WATERMARK
A News Publication of Idyllwild Water District

IDYLLWILD WATER DISTRICT

2009 WATER QUALITY REPORT FOR 2008 CALENDAR YEAR

   CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT

The following tables list all the drinking water contaminants that we detected for the 2008 calendar year. The presence of these contaminants in the water does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. Unless otherwise noted, the data presented in this table is from testing done January 1 through December 31, 2008.  The state requires us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once a year because the concentrations of these contaminants are not expected to vary significantly from year to year.  Some of the data, though representative of the water quality, may be from more than one year of sample results.          

                                Sampling Results Showing Detection of Lead and Copper

                                       Sampling Results for Sodium and Hardness

                          Detection of Contaminants with a Primary Drinking Water Standard

 Detection of Contaminants with a Secondary Drinking Water Standard

Terms and abbreviations used in the tables are as follows;

Public Health Goal (PHG):  The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health.  PHGs are set by the California Environmental Protection Agency.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG):  The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health.  MCLGs are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL):  The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water.  Primary MCLs are set as close to the PHGs (or MCLGs) as is economically and technologically feasible.  Secondary MCLs are set to protect the odor, taste, and appearance of drinking water.

Primary Drinking Water Standard:  MCLs for contaminants that affect health along with their monitoring and reporting requirements, and water treatment requirements.

Regulatory Action Level (AL):  The concentration of a contaminant which, when exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.

n.a.:  not applicable

n.d.: not detectable at testing limit

ppm:  parts per million or milligrams per liter

ppb:  parts per billion or micrograms per liter

pCi/l:  picocuries per liter (a measure of radiation)

AL:  Regulatory action level

All 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 the water poses a health risk.  More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling our office or the USEPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).   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 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.

*Lead above 15 ppb (the regulatory AL) – Infants and young children are typically more vulnerable to lead in drinking water than the general population.  It is possible that lead levels at your home may be higher than at other homes in the community as a result of materials used in your home’s plumbing.  IWD had one sample at 0.026 mg/l which is above the 90% action level of 0.015 mg/l.  This sample is still in compliance.  If you are concerned about elevated lead levels in your home’s water, you may wish to have your water tested and flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using tap water. Additional information is available from the USEPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791)