Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutWQR_2014_Report_FINAL.pdfCity of Renton 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. w w 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