Testing
Procedures and Results
To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water
systems. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish the limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public
health. The water quality information listed here is based upon tests conducted in 2010 by Newport News Waterworks. Samples of treated water were taken at
regular intervals from specific locations (residences, businesses, and the treatment plants) across the Waterworks service area. Every regulated substance
that we detected in the water, even in the smallest traces, is listed below. The table contains the name of each substance, the highest level allowed by regulation (MCL), the ideal goals for public health (MCLG), the amount detected, the usual sources of such contamination, and whether or not Waterworks meets
the set regulation. For help understanding the table below, please see the explanation of terms at the right and the footnotes at the bottom of the table.
An expanded version (listing additional test results) of the table below can be found on our web site at www.nngov.com/waterworks.
Lightfoot well system customers (Upper York County) will receive a separate water quality report.
Substance and
Unit of Measurement
EPA
Ideal
Goal
(MCLG)
Highest
EPA
Allowed
Level
(MCL)
Detected
Level
(what we
found)
1.3
AL = 1.3
0.0581
0.006-0.130
YES
Corrosion of household plumbing
0
AL = 15
0.0
<1.0-1.5
YES
Corrosion of household plumbing
Range
Detected
Low-High
Meets
State &
Federal
Standards Likely Source
INORGANICS
Copper (ppm)
Lead (ppb)
1
Fluoride (ppm)
4
4
1.24
<0.20-1.24
YES
Added to promote strong teeth
Barium (ppm)
2
2
0.027
0.025-0.027
YES
Erosion of natural deposits
Nitrate (ppm)
10
10
0.083
0.020-0.083
YES
Erosion of natural deposits
Nitrite (ppm)
1
1
0.002
0.001-0.002
YES
Erosion of natural deposits
Total Coliform
0
5%2
0.54%
0.0%-0.54%
YES
Naturally present in the environment
DISINFECTION BY-PRODUCTS AND PRECURSORS
Total Trihalomethanes (ppb)
0
80
183
Haloacetic Acids (ppb)
0
60
20
none
TT
1.144
Total Organic Carbon Removal
3
4-35
YES
By-product of chlorination
7-37
YES
By-product of chlorination
1.07-1.66
YES
Naturally in the environment
0.03-0.60
YES
Soil runoff
0.0-5.0
YES
Water additive used to control microbes
MICROBIOLOGICAL
Turbidity (NTU)
none
Chloramines (ppm)
TT
MRDLG 4
MRDL 4
0
4
0.605
3.1
3
RADIOLOGICAL
Beta/Photon Emitters (pCi/L)
1.8
1.8-1.8
Decay of natural & man-made deposits
UNREGULATED CONTAMINANT MONITORING REGULATION 2 - ORGANICS
(detected in 2009, still required to report)
N-nitroso-dimethylamine (ppt)
none
none
3.4
2.1-3.4
YES
By-product of chloramination
Notes:
1 At least 90% of the samples were at or below this level. None of the individual samples exceeded the Action Level.
2 Water systems that collect 40 or more samples per month can have no more than 5% positive samples. Waterworks had one sample positive
out of 183 samples in July 2010 (or 0.54%). It was also the only positive sample out of 2,198 total samples analyzed in calendar year 2010.
3 The highest detected level is based on a system-wide, four-quarter running average of several samples (for Chloramines, it is an annual
running average). The range numbers are the results from individual samples.
4 Compliance is based on a running four-quarter average. The range is the individual monthly ratio from both water treatment plants. TOC has
no adverse health effects, but can be a critical component in the formation of disinfection by-products.
5 Turbidity is a measure of water cloudiness. It is a good indicator of the effectiveness of our filtration system. 100% of samples were within the
turbidity limit.
Additional Information of Interest
Sodium - The EPA has not set a standard for sodium in drinking water. However, sodium levels in drinking water are usually low and unlikely
to be a significant contribution to adverse health effects. The average level of sodium found in our treated water was 14 mg/L, and the range was
5.7-33.8. Should you have a health concern, please contact your health care provider.
Ozone - Drinking water is disinfected to destroy pathogens including bacteria and viruses. Waterworks uses ozone as its primary disinfectant.
Ozone produces fewer disinfection by-products than chlorine, while disinfecting drinking water beyond currently required levels, to meet even
more stringent standards if they are proposed for the future. No ozone is released into the atmosphere. When the process is complete, ozone is
converted back to oxygen and poses no threat to the environment.
Hardness - No EPA standard is set. Water treated by Newport News Waterworks is considered moderately soft (4-6 grains which is equal to
Definitions
AL (Action Level): The concentration
of a substance which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements
that a water system must follow.
MCL (Maximum Contaminant
Level): The highest level of a substance 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 substance 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 level of a disinfectant added for water treatment that may
not be exceeded at the consumer’s tap
without adverse health effects.
MRDLG (Maximum Residual
Disinfectant Level Goal): A
non-enforceable health goal. It does not
reflect the benefits of adding the chemical for the control of waterborne microbial contaminants.
NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity
Unit): A measure of water clarity.
Turbidity greater than five NTU is just
noticeable to the average person.
pCi/L (Picocuries per liter): A
measure of radioactivity.
ppm (Parts per million or milligrams
per liter [mg/L]): Equivalent to one
penny in $10,000 ($10 thousand).
ppb (Parts per billion or micrograms
per liter [μg/L]): Equivalent to one
penny in $10,000,000 ($10 million).
ppt (Parts per trillion or nanograms per liter [ng/L]): Equivalent to one penny in $10,000,000,000
($10 billion).
TT (Treatment Technique): A
required process intended to reduce the
level of a substance in drinking water.
Note: MCLs are set at very stringent
levels. To experience the possible health
effects described for many regulated
substances, a person would have to
drink two liters of water at the MCL level
every day for a lifetime to have a onein-a-million chance of having a possible
adverse health effect.
70-120 mg/L as calcium carbonate or CaCO3). In 2010 the average was 77 mg/L with a range of 52-105.
Lead - Lead is not detectable in the treated water tested monthly from either treatment plant. However, if present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for
pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water comes primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Newport News Waterworks
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 flushing your tap for 15 to 30 seconds, or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature, 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 at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead. In addition, Waterworks recommends that you prepare baby formula with cold water.
Pharmaceuticals - Medication, cosmetics, lotions, sunscreen, and other substances are referred to as “pharmaceuticals and personal care products” or PPCPs. PPCPs in water are an area
of growing scientific interest because they are present in very small concentrations, but little is known about their effects on human health. Waterworks tested the Chickahominy River, our
terminal reservoirs (Harwood’s Mill and Lee Hall) and finished (or treated) water from both plants for PPCPs in 2008. Trace amounts of caffeine and triphenylphosphate (a flame retardant)
were found in the raw (untreated) water. However, these substances were not found in the finished (treated) water, confirming that our water treatment process is providing adequate protection and producing high-quality water.
Fluoride - Fluoride is added to water to prevent tooth decay. Newport News Waterworks adheres to drinking water regulations set by the EPA and guidance provided by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). In 2010, Waterworks maintained a fluoride level of about 0.9 mg/L at the water treatment plants. This is well within the range set by EPA and in accordance with
the recommendation of 0.9 mg/L set by the VDH. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposed recommendation to lower the fluoride level is being studied nationally and
locally. If the VDH alters their fluoride guidance to Virginia water utilities, we will comply.
Why
Why
This
Report?
This
Report?
This annual water quality report or “Consumer Confidence Report” is written, prepared and distributed
by Newport News Waterworks as required by the Safe
Drinking Water Act. This report explains where your
water comes from, what our tests show about it, and other
things you should know about your drinking water. It was
mailed with Waterworks’ bills in the spring of 2011.
Customers who do not receive a water bill (like some
who rent their homes) were informed by local newspapers and goverment access television channels that
copies of this report are available at all local libraries in the Waterworks service area, our walk-in services lobby, online at www.nngov.com/waterworks
or by calling Waterworks at (757) 926-1000. eBill
customers will be directed to the online version. An
expanded version of this report, containing additional
test results, is also on the Waterworks website.
Newport News Waterworks is a department
of the City of Newport News and serves as a
regional water provider for five jurisdictions:
Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, York
County and part of James City County. We are committed
to providing a reliable supply of high quality drinking water
to our customers. Our drinking water is treated and tested
using state-of-the-art equipment and advanced procedures, and it meets or exceeds state and federal standards
for quality.
Because Waterworks is a department of the City of Newport News, major decisions about your drinking water
are made by Newport News City Council. They meet on
the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 7:00
pm, and you are welcome to attend and participate.
These meetings are broadcast live on Newport News City
Channel (in Newport News - Cox channel 48 and Verizon
FIOS channel 19) and can be viewed live or on-demand
on the web at www.nngov.com.
NEWPORT NEWS WATERWORKS
WATER QUALITY REPORT - CALENDAR YEAR 2010
If you have questions or concerns about your water or water
quality, please call Newport News Waterworks. Here are some
numbers and web addresses to keep handy:
Customer Service
Call Center
(757) 926-1000
2010
Newport News
Waterworks
Water Quality
Report
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m
Walk-in Service Center
700 Town Center Drive
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
(City Center Oyster Point)
Walk-in (payment only) Service Center
2400 Washington Avenue
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(Treasurer’s Office/Newport News City Hall)
Customer Service e-mail [email protected]
(monitored during normal business hours)
Emergency Services
(757) 234-4800
Emergencies only after normal business hours, and on weekends and holidays.
Our Web Site
www.nngov.com/waterworks
The information place - plus you can pay your water bill online, sign up for our automatic payment
options, and read a more detailed water quality report. New
this year: paperless eBilling – go to our web site and sign
up today!
Facebook
www.facebook.com/nnwaterworks
“Like” us on Facebook and receive helpful tips, special announcements and updates. Plus, we get to hear from you!
Newport News Waterworks
700 Town Center Drive
Newport News, VA 23606
(757) 926-1000
Newport News Waterworks
Brian L. Ramaley, P.E., Director
Eileen M. Leininger, P.E., Assistant Director
Michael L. Hotaling, P.E., Facilities Manager
Sherry L. Williams, Water Quality Manager
Lee Ann Hartmann, Public Information Specialist
Quality • Reliability • Community
Proudly serving Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson,
York County, and part of James City County
5430
What
Do I Need to Know
About Source Water?
Generally speaking, 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 radioactive
material and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human
activity. Substances that may be present in source water include:
• Microbial, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants,
septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
• Inorganic, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban
storm runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining,
or farming.
• Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture,
stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
• Organic chemicals, including synthetic and volatile organics, are by-products of industrial
processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater
runoff, and septic systems.
• Radioactive, which can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and
mining activities.
Notice
To People With Health Concerns
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be 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 Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safe Drinking
Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.
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 Cryptosporidium are
available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.
Where
Does My Water Come From?
Surface water provides the primary source of our drinking water. It begins with the
Chickahominy River. When available, water is pumped from the river, above Walkers
Dam, and is transferred through pipes to reservoirs for storage. Waterworks owns and
operates five reservoirs that store and supply water to the treatment plants. Brackish (slightly salty) groundwater from deep wells in the Lee Hall area provide a
second source of water. The two source waters are treated separately, then blended
together before distribution to the service area.
According to the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission’s 2001-02 Source
Water Assessment, our surface water sources were rated as relatively high in susceptibility to contamination (which is one reason why water treatment is so important),
while our deep groundwater wells were rated as low in susceptibility using the criteria
developed by the state in its approved Source Water Assessment Program. The assessment report includes maps showing the source water assessment area, an inventory
of known land-use activities, a susceptibility explanation chart, and definitions of key terms.
How
Is My Water Treated?
Untreated water is pumped to our treatment plants, where it passes through screens, before
aluminum sulfate (alum) and polymer are added. These chemicals cause tiny particles in the
water to cling together (coagulation), making the particles easier to remove. After the water is
clarified, ozone (disinfection) is added to kill microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. The
water is then sent through filters to remove any remaining particles (filtration). Lime is added
to adjust the pH, fluoride is added to prevent tooth decay, and zinc orthophosphate is added
to control corrosion inside the pipe system. Finally, chloramines, the secondary disinfectant,
are added to maintain disinfection through the pipe system to your home or business.
The brackish groundwater is pumped to our desalination plant located at our Lee Hall facility.
Using a process called reverse osmosis, water is forced by high pressure through membranes
that can remove the salt and other contaminants to produce very high quality water. The water
is blended with treated surface water and sent out to our customers.