Annual Water Quality Reports
This reports is also available as a PDF for
downloading and printing.
Definitions of abbreviations
AL= Action Level
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level
MCLG = Maximum Contaminant Goal
pCi/l = picocuries
per liter (a measure of radioactivity)
Ppm = parts per million or miligrams per liter (mg/l)
Ppb = parts per billion, or micrograms
per liter (ug/l)
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2004 Annual Water Quality Report
Water Sampling Test Results
| LEAD AND COPPER ACTION LEVELS AT RESIDENTIAL
TAPS |
| Contaminant |
90th
Percentile |
# of sites
exceeded |
# of sites sampled
on 7/04 |
Sites above Action Level |
Action Level |
MCLG |
Violation |
Possible source of contamination |
| Lead |
0.007 |
2 |
30 |
0 |
15ppb |
0 |
No |
Corrosion of household plumbing system. Erosion of natural deposits. |
| Copper |
1.3 |
3 |
30 |
0 |
1.3mg/l |
1.3 |
No |
Corrosion of household plumbing system. Erosion of natural deposit. |
| Inorganic Contaminants |
| Regulated Contaminants |
Date Collected |
Highest Detect Value |
Range Detected |
Average Detected |
MCL |
MCLG |
Possible Source |
Violation |
| Nitrate |
1/2004 |
2.3 |
0.2 |
0.70 |
10 |
10 |
Erosion of natural deposits leaching grom septage tanks |
NO |
| Nitrite |
1/2004 |
0.2 |
0.02 |
0.02 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
Erosion of natural deposits leaching from septage tanks |
NO |
| TOTAL COLIFORM |
Highest # Positive In a month |
MCL |
MCLG |
Violation |
Possible Source |
| 0 |
<1 |
0 |
N |
Naturally present in the environment |
Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment
and indicate that other potentially harmful bacteria may be present.
For
the year 2004, the Harwich Water Department did not receive
any drinking water violations.
Because our Lead and Copper sample
did not exceed action levels established by the state of Massachusetts
in our tap water, we are not
required to sample this coming year. We have not exceeded the
state allowable action levels for two consecutive sample periods
followed by three round
of reduced sampling. Therefore, our Department is now required
to sample for Lead and Copper every three (3) years. The Department
conducted its
last round of sampling in 2003 and will conduct its
next round of sampling in 2006.
| Unregulated or Secondary Contaminants |
Date Collected |
Highest Detect Value |
Range Low-High |
Average Detect |
SMCL |
ORSG |
| pH |
11/2004 |
8 |
5.6-8.0 |
7.5 |
6.5-8.5 |
N/A |
| Chloride |
6/2004 |
40 |
11-28 |
22 |
250 ppm |
N/A |
| Iron |
6/2004 |
0.1 |
<0.01-1.20 |
.1 |
0.30 ppm |
N/A |
| Manganese |
6/2004 |
0.45 |
<0.01-0.32 |
0.089 |
0.05 ppm |
N/A |
| Radon |
3/1999 |
95(+/-36) |
95 |
95 |
N/A |
10,000 pCi/l |
| Sodium |
1/2004 |
0.15 |
|
|
N/A |
20 ppm |
| Sulfate |
1/2004 |
14 |
5.7-10.0 |
8.8 |
250 ppm |
N/A |
| Radium-226 |
4/2004 |
0.0(+/-0.1) |
0.1 |
0.1 |
5 pci/L |
N/A |
| Radium-228 |
4/2004 |
0.0(+/-0.4) |
|
0.5 |
5 pci/L |
N/A |
Additional language required by EPA and DEP
Radon is a radioactive gas
that you can not see, taste, or smell. It is found throughout
the United States. Radon can move up through
the ground and into a home through cracks and holes in the
foundation. Radon can build up to high levels in all types of homes. Radon
can also
get into
indoor air when released from tap water from showering, washing
dishes, and other household activities. Compared to radon entering
the home
through
soil, radon entering the home through tap water will in most
cases be a small source of radon in indoor air. Radon is a
known human carcinogen.
Breathing air containing radon can lead to lung cancer. Drinking
water containing
radon can lead to lung cancer. Drinking water containing radon
may also cause increase risk of stomach cancer. If you are
concerned about radon
in your home, test the air in your home. Testing is inexpensive
and easy. Fix your home if the level of radon in your air is
4 picocuries per liter
of air (pCi/l) or higher. There are simple ways to fix a radon
problem that aren't too costly. For information, call the Massachusetts
Department of
Public Health, Radon Program at 413-586-7525 or call EPA's
Radon Hotline( 800.SOS.RADON).
Lead: 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. If you
are concerned
about elevated 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
that has sat unused for awhile. Additional information is available
from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800.426.4791.
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