
quality issues. You can communicate with elected
officials, participate in public hearings and attend
Este informe contiene
información muy importante
sobre su agua potable.
Tradúzcalo o hable con
alguien que lo entienda bien.
Snohomish PUD
participates in the AT&T
language line service. If
you need help with the
English language or need an
interpreter, please contact
a PUD customer service
representative at
425-783-1000 and an
interpreter will be called
(Se illamará a un intérprete).
Snohomish County PUD Commission meetings. Check
the local newspaper for information on public meetings
regarding water quality, water policies and other issues,
or call us at 425-783-8605.
The Snohomish County PUD Board of Commissioners meets at 1:30 PM on the first and third Tuesday of
Street in Everett. Board sessions are open to the public.
Water Resources
425-783-8605
Please call 425-783-8611 in advance to confirm meeting
Monday through Friday,
dates and times, or check the meeting agenda on our
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
each month at Snohomish County PUD, 2320 California
website.
Our website also has a section devoted to Water
Resources at www.snopud.com.
For More Information
Toll-free in Western
Washington and outside the
Everett local calling area at
1-877-783-1000, extension 8605
• PUD web site: www.snopud.com (Click on Water
Resources)
• Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Hotline:
1-800-426-4791
E-mail: [email protected]
• Washington State Department of Health Division of
Drinking Water: 253-395-6750
Web site: www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw
printed on recycled paper
Water Resources
PO Box 1107
Everett, WA 98206-1107
8
presorted
standard
US POSTAGE paid
EVERETT WA
Permit No 193