On August 19, 1999, the US Environmental Protection Agency published the final ruling requiring every community water system (CWS) to prepare and provide customers an annual consumer confidence report (CCR). This rule was mandated by the 1996 amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act. A CCR is a report card for customers on the quality of the water delivered by the water system. The following is the Town of Waterville’s Consumer Confidence Report for 2007.

WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF MY WATER? The Town of Waterville Valley obtains its water from three wells: 2 gravel-packed wells and 1 dug well. All three wells are located off West Branch Road. Well No. 1 is located on the east side of the West Branch River and yields 70 gallons per minute (gpm). Well No. 2 is located on the west side of the same river, across from the Sullivan property and yields 300 gpm. Well No. 3 is located on the lower end of the peninsula of land where the West and East Branches of the Mad River converge and yields 180 gpm. 

IS MY DRINKING WATER SAFE? We are pleased to report that our drinking water is safe and meets all federal and state requirements. Monthly samples of our water, drawn from 2 sites approved by the State of N.H., are taken to the State lab in Concord for bacteria testing. 36 of the 36 samples during this past year tested absent for E. Coli and Total Coli form.  Our water is also tested at the State lab for naturally present contaminants and manmade contaminants, on a schedule that is given by the State Department of Environmental Services. Of the 231 elements for which the State tests, 228 were below the detection level (BDL) and the other elements were well below the allowable maximum contaminant level (MCL). We did have one violation of the lead and copper allowable limits this past year. Two of the sites that samples are taken from tested above the limits but after talking with the home owners at the sample sites, we found that one sample was incorrectly taken and one owner had just installed some new plumbing.  After a resample at both sites the tests results were within the allowable limits. In-house sampling of our drinking water is done on a weekly basis for chlorine and pH levels in the water so that we can monitor for the correct amount of chlorine added for disinfection and potassium hydroxide for pH adjustment.

WHY ARE THERE CONTAMINANTS IN MY WATER? 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 the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline @ (1-800-426-4791).

RADON: Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that you cannot see, taste, or smell. It is found throughout the United States and can move up through the ground and into the 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 entering the home through soil, radon entering the home through tap water in most cases will only 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 may also cause increased risk of stomach cancer. If you are concerned about radon in your home, you should consider testing the air in your home.  Testing is inexpensive and easy.  There is a problem in your home only if the total level of radon is 4,000 Pico curies per liter (pCi/L) or higher, and it should be addressed. The water from the Town of Waterville Valley’s wells has been tested at the state lab, and contains 1,200 pCi/L of radon. If the level of radon in the air of your home combined with the radon level of the water is greater than 4,000 pCi/L you should have the problem fixed.  There are simple ways to fix a radon problem that are not too costly. For additional information, call the New Hampshire State Radon Coordinator, David Chase, at 603-271-4764.

OTHER INFORMATION: The water system of the Town of Waterville Valley began operations in 1968 serving about 200 customers. At the present time, the system includes 1,355 connections and services 305 full-time residents and thousands of guests each year.  We are currently exploring a new site for a new well in the WMNF at the North end of Town.  Once built the new well will give us needed production capacity into the year 2025.  We are also working to improve the water system by upgrading the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) controller.  This is a computerized system which allows us to monitor water levels in our reservoirs and remotely control our well pumps.  The upgrades this year will give us the ability to monitor chemical levels and remotely change settings.  We will also be improving our chemical feed pumps and worker safety apparatus at the well buildings.

DO I NEED TO TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS? 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 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 risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline @ (1-800-462-4791).

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED? Please, if you have any questions about this report, call Superintendent Bill Cheney or Town Manager Mark Decoteau at the Waterville Valley Town Offices, ph. (603) 236-4730.

DEFINITIONS

MCLG: Maximum Contaminant Level Goal, or 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.
MCLs: The highest level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known of expected risk to health. They are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
AL: Action Level, or the concentration of a contaminant which, when exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.
TT: Treatment Technique, or a required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

ABBREVIATIONS

PPT: Parts per trillion   PPB: Parts per billion   PPM:  Parts per million  NTU: Nephelometric Turbidity Unit   Used in testing for clarity of the water
MFL: Millions of fibers per liter     Nd:    Not detectable at testing limits