HomeMy WebLinkAboutWQR_2009_Report_FINAL.pdf2009 City of Renton
Drinking Water Quality Report
rentonwa.gov
Where Does Renton’s Water Come From?
During 2008, Renton obtained its
drinking water from three sources: five downtown wells, located in Liberty and Cedar River Parks, which draw water from the Cedar Valley Aquifer; Springbrook Springs, a small spring located in south
Renton; and the Maplewood wellfield, located in the Maplewood Golf Course. In 2008, our combined water sources produced 2.7 billion gallons of water.
In 2008 the downtown wells supplied 72% of the city’s water; Springbrook Springs produced 20%; and the Maplewood wells contributed 8%. The Maplewood wells are backup wells and started production in
August, 2007.
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 in case they are present. Chlorine further protects water on its way to custom-ers. Because our water is naturally soft, sodium hydroxide is added to stop corro-
sion of plumbing. Fluoride is also added to prevent tooth decay. In the areas of Renton Hill, Talbot Hill, and West Hill, ortho polyphosphates are added to the water to reduce corrosion of the iron water pipes
found in these neighborhoods.
Water from the Maplewood wells is also
very clean, but because of its natural mineral content and pH, it must first be treated before it can be co-mingled with the water from the other sources. This treat-ment process consists of the removal of
manganese, hydrogen sulfide, and ammo-nia from the raw water. Chlorine is added for secondary disinfection and fluoride to prevent tooth decay.
About this Report
T his report explains that Renton’s water met or exceeded State and Federal standards for drinking water quality throughut 2008. The
Federal Safe Drinking Water Act requires water utilities to provide annual “consumer confidence” reports to their customers. In this report you will learn: where our drinking water comes from; what substances it contains, how it compares to water quality standards, and what Renton is doing to protect our water supply. We hope this report will help you better understand our drinking water. We would also like to assure you that providing high quality and safe drinking water is one of Renton’s highest priorities.
In March 2009, the city began operation of the new 4.2-million-gallon Hazen reservoir. The reservoir provides water storage for fire protection and domestic use to the Renton Highlands and emergency storage for use in
all other parts of the city.
An “H” was painted on the reservoir at the re-
quest of Hazen High School’s student body. The City Council and Renton School District approved the concept and T. Bailey, Inc., the project contractor, donated the cost.
Water Use Efficiency
Rule Update
O n November 19, 2007, Renton City Council adopted three water use efficiency goals, that had been developed through a public forum held on November 9, 2007. Efforts taken by the city to achieve the three water use efficiency goals are:
1 Reduce the distribution system leakage (DSL) to 10% or less by
2010.In 2008, 2,704 million gallons (MG) of water were withdrawn from all water supply sources, while metered consumption was 2,195 MG. This difference reflects a 19% distribu-
tion system loss (DSL). The DSL includes: “real losses” such as leaking and broken pipes; and “apparent losses” such as meter inaccuracies, data and billing errors, tampering of meters and hydrants and the flushing and cleaning of mains and reservoirs.
The city continues to take necessary steps to reduce all water losses. In 2008 we:Conducted an acoustic leak detection survey to pinpoint leaks on 30 miles of water mains.• Systematically replaced old, rusty and leaky water pipes to maintain water quality and • provide adequate flow for fire protection.
Began evaluating the implementation of an automatic meter reading (AMR) system. Such • a system will allow for quick detection and customer notification of leaks on the customer side of the city water meters. 2 Limit the peak day water demand to 16.5 million gallons per day or
less through 2015.On August 16, 2008, the city’s water supply sources produced a total peak day water demand of 12.7 million gallons – below the 16.5 mgpd goal. This decrease was achieved through
consumer education; voluntary reduction of lawn watering; and more efficient management of well pumping and reservoir storage and drawdown.
3 Continue reduction of the average annual water use per customer
connection by one-half (0.5%) percent per year. In 2008, the WashWise program provided financial rebates to 238 residential water customers who had purchased water saving clothes washers. This represents 3.05 million gallons of wa-ter saved. The average residential customer water use reduction in 2008 (compared to 2007
usage) was approximately 3.5% - exceeding our goal of 0.5%.
Project Update
Heads Up This Summer
Landscape irrigation systems pose the greatest risk of cross connection to Renton’s water system and to household drinking water plumbing.
To ensure that our drinking water system stays safe, homeowners must have their backflow prevention devices annually inspected and tested by a state certified backflow assembly tester in order to continue to receive water service from the city.
Contact Patrick Flaherty, Renton’s cross-connection control specialist at pflaherty@rentonwa.gov if you have any questions or
need a list of certified testers.
City of Renton
Public Works Department
1055 South Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
Who Do I Call?
Questions about this reportcall Water Utility Engineering 425-430-7287
To report water pressure problems, water leaks,water discoloration, taste or odorcall Water Quality at 425-430-7400 (7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)Or call 425-430-7500 after hours or weekends
Moving and need to arrange a change of water service,or for general billing questionscall Utility Billing at 425-430-6852
In case of emergencies call 911
PRESORTED
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
RENTON, WA
PERMIT NO. 137
T he results of our 2008 water quality monitoring requirements are shown in the following tables. These data are for substances regulated by federal and state agencies. Renton’s 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 report-ing levels. As you can see, the water from all three of our sources meets or exceeds federal and state drinking water quality standards.
Sa m p l e d a t t h e S o u r c e a f t e r t r e at m e n t
Detected Substance Year MCL MCLG Highest Amount Possible Sources
(Range)
Fluoride (see note 1) 2007 4 ppm 4 ppm 1.2 ppm Water additive to (0.4 – 1.2 ppm) prevent tooth decay
Sodium (see note 2) 2007 Not Not 32 ppm Erosion of natural established established (15 - 32 ppm) deposits; Water treatment
Nitrate 2008 10 ppm 10 ppm 2.1 ppm Fertilizer runoff; (0.2 -2.1 ppm) Leaching from septic tanks; Erosion of natural deposits Bromodichloromethane 2006 Not Not 0.85 ppb Disinfection byproduct established established (0.2 - 0.85 ppb) Chlorodibromomethane 2006 Not Not 0.69 ppb Disinfection byproduct established established (0.28 - 0.69 ppb) Chloroform 2006 Not Not 1.2 ppb Disinfection byproduct established established (one detection)
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 that, 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 equiva-lent 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)
pCi/L (picocuries per liter): A measure of radioactivity.
Sa m p l e d a t t h e S o u r c e b e f o r e t r e at m e n t
Detected Substance Year MCL MCLG Highest Amount Possible Sources
(Range)
Radom (see note 3) 2000 Not Not 305 pCi/L Decay of natural deposits established established (165 - 305pCi/L)
Notes:
Fluoride results shown are from a required inorganic chemical analysis in 2007. Renton also measures fluoride levels daily in the distribution system to 1.
ensure that added fluoride levels are maintained in the therapeutic range to prevent tooth decay (0.8 to 1.3 ppm). Renton citizens voted to add fluoride to the
drinking water in 1985. The average amount of fluoride measured in the distribution system in 2008 was 0.98 ppm (range 0.28 to 1.43 ppm)
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. 2.
Sodium hypochlorite is added to water from the Maplewood wells for disinfection and to remove naturally-occurring ammonia.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed regulating radon in drinking water and required initial monitoring in 2000. The 3.
proposed MCL is 300 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). A final rule is expected in 2009. Radon increases the risk of stomach cancer when ingested and the risk
of lung cancer when inhaled. Radon may be released into the air from tap water during showering, dishwashing, etc. Radon entering the home through tap water is usually a small source of radon in indoor air compared to the potential for radon entering the home through soil. Western Washington does not
appear to have significant radon levels in the soil, although exceptions have been found. For more information visit EPA’s “A Citizen’s Guide to Radon” at epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html or call 1-800-SOS-RADON.
Retesting is required when coliform tests are positive. Follow up samples were negative. 4.
Thirty-two (32) samples were tested for copper. Ninety percent of the samples (29 samples) had levels at or below the value shown. Ten percent of the 5. samples tested (3 samples) had levels above this value.
Re s i d e n t i a l w a t e R t a p s
Detected Substance Year Action Ideal 90% Percentile Possible Sources
Level Goal Value and Range
Copper 2007 1.3 ppm 1.3 ppm 0.38 ppm Corrosion of plumbing (see note 5) (0.05 - 0.56 ppm) systems
sa m p l i n g p o i n t s in t h e w a t e R d i s t R i b u t i o n s y s t e m
Detected Substance Year MCL or MCLG Highest or Average Possible Sources
MRDL or MRDLG Amount (Range)
Coliform Bacteria 2008 5% of samples 0% (MCLG) Highest 3.3% Naturally present in the (see note 4) positive per (0.0 - 3.3%) environment
month (MCL)
Chlorine 2008 4 ppm 4 ppm Average 0.8 ppm Additives to control (MRDL ) (MRDLG) (0.2 - 1.5 ppm) microbes
Total Trihalomethanes 2008 80 ppb Not Average 8.1 ppb Disinfection byproduct established (3.5 - 16. 9 ppb)
Haloacetic Acids 2008 60 ppb Not Average 2.7 ppb Disinfection byproduct (MCL) established (1.1 - 4.7 ppb)
WaterSense
If every home in the United States installed WaterSense labeled faucets or
faucet aerators in their bathrooms, 60 billion gallons of water would be saved annually. It would save households
more than $350 million in water bills and about $600 million in energy costs to heat their water. Additionally, water and waste water utilities would save 200
million kilowatt-hours of electricity normally used for supplying and treating that water. Visit the WaterSense website at epa.gov/watersense for a complete list of WaterSense labeled products.
Let Us Help You Save Water!
T he average kitchen faucet flows at a rate of 2.2 gallons
per minute (gpm). With a flow aerator the flow can be reduced to 1.5 gpm while increasing the power of the water stream. In practical terms, this means you get your rinsing done more quickly while using 32% less water - and if you’re rinsing with hot water you save energy too. The aerator
adjusts from spray to solid stream and swivels 360° to easily rinse awkwardly large pans and all four corners of the sink. Complete the coupon below, and bring it to the Utility Billing Office (first floor lobby) at City Hall (1055 S Grady Way) and we will give you a free kitchen sink swivel aerator.
While supplies last.
Free Aerator
First Name ___________________________Last Name _______________________
Water Service Address
Street: _______________________________________________________________
City: _________________________________________________Zip: ____________
Saving Water this Summer
Water shortages aren't always caused by a lack of rain. During the summer, daily water use in Renton typically increases from 50 to 100 percent of the average used during the rest of the year. This increase in summer water usage is largely attributable to outdoor watering and
is referred to as “peak demand.” What you can do to help: Fill pools in the early morning or late evening to avoid • daytime peak use hours.Wash vehicles at a facility that recycles its water (most commercial car washes).• Water in the late evenings or early mornings; follow the Five Steps to Natural Yard Care: •
your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/naturalyardcare/ to build water savings into your garden from the soil up.
Everyday water conservation also helps to reduce summer peaks. Develop conservation habits: Turn off the water when you brush your teeth or shorten your shower by a minute and you'll •
save 150 gallons per month — do both and save 300 gallons per month!Let your lawn go dormant during the summer — dormant grass only needs to be watered • every three to four weeks, or less if it rains.Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use; keep a pitcher of water in the • fridge to avoid letting the water run to get a cool drink.
The Water Use It Wisely website has more than 100 easy ideas for saving water and every one of them starts with YOU! Visit wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve.
Notes from the EPA
Get Loads of Savings
Save water and energy! Rebates of $50, $75 and $100 for the purchase of qualified WashWise machines. The information is available at local appliance dealers, on Renton’s website at
rentonwa.gov or at washwiserebate.com.
Want To Get
Involved?
The City of Renton welcomes your interest in its water system. The Renton City Council is the city’s deci-
sion-making body. The Council meets on the first four Mondays of each month at 7:00 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 rentonwa.gov/government.
Water Facts
Amount of water pumped from all sources on an average day in 2008 was 7.4 million gallons.
Water pumped on the peak day, August 16, 2008, was 12.7 millon gallons.
Special Information AvailableSome people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the
general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, per-sons 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 appropri-ate means to lessen the risk of infection by microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
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. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects call the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
1-800-426-4791.
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