Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority

2016 ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT

PWS #CT1160011

Continuing Our Commitment

 

Once again the Town of Putnam is pleased to present the Annual Water Quality Report for 2016. Federal and State regulations require that public water systems publish a yearly water quality report. We feel it is important that you know where your water comes from as well as how it is treated and what substances may be in it. 

The Water Department continued working on several Major Capital Improvement Projects during 2016.  Phase 2 of the Pipe Replacement / Relining Project was started and is anticipated to be completed in 2017.  The Richmond Hill Water Storage Tank and Biological Filtration Projects are scheduled to begin in 2017.  Several other capital projects that have been started include a System Wide Water Meter Replacement Project and an upgraded SCADA System. 

 For more information about this annual report, or for any questions relating to your drinking water, please call

 Gerard M. Beausoleil, Director of Public Works @ 860-963-6819 or the Water Treatment Plant @ 860-963-6823.

 

Community Participation

 

If you have concerns about your drinking water or water supply, you are invited to attend the WPCA monthly meetings. For dates and times of committee meetings please call our main office at, 860-963-6819 or visit the Town of Putnam website @ www.putnamct.us  

 

Where Does My Water Come From?

 

We currently have three (3) stable sources of water.  Our main source of supply comes from Roseland Lake (Little River Watershed), which converges into the Little River.  Our second source of supply is from our Park Street Well Field which consists of ten production wells,  six (6) which are shallow sand and gravel wells and four (4) deep bedrock wells.  Our third source is via an interconnection with the CT Water Company, Crystal Division, located in Killingly.       

 

 

How is My Water Treated?

 

The water treatment from the surface water supply, consists of a series of five key steps. Initially water is drawn from the River and pre-disinfected with chlorine dioxide and chlorine. This step allows for oxidation of iron, manganese and total organic carbon that are present in the raw water. This pretreated water enters a mixing tank where poly aluminum chloride is added allowing small particles to adhere to one another (called "floc") making them heavy enough to settle out of the water. The water is then processed through a filtering unit where any remaining smaller floc particles are removed, turbidity disappears and clean water emerges. Chlorine is added in the final disinfection step as a precaution against any bacteria that may still be present. We closely monitor the amount of chlorine, adding the lowest quantity necessary to protect the safety of your water without compromising taste. Final chemical injection step is taken adding Potassium Hydroxide to adjust the pH of the water and an Ortho Polyphosphate (corrosion inhibitor) to protect the pipes. The water is then pumped to the two one million gallon storage tanks from which it is distributed into your home.

 

The wells are treated at the well field in a one step process with addition of Ortho Polyphosphate (corrosion inhibitor), Potassium Hydroxide for pH adjustment and sodium hypochlorite for disinfection.  The treatment process at both the Surface Water Treatment Plant and the Well Field are continuously monitored by instrumentation and State Certified Water Treatment Operators to ensure safe clean water is being produced and distributed to your homes.

 

Substances That Might Be in Drinking Water

 

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Department of Public Health and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Connecticut Department of Public Health regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health. All 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 the water poses a health risk.

The sources of drinking water (both tap and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it can acquire naturally occurring minerals, in some cases, radioactive material; and substances resulting from the presence of animals or human activity. Substances that may be present in water include:

 

Microbial Contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agriculture livestock operations, or wildlife.

 

Inorganic Contaminants, such as road salt and metals, which can be naturally occurring or may result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining or farming.

 

Pesticides and Herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.

 

Organic Chemical Contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and may also, come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.

 

Radioactive Contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or may be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

 

Table Definitions

 

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

 

MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCL’s are set as close to the MCLG as feasible using the best available technology. Secondary MCL’s (SMCL) are set to protect the odor, taste and appearance of drinking water.

 

MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level Goal): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known risk to health. MCLG’s allow for a margin of safety.

 

NA: Not applicable     ND: Not detected    NS: No standard 

 

NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit): Measurement of the clarity, or turbidity, of water

 

PCi/L (picocuries per liter): A measure of radioactivity.

 

ppb (parts per billion): One part substance per billion parts water (or micrograms per liter)

 

ppm (parts per million): One part substance per million parts water (or milligrams per liter)

 

TT (Treatment Technique): A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

 

Turbidity:  A measurement of how cloudy the water is. We monitor this because it is a good indicator of the effectiveness of our filtration system.

 

90th Percentile: Out of every 10 homes sampled, 9 were at or below this level

 

Is My Water Safe?

 

During the past year we have taken hundreds of water samples in order to determine the presence of any radioactive, biological, inorganic, volatile organic or synthetic organic contaminants. The table at the end of this report shows only those contaminants that were detected in the water. Although all the substances listed here are under the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), we feel it is important that you know exactly what was detected and how much of the substance was present in the water. The state requires us to monitor for certain substances less than once per year because the concentration of these substances do not change frequently. In these cases, the most recent sample data are included; along with the year in which the samples were taken.

 

Please see the table at the end of this report for the substances that were detected in your drinking water.

 

Monitoring and Reporting of Compliance - Violation Notes:

 

During the entire 2016 sampling period we had zero compliance violations for any water contaminant MCL.  The system was in violation for missing a sampling event during the last three year monitoring period.  This is considered a monitoring violation and is the lowest level violation (Tier III). The details of this violation are included in this report.  Upon notification of the violation, the system operators immediately sampled the water for the substances that were missed and all test results were confirmed to be non-detect.        

 

Please see the Tier III Notice of Violation at the end of this report for the details of the monitoring violation.

 

Frequently Asked Questions.

 

Why is my water brown sometimes?

Typical causes of discolored water include fire in the area, a water-main break, hydrant maintenance, or water main flushing.

 

Why does my water look cloudy or milky?

 Air becomes trapped in the lines. This trapped air becomes suspended in the water, giving it a milky appearance.

 

When I run the water, it smells.

 Most of the time it is not the water, but rather, food particles that are left in the drain overnight. When the water is run, the odor is forced out. Putting a small amount of bleach in the drain overnight, periodically, will remove the odors.

 

Is Tap Water Safe for Everyone?

 

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 may be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline. (800-426-4791)

 

In 2016 Putnam Water produced 313,028,100 gallons of water from the following sources.  103,903,800 gallons from the Little River, 183,140,100 from the Park Street Well Field and 25,984,200 from the CT Water Co. Interconnection on Tracy Rd.

  

 

 

SWAP

 

The Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP), established under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, requires every state to: inventory land uses within the recharge areas of all public water supply sources; asses the susceptibility of drinking water sources to contamination from these land uses; and publicize the results to provide support for improved protection.  Below is an overview of the Putnam source water assessment.  

 

Little River Diversion Source Water Assessment

 

The Overall Susceptibility Rating: HIGH

This rating indicated susceptibility to potential sources of contamination that may be in the source water area and does not necessarily imply poor water quality.

 

Strengths: There are no point source pollution discharge points present in the watershed area. 

  

 

Potential Risk Factors: 

ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE This source carries a high risk factor specifically for environmental sensitivity. The reservoir is able to support excessive growth of algae and plankton.  Potential contaminant sources are present in the watershed and homeowners are encouraged to adopt residential best management practices that minimize the use of hazardous wastes or generation of waste in the watershed.

 

Potential Risk Factors This source carries a moderate risk factor as major state and interstate roadways are present in the watershed and there are known contaminant release points present in the watershed. There should be monitoring for road salt and herbicides as well as addressing the potential for hazardous spills from vehicular accidents.  More than 50% of land for this source water is underdeveloped, which could present a risk if inappropriately developed.

 

Source Protection Needs This source carries a high rating as less than 1% of the land is owned by the public water system and less than 5% exists as open space. It is advisable to increase ownership or control of watershed area whenever land becomes available for purchase. It is also recommended to establish local watershed protection regulations to protect public drinking water sources.

 

Park St Well Field Assessment

 

The Overall Susceptibility Rating:  MODERATE

 

This source carries the same recommendations as that of the Little River Diversion Assessment for Potential Risk Factors.

 

For the complete report on the Internet please go to: State of Connecticut Department of Public Health-Drinking Water Division- Source Water Assessment Report- Town of Putnam, CT PWS # CT1160011

 

Special Warning about the Health Effects of Lead & Copper:

 

Although all of our test results indicate we were well below the action levels for Lead and Copper we are required to inform our customer of the possible health effects of these contaminants.

 

Lead – Major Sources in Drinking Water from corrosion of household plumbing systems including piping and fixtures and from erosion of natural deposits in the environment.

 

Health Effects Statement:  Infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the action level could experience delays in their physical development. Children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities.  Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.

 

Copper – Major Sources in Drinking Water from corrosion of household plumbing systems, erosion of natural deposits or from leaching from wood preservatives.

 

Health Effects Statement:  Copper is an essential nutrient,  but some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over a relatively short amount of time could experience gastrointestinal distress.  Some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over many years could suffer liver or kidney damage.  People with Wilson’s Disease should consult their personal doctor.

 

Additional information on Lead and Copper is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

 

Water Conservation:

 

The Putnam Water Department and the Town of Putnam continue to be proactive on water conservation projects. Most of the projects mentioned in the opening statement have water conservation potential including the Water Meter Replacement Project.  The new meters have Smart meter technology whereas they can detect high water consumption and alert the customers of potential interior leaks to help prevent high bills and wasted water. The Town of Putnam also requests that any new building construction or major renovation projects be completed using water saving devices and fixtures. 

 

Source Water Protection Plan:

 

The Town of Putnam has adopted a Source Water Protection Plan that includes a number of action items to protect our Aquifer Protection Area containing the Park Road Well Field.  The Putnam Zoning Commission is the responsible town agency for implementation of the Plan.  This includes installation and monitoring of sentinel wells, public education for the various users in the Aquifer Protection Area, including the Providence & Worcester Railroad, industries, Algonquin Pipeline Co., residences and emergency response personnel; an inspection and maintenance program for storm water sewers, and elimination, as much as practicable, of roadway storm water discharges.  This Plan will be continually reviewed and updated as required by changing circumstances within the Aquifer Protection Area.  The Putnam WPCA is committed to protect and preserve this vital source of water. 

 

First chart, following page!

 

* The range of Results represent the lowest and highest individual detection during the monitoring year.

+  Amount detected equates to the highest running annual averagePUBLIC NOTIFICATION

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER 

 

 

 Este informe contiene información importante acerca de su agua potable. Haga que alguien lo traduzca para usted, o hable con alguien que lo entienda.

Date: May 31, 2017

PWS ID: CT 1160011

To: The Customers/Residents of Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority

From: The Town of Putnam

 

Our public water system recently violated drinking water monitoring and reporting requirements.  As a supplier of public drinking water, we are required to monitor the water quality of our water supply to insure that it meets the current drinking water standards. Failure to conduct timely monitoring and/or report results of such monitoring to the State Department of Public Health Drinking Water Section constitutes a violation. Although this incident was not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we did to correct this situation.

 

*We are required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not our drinking water meets health standards. We did not complete all monitoring for the requirements listed below and therefore cannot be sure of the quality of your drinking water during that time.*

 

 

Second chart, follows

 

 

What should I do?

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours. There is nothing you need to do nor corrective actions you need to take. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor. 

What is being done?

The following areas have been affected: Town of Putnam Water System Customers

The following steps have been taken to correct this violation:

• Both treatment system facilities were sampled for Pesticides, Herbicides, and PCBs – Phase II and V on April 19, 2017 and all results were within compliance.

• Monitoring database systems were re-verified to confirm all monitoring for the Putnam system have been included.  Monthly and yearly verifications have been revised to include a multi-level check and balance.

We returned to compliance on: April 19, 2017

 

If you have any questions please contact Mr. Gerard Beausoleil, Director of Public Works at 860-963-6819 or the Water Treatment Plant at 860-963-6823.

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.*

 

Date distributed: June 22, 2017.