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2014 Water Quality Report
The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act requires water utilities to provide an annual “consumer confidence” report to their customers.
In this report you will find:
• The source of your drinking water
• What minerals or chemicals it contains
• How it compares to stringent water quality standards
• What Renton is doing to protect our water supply
• Update on our Water Use Efficiency goals
rentonwa.gov/CCR2014
Renton 2014 Water Quality Report Where Does Renton’s Drinking Water Come From?
During the year 2013, Renton obtained its drinking water from four
sources: five downtown wells, located in Liberty and Cedar River
Parks, which draw water from the Cedar Valley Aquifer; Springbrook
Springs, a small springs located in the south of Renton; and from the
Maplewood wellfield, located in the Maplewood Golf Course. In 2013,
our combined water sources produced 2.39 billion gallons of water.
The fourth water source is the agreement to buy water from Seattle
Public Utilities (SPU) which gets its supply from the Cedar and Tolt
rivers. This source became available January 2012. During 2013, SPU
provided approximately 32.7 million gallons of water that was used by
the Renton Boeing plant. The SPU water is primarily a backup supply to
be used during summer peak use periods. More info on this source can
be found at: www.seattle.gov/util/myservices/water/water_quality/
waterqualityannualreport/
The water pumped from the downtown wells and Springbrook
Springs sources is very clean and needs minimal treatment. Chlorine
is added to destroy bacteria and viruses that could possibly enter
our source water. Chlorine also protects water in the distribution
system in case there is a contamination event like a water main break
or backflow incident. Because the water from our downtown wells
and Springbrook Springs is naturally soft, sodium hydroxide is added
to help prevent the corrosion of household plumbing. Fluoride is
also added to prevent tooth decay and, in the areas of Renton Hill,
Highlands and West Hill, ortho polyphosphates are added to reduce
the internal corrosion of old cast iron water mains that are found in
these neighborhoods. The six downtown wells produced 62.9% of our
water in 2013. Springbrook Springs produced 18.0% of Renton’s water
in 2013.
Water from the Maplewood wells is also very clean, but because of
its naturally occurring substances, it must first be treated before it is
pumped into the distribution system. The treatment process consists
of the removal of manganese, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia from
the source water. Chlorine is added to protect the water in the
distribution system and fluoride is added to prevent tooth decay.
Maplewood wellfield’s two wells produced 19.1% of our water in 2013.
2013 Water Facts
Total number of
metered connections
in Renton:
17,422
Population within
retail service area:
62,100
Total population:
93,910
Number of supply
sources:
9 wells, 1 spring
Water produced
from all sources in
operation:
2,392,003,300
gallons
Water produced on
average day:
6,553,434
Water produced on
highest demand day
August 9, 2013:
12,360,998 gallons
Water produced on
lowest demand day
April 26, 2013:
4,352,000 gallons
Total miles of water
main in service:
308 miles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is our water hard or soft?
Renton’s water falls within the
slightly hard range with about
3.0 grains per gallon of hardness.
A water’s hardness is dependent
upon the levels of two naturally
occurring soluble minerals -
calcium and magnesium. This means that dishwashing and clothes
washing require relatively less soap than in other areas where the
water is hard. Sometimes hardness is also referred to as mg/L of
CaCO3 or calcium carbonate. The table above shows the equivalent
measurements for water hardness.
Notes From The EPA
Health Information
Our drinking water comes from wells and springs. As our water travels through the ground to the wells, it can dissolve naturally occurring minerals as well as substances from human activity. 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.
Special Information Available
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 microbial contaminants as well as more information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
Lead Info
Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. The City of Renton Water Utility 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 thirty seconds to two minutes 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 1-800-426-4791, or visit www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
Renton 2014 Water Quality Report
Who Do I Call?
Questions about
this report:
• Call Water Utility
Engineering at
425-430-7287
Water discoloration,
taste or odor:
• Call Water Quality
at 425-430-7400
(7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
Or 425-430-7500 after
hours or weekends
To report water
pressure problems,
water leak in the
street or at a meter:
• Call Water
Maintenance at
425-430-7400
(7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
Or 425-430-7500 after
hours or weekends
Moving and need to
arrange a change of
water service, or
for general billing
questions:
• Call Utility Billing at
425-430-6852
Emergencies:
Call 9-1-1Does the City add fluoride to the water?
Yes, in 1985, the citizens of Renton voted to have fluoride added to the City’s drinking water. Fluoride levels were adjusted in 2011 to meet the Washington State Department of Health’s new recommended level of 0.8 ppm. More info on fluoridation can be found at the CDC website, www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/faqs/.
Can I use tap water in my aquarium?
Chlorine, Cl, is used to treat drinking water and is toxic to fish. Chlorine may dissipate if you let the water sit for a day or two. Use a water conditioner that removes chlorine to be on the safe side. Aquarium water conditioners are available at your pet store.
Renton 2014 Water Quality Report
Notes:
1. Renton also measures fluoride levels daily in the distribution system. Beginning in year
2011, Renton attempted to maintain fluoride at a level of 0.8 ppm, which is the new level
recommended by the Washington State Department of Health. Renton citizens voted to add
fluoride to the drinking water in 1985.
2. The EPA recommends 20 ppm as a level of concern for people on a sodium-restricted diet.
Renton adds sodium hydroxide to prevent corrosion of plumbing. Sodium hypochlorite is
added to water from the Maplewood wells for disinfection and to remove naturally-occurring
ammonia.
3. Forty-four (44) samples were tested for copper and lead. Ninety percent of the samples tested
(40 samples) had levels at or below the value shown. Ten percent of the samples tested (4
samples) had levels above this value.
DOWNTOWN WELLS, SPRINGBROOK SPRINGS, AND MAPLEWOOD WELLFIELD
SAMPLED AT THE SOURCE AFTER TREATMENT
Detected Substance Year MCL MCLG Highest Amount Possible Sources (Range)
Fluoride (see note 1) 2013 4 ppm 4 ppm 1.1 ppm Water additive to (0.7 – 1.1 ppm) prevent tooth decay
Sodium (see note 2) 2010 Not established Not established 20 ppm Erosion of natural deposits; (8 – 20 ppm) Water treatment
Nitrate 2013 10 ppm 10 ppm 2.1 ppm Fertilizer runoff; Leaching (0.3 – 2.1 ppm) from septic tanks, Erosion of natural deposits
Copper 2010 AL = 1.3 ppm AL = 1.3 ppm 0.1 ppm Erosion of natural deposits; (ND – 0.1 ppm) Leaching from wood preservatives
Total Trihalomethanes 2012 80 ppb Not established 2.7 ppb Disinfection byproduct (ND – 2.7)
SAMPLING POINTS IN THE WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Detected Substance Year MCL or MCLG or Average Amount Possible Sources MRDL MRDLG (Range)
Coliform Bacteria 2013 5% of samples 0% 0% Naturally present in the positive/month (no samples environment positive)
Chlorine 2013 4 ppm 4 ppm 0.95 ppm Additive to control microbes (0.22 - 1.74 ppm)
Total Trihalomethanes 2013 80 ppb Not established 15.83 ppb Disinfection byproduct (0.5 – 21.4 ppb)
Haloacetic Acids 2013 60 ppb Not established 6.9 ppb Disinfection byproduct (ND – 7.7 ppb)
RESIDENTIAL WATER TAPS
Detected Substance Year Action Level MCLG 90th Percentile Possible Sources Value and RangeCopper (see note 3) 2013 1.3 ppm 1.3 ppm 0.42 ppm Corrosion of plumbing (0.05 – 0.59 ppm) systems; Erosion of natural depositsLead (see note 3) 2013 15 ppb 0 1 ppb Corrosion of plumbing (ND – 3 ppb) systems; Erosion of natural deposits
The results of our 2013 water quality monitoring requirements are shown in the following tables. These data are for substances regulated by federal and state agencies. The Water Quality staff regularly monitors for over 100 substances, to make sure our drinking water is safe. The substances listed in the tables below are the only ones that were detected above the Washington Department of Health reporting levels.
Renton 2014 Water Quality Report
In January 2012, the City of Renton began a 50-year (2012-2062) water supply contract with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) to provide the City of Renton with long-term water to meet the City’s future needs. Total of 1.4% of the City’s water was supplied by the SPU source to the Renton Boeing plant in 2013. The results of the 2013 water quality monitoring requirements conducted for water provided by SPU from the Cedar River and Tolt River sources are shown in the following table.
SEATTLE PUBLIC UTILITIES 2013 WATER QUALITY MONITORING RESULTS
EPA’s Allowable Levels in Cedar Levels in Tolt Limits Water Water
Detected Compounds Units MCLG MCL Average Range Average Range Typical Sources
RAW WATER
Total Organic ppm NA TT 0.8 0.4 to 1.3 1.2 to Naturally present in theCarbon 1.4 1.4 environment
Cryptosporidium* #/100L NA NA ND ND <1 ND-2 Naturally present in the environment
FINISHED WATER
Turbidity NTU NA TT 0.4 0.2 to 0.06 0.04 to Soil runoff 2.7 0.14
Barium ppb 2000 2000 1.8 (one 1.9 (one Erosion of natural sample) sample) deposits
Fluoride ppm 4 4 0.8 0.7 to 0.8 0.7 to Water additive, which 0.8 0.9 promotes strong teeth
Definitions:
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.
MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in
drinking water. MCLs are set as close to MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment
technology.
AL (Action Level): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or
other requirements which a water system must follow.
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.
MRDL (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level): The highest level of a disinfectant allowed
in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for
control of microbial contaminants.
ppb (parts per billion): One part per billion is equivalent to ¼ of a dissolved aspirin tablet in 1000
full bathtubs of water (approximately 50,000 gallons of water).
ppm (parts per million): One part per million is equivalent to ¼ of a dissolved aspirin tablet in a
full bathtub of water (approximately 50 gallons)
ND (Not Detected)
TT (Treatment Technique): A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in
drinking water.
NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit): Turbidity is a measure of how clear the water looks. The
turbidity MCL that applied to the Cedar supply in 2013 is 5 NTU, and for the Tolt it was 0.3 NTU
for at least 95% of the samples in a month. 100% of the samples from the Tolt in 2013 were below
0.3 NTU.
NA (Not Applicable)
* Cryptosporidium was not detected in any samples from the Cedar or Tolt (3 samples each supply)
In 2003, the Washington State Legislature passed the Municipal Water Law,
to address the increasing demand on the state’s water resources. The
law established that all municipal water suppliers must use water more
efficiently in exchange for water right certainty and flexibility to help them
meet future demand.
Water Use Efficiency Rule Update for 2013
In January 2012, Renton signed an agreement to buy water from Seattle
Public Utilities. As part of this agreement, the City of Renton joined the
Saving Water Partnership (SWP), a collaboration of 19 local water utilities
who provide water conservation programs in Seattle and King County.
On October 21, 2013 in a public forum, Renton City Council adopted the
SWP’s regional goal.
The Saving Water Partnership has set a six-year goal: reduce per capita
use from current levels so that the SWP’s total average annual retail water
use is less than 105 mgd from 2013 through 2018 despite forecasted
population growth. In order to meet the goal, the amount of water used
per person will need to decrease to offset growth. For 2013, the Saving
Water Partnership met the goal, using 93.1 mgd. 2013 Highlights of the regional conservation program
• The SWP focused on youth education in 2013, developing new
curriculum and conducting 50 in-classroom presentations for nearly
1,300 K-12 grade students. Topics included water conservation, the
water cycle, the salmon life cycle, waterwise gardening and the
water supply system. Additionally, 5,200 students from 12 schools
participated in this year’s Fix A Leak Week challenge, searching for
leaks at home.
• The SWP introduced rebates for Premium WaterSense toilets for
residential and commercial customers in June. These fixtures use
1.06 gallons of water per flush, at least 20% less water than a regular
WaterSense fixture.
• The Single-Family Toilet Rebate Program processed nearly 60 Premium
WaterSense and nearly 1,000 regular WaterSense rebates.
• The Multifamily Toilet Replacement Program upgraded nearly 1,600
toilets to Premium WaterSense models, and nearly 1,300 toilets to
regular WaterSense models.
• The SWP completed water conservation financial incentive projects
with 81 businesses in 2013. Two projects replaced a total of 382 toilets
with Premium WaterSense models.
• The commercial program introduced “Cool Tunes,” a pilot incentive
program to upgrade equipment and monitor efficiency for cooling
towers.
• The SWP offered 17 Savvy Gardener classes across the SWP service
area in spring and fall 2013 with 300 attendees. These classes were
designed to inspire, create, and maintain healthy, water-efficient
landscapes.
• The SWP sponsored a new local gardening TV show, Seattle Dig In,
and produced four videos with Marianne Binetti, celebrity garden
writer and radio show host. The 3-5 minute videos - Plant in Fall
for a Stronger Garden; Mulch Your Soil; Go Natural with Your Lawn;
How to Use a Soaker Hose. These videos and more information on
rebates, conservation tips, etc., can be found at www.savingwater.org/
LawnGarden/index.htm.
Renton 2014 Water Quality Report
Typical Single-Family Home Water Use
52% outdoors
10% Toilets
10% Showers
9% Laundry
9% Leaks
8% Faucets
1% Baths
1% Dishwashers
Renton 2014 Water Quality Report
Saving Water Helps People and Salmon
There are five species of salmon in the Pacific Northwest. All of them return to fresh water to spawn and complete their life cycle. The less water you consume in your house and yard, means more water in the rivers that will help guarantee salmons’ survival. Here is a mnemonic device to help you remember the five PW Northwest salmon species.
NEW Water Usage Online Tool
We have a new website designed to allow
City of Renton drinking water customers to
view their water usage data. If your meter is
read using the new wireless reading system,
you will be able to see hourly consumption.
All City of Renton water customers will be
able to view their monthly/bi-monthly consumption. Year-to-year
comparisons of consumption for a month can be viewed side by side.
The City’s new Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) makes this
possible. This system is currently being deployed with a completion
target in the summer of 2015. Water consumption will be available
through the water usage history online dashboard. This new tool will
help you to manage your water consumption as well as detect any
irregular patterns that could indicate a leak.
To use the new water usage history dashboard go to rentonwa.gov
and click on Utility
Billing, lower right
column, then click
on Water Usage
History, upper
right. Enter the 8
digit Serial Number
as it appears on
your water utility
bill - an example of
where to find this is
provided at right.
Want To Get Involved?
The City of Renton
welcomes your
interest in its water
system. The Renton
City Council is the
City’s decision-
making body. The
Council meets
on the first four
Mondays of each
month at 7 p.m.
in the Council
Chambers on the
seventh floor of
City Hall. Call the
City Clerk’s office
at 425-430-6510
for meeting or
agenda information
or check the City
Council calendar at
Renton’s website,
rentonwa.gov/
government.
Your 2014 water quality report is easily accessible online at:rentonwa.gov/CCR2014
Or, if you would prefer, call 425-430-7287 or email
hweagraff@rentonwa.gov and we will print and mail a copy to you.
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Renton 2014 Water Quality Report
Cedar River
Kennydale Creek
M a d s e n
C r e e k
Maplewo od Creek
North Fork Springbrook Creek
Honey Creek
S pr ing b roo k Cr ee k
Panther Creek
Rolling Hills Creek
Big Soos Creek
Honey
Creek
Panther C
ree
k
P
anther
C
ree
k
Maplewood Creek
M
a
d
s
en
Creek
M
a
p
l
ewood Cree
k
Thunder Hills Creek
M a d s e n C r e e k
Maplewood C r e ek
Panther Creek
Gypsy Cr eek
Unnamed Panther Creek Tributary
Molasses Creek
Molasses Creek
Mo lasses Cr e e k
Unnamed Soosette
Creek Tributary
Rolling
H
ills Creek
South Fork
Springbrook Creek
M
a
plewood Creek
Madsen Creek
Madsen
Creek
Madsen Creek
Springbrook Creek
J o h ns C re ek
Springbrook Creek
Johns Creek
Coal Cre e k Tributary
Thunder
Hills
Creek
Ginger Creek
May Creek
Big Soos Creek
May Creek
Mill Creek
Coal Creek
Garrison Cr
e
e
k
C o a l C re ek
M
a
dsen
Creek
U n n a m e d Soosette
Cr e e k Tributary
Madsen C r e e k
Rolling Hills Creek
S p r i n g b r o o k C r e e k
May C re ek
May Creek
Coal Creek Tributary
Coal Creek Tributary
Cedar River
Panther Creek
C
oal
C
r
e
ek
T
ributa
r
y
Big Soos Creek
Big Soos Creek
Duwamish River
Green River
May Creek
Black River
Forb ay
G r e en River
Cedar River
S
p
ring b r o o k C r e e k
LakeBoren
LakeDesire
LakeYoungs
ShadyLake
PantherLake
LakeWashington
Coal Creek
UtilityDistrict
KC WaterDistrict 90
Soos CreekWater and SewerDistrict
Cityof Kent
City ofTukwila
WasmetaPark WaterSystem
Skyway Waterand SewerDistrict
Seattle PublicUtilities
Cedar RiverWater andSewer District
Renton City Limits Renton Water Service Area
City of Renton Water Utility Service Area/Adjacent Districts
Cedar River
Kennydale Creek
M a d s e n
C r e e k
Maplewo od Creek
North Fork Springbrook Creek
Honey Creek
S pri ngb rook Cr eek
Panther Creek
Rolling Hills Creek
Big Soos Creek
Honey
Creek
Panther
C
r
e
e
k
P
a
nther
Cree
k
Maplewood Creek
M
a
d
s
e
n
Creek
Ma
plewood Cre
e
k
Thunder Hills Creek
M a d se n C r e e k
Maplewood C re e k
Panther Creek
Gypsy Cr eek
Unnamed Panther Creek Tributary
Molasses Creek
Molasses Creek
Molass es Cre ek
Unnamed Soosette
Creek Tributary
Rolling
Hills Creek
South Fork
Springbrook Creek
M
a
plewood Creek
Madsen Creek
Madsen
C
reek
Madsen Creek
Springbrook Creek
J oh n s C re ek
Springbrook Creek
Johns Creek
Coal Cre e k Tributary
Thunder
Hills Creek
Ginger Creek
May Creek
Big Soos Creek
May Creek
Mill Creek
Coal Creek
Garrison Cre
e
k
C o a l C re e k
M
a
d
s
en Creek
U n n a m e d Soosette
Cr e e k Tributary
Madsen C r e e k
Rolling H ills Creek
S p r i n g b r o o k
C r e e k
May C r e e k
May Creek
Coal Creek TributaryCoal Creek Tributary
Cedar River
Panther Creek
Coal Creek Tributary
Big Soos Creek
Big Soos Creek
Duwamish River
Green River
May Creek
Bl ack River
Forbay
G r e en River
Cedar River
S
p
ring b r o o k
C r e e k
LakeBoren
LakeDesire
LakeYoungs
ShadyLake
PantherLake
LakeWashington
Coal CreekUtilityDistrict
KC WaterDistrict 90
Soos CreekWater and Sewer
District
Cityof Kent
City of
Tukwila
WasmetaPark WaterSystem
Skyway Waterand SewerDistrict
Seattle Public
Utilities
Cedar River
Water andSewer District
Renton City Limits Renton Water Service Area
City of Renton Water Utility Service Area/Adjacent Districts
City of Renton Water Utility Service Area/Adjacent Districts