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Annual Drinking Water Quality Report 2007
Dear Customer:
We are
pleased to provide you with our 2007 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report. We are proud to report that Albany water
continues to meet all State and Federal water quality standards. The City of Albany has one of the finest and
most reliable water supply systems in the nation. Albany water is the envy of communities throughout the Capital
District and beyond. In 2007, Albany
water won First Prize as the best tasting drinking water in New York State.
We have
made great strides in modernizing our system and in checking for hidden leaks,
often found in older systems such as Albany, and which can result in tremendous
waste of water. Thanks to the support
of Mayor Jennings, the Department is the most technologically advance water
department in the Capital District, with a variety of new and sophisticated
equipment.
We are
fortunate to have such a wonderful water system, and we remain committed to
doing the best job possible so that generations yet to come will be able to
rely upon the pure and abundant waters of Albany’s Alcove and Basic Creek
Reservoirs.
Robert F. Cross
Commissioner
Introduction
To
comply with State regulations, the Albany Water Board will be annually issuing
a report describing the quality of your drinking water. The purpose of this report is to raise your
understanding of drinking water and awareness of the need to protect our
drinking water sources. Last year, your
tap water met State drinking water health standards. We are proud to report that our system had no violations of a
maximum contaminant level in the 2007-reporting year. This report provides an
overview of last year’s water quality. Included are details about where your
water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to State standards.
If
you have any questions about this report or concerning your drinking water,
please contact City of Albany,
Department of Water and Water Supply, at 518-434-5300. We want you to be
informed about your drinking water. If
you want to learn more, please attend any of our regularly scheduled Albany
Water Board meetings. The meetings are held the third Thursday of each month,
in the Mayor’s conference room, at 8:00 AM
Where
does our water come from?
In
general, the sources of drinking water (both tap water 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 dissolves naturally occurring minerals and can
pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human
activities. Contaminants that may be present in source water include: microbial
contaminants; inorganic contaminants; pesticides and herbicides; organic
chemical contaminants; and radioactive contaminants. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the State and
the EPA prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in
water provided by public water systems.
The State Health Department’s and the FDA’s regulations establish limits
for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for
public health.
Our
water source is the Alcove Reservoir, which is surface water and is located on
the Hannacroix Creek in the Town of Coeymans. This reservoir has a capacity of
13.5 billion gallons, an average depth of 25 feet and a maximum depth of 75
feet. The Basic Creek Reservoir, in the town of Westerlo, is a secondary source
that may be used to augment flow into the Alcove Reservoir to maintain the
Alcove elevation. During 2007, our system did not experience any restriction of
our water usage.
The
water receives treatment including, pre-oxidation, disinfection, addition of
coagulants, sedimentation, pH and alkalinity adjustment, and filtration, at the
Feura Bush Filtration Facility. Chlorine is added as a residual disinfectant to
maintain microbiological quality throughout the Distribution System.
Facts
and Figures
Our
water system serves 101,000 residents through 29,000 service connections. The
total water produced in 2007 was 6,833,204,240 gallons. The daily water
production equaled 18,721,108 gallons, with the highest daily production of
24,676,832 gallons. The amount of water delivered to customers was
6,785,425,240 gallons, allowing 47,779,000 gallons for filter washes and other
filtration plant domestic use. In 2007,
water customers were charged $ 2.15 per 100 cubic feet of water, which equals $
2.87 per 1000 gallons.
Are
there contaminants in our drinking water?
As
the State regulations require, we routinely test your drinking water for
numerous contaminants. These contaminants include: total coliform, turbidity,
inorganic compounds, nitrate, nitrite, lead and copper, volatile organic
compounds, total trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, and synthetic organic
compounds. The table presented below depicts which compounds were detected in
your drinking water. The State allows
us to test for some contaminants less than once per year because the
concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of our data, though representative, are
more than one year old.
It
should be noted that all drinking water, including bottled drinking water,
should be reasonably expected to contain at least small amounts of some
contaminants. The presence of
contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and
potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking
Water Hotline (800-426-4791) or the Albany County Health Department at
518-447-4620.
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Table of Detected
Contaminants
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Contaminant
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Violation
Yes/No
|
Date of Sample
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Level Detected
(Avg./Max)
(Range)
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Unit of
Measure
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MCLG
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Regulatory Limit (MCL, TT or AL)
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Likely Source of Contamination
|
|
Total Coliform
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No
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4-14,
6-6,
7-5
7-17
8-16
9-6
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6 positive samples
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N/A
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0
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MCL= 5% or more
Positive of sites sampled per month
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Naturally present in the environment.
|
|
Turbidity *
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No
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Various
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0.05
NTU
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NTU
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N/A
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TT= < 1.0 NTU
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Soil runoff.
|
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Turbidity *
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No
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Six times
Daily
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100.0 % <0.3
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NTU
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N/A
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TT= 95% of samples < 0.30
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Soil runoff.
|
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Fluoride
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No
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Monthly
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0.17/0.12
<0.03-0.17
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mg/l
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N/A
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MCL 2.2 mg/l
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Erosion of natural deposits.
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|
Chloride
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No
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Daily
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33.1/36.8
30.0-36.8
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mg/l
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N/A
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MCL 250 mg/l
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Soils, road salt.
|
|
Iron
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No
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Weekly
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30.0/ND
ND-30.0
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ug/l
|
300
ug/l
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MCL
300 ug/l
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Soils, transmission line corrosion.
|
|
Manganese
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No
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Weekly
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30.0/ND
ND/30.0
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ug/l
|
50
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MCL
50 ug/l
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Soils.
|
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Calcium
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No
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Monthly
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16.8/19.5
14.8-19.5
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mg/l
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N/A
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none
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Occurs naturally in almost all waters.
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Sodium
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No
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Monthly
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14.8/15.5
14.0-15.5
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mg/l
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N/A
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20.0
mg/l******
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Occurs naturally in almost all waters.
|
|
Sulfate
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No
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Monthly
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11.8/12.7
8.8-12.7
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mg/l
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N/A
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MCL
250 mg/l
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Occurs naturally in almost all waters.
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Color
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No
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Daily
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1.0-2.0
1.0-2.0
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Color
Units
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N/A
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15.0
Color units
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Natural metallic ions, humic and fulvic acids
and dissolved plant components.
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Odor
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No
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Daily
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1.0-3.0
ND-3.0
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Threshold
units
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N/A
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3
Threshold units
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Decaying vegetation and metabolites of
microbiota.
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Nitrate
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No
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Monthly
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0.05/0.10
ND-0.10
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mg/l
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N/A
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MCL=10.0 mg/l
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Occurs naturally.
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Copper
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No
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6/06-9/06
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0.01 **
ND-0.07
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mg/l
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1.3
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AL
= 1.3
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Corrosion of pipes.
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Lead
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No
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6/06-9/06
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7.0 ***
ND-57
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ug/l
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0
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AL
= 15
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Corrosion of pipes.
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Total
Trihalomethane
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No
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2/2006
5/2006
8/2006
11/2006
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58.3****
35.0-68.0
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ug/l
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N/A
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MCL
= 80ug/l
RAA
|
Disinfection by-products, resulting from
chlorinating
Drinking water.
|
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Total Organic Carbon
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No
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Daily
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1.79/2.3
1.7-2.3
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mg/l
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N/A
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TT
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Occurs naturally in almost all waters.
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Chlorine Residual
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No
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Six times
daily
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0.70-1.10
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mg/l
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4.0 mg/l
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MCL
= 4.0 mg/l
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Added to drinking water to
inhibit microbial growth.
|
|
Haloacetic Acids
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No
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2/2006
5/2006
8/2006
11/2006
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27.0****
7.8 -27.0
|
ug/l
|
N/A
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MCL
= 60 ug/l
RAA
|
Disinfection by-products, resulting from
chlorinating
Drinking water.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Radionuclides
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Alpha particles
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No
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Bi-weekly
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0.42/1.0
0.25-1.0
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pCi/L
|
NA
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15
picocuries/L
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Erosion of natural deposits.
|
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Beta particles
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No
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Bi-weekly
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1.06/2.3
0.4-2.30
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pCi/L
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NA
|
50*****
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Erosion of natural deposits.
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Notes & Definitions:
*
– Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water. We test it because it is a good indicator of
the effectiveness of our filtration system.
Our highest single turbidity measurement for the year occurred on
various dates (0.05 NTU). State
regulations require that turbidity must always be below 0.30 NTU. The regulations require that 100% of the turbidity
samples collected have measurements below 0.30 NTU.
**
– The level presented represents the 90th percentile of the 51 sites
tested. A percentile is a value on a scale of 100 that indicates the percent of
a distribution that is equal to or below it.
The 90th percentile is equal to or greater than 90% of the
copper values detected at your water system.
In this case, 51 samples were collected at your water system and the 90th
percentile value was the 0.04 mg/l with the highest detected value of 0.07mg/l.
The action level for copper was not exceeded at any of the sites tested.
***
– The level presented (8 ug/ l)
represents the 90th percentile of the samples collected. The action level for lead was exceeded at
three (3) of the 51 sites tested.
****
– This level represents the running annual average calculated from data
collected.
***** The state considers 50 pCi/l to be the level
of concern for beta particles.
******
For people on severely restricted sodium diets.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed
in drinking water. MCLs are set as
close to the MCLGs as feasible.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): 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.
Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant which, if
exceeded, triggers treatment, or other requirements which a water system must
follow.
Treatment Technique (TT): A
required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking
water.
Non-Detects (ND): Laboratory
analysis indicates that the constituent is not present.
Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU): A measure of the clarity of water. Turbidity in excess of 5 NTU is
just noticeable to the average person.
Milligrams per liter (mg/l):
Corresponds to one part of liquid in one million parts of liquid (parts per
million - ppm). Micrograms per liter (ug/l): Corresponds to one part of
liquid in one billion parts of liquid (parts per billion - ppb).
Picocuries per liter (pCi/L):
A measure of radioactivity in water.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL): The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in
drinking water. There is convincing evidence that the addition of a
disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal: (MRDLG) 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 contamination.
Non-Detected
Contaminants:
According
to state regulations, the Albany Water Board routinely monitors your drinking
water for various contaminants.
Contaminants
that were analyzed for but were found to be below detection limits are not
included in this report, however, all required testing was completed according
to Local, State, and Federal laws.
Additionally,
your water is tested for coliform bacteria on a daily basis.
The
contaminants that were detected in your drinking water are included in the
Table of Detected Contaminants.
What
does this information mean?
As
you can see by the table, our system had no violations in the reporting year
2007. We have learned through our testing that some contaminants have been
detected; however, these contaminants were detected below New York State
requirements. It should be noted that the action level for lead was exceeded
three (3) times. (The highest detected level was 57 ug/l.). Based on this exceedance we are required to
present this information on lead in drinking water.
The
City of Albany has implemented a program to minimize lead levels in your
drinking water. This program includes; 1) the adjustment of the pH and
alkalinity levels to minimize corrosion 2) the replacement of lead service
lines as distribution lines are replaced and 3) public education. The
department will be conducting lead and copper testing again in 2009.
“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 lead 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. Additional information is
available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).”
Is
our water system meeting other rules that govern operations?
During
2007, our system was in compliance with applicable Local, State and Federal
drinking water regulations: operating, monitoring and reporting requirements.
Information
on Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium
is a microbial pathogen found in surface water and groundwater under the
influence of surface water. Although
filtration removes Cryptosporidium, the most commonly used filtration methods
cannot guarantee 100 percent removal.
During 2007, as part of our routine sampling, twelve (12) Alcove
Reservoir samples were collected and analyzed for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Of
these samples, zero (0) contained Cryptosporidium oocysts. Ingestion of
Cryptosporidium may cause cryptosporidiosis, a gastrointestinal infection. Symptoms of infection include nausea,
diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Most
healthy individuals can overcome disease within a few weeks. However, immuno-compromised people are at
greater risk of developing life-threatening illness. We encourage
immuno-compromised individuals to consult their health care provider regarding
appropriate precautions to take to avoid infection. Cryptosporidium must be ingested to cause disease, and it may be
spread through means other than drinking water.
Information
on Giardia
Giardia
is a microbial pathogen present in varying concentrations in many surface
waters and groundwater under the influence of surface water. Giardia is removed/inactivated through a
combination of filtration and disinfection or by disinfection. During 2007, as part of our routine
sampling, twelve (12) Alcove Reservoir samples were collected and analyzed for
Giardia cysts. Of these samples, no
Giardia oocysts were detected.
Ingestion of Giardia may cause giardiasis, an intestinal illness. People
exposed to Giardia may experience mild or severe diarrhea, or in some instances
no symptoms at all. Fever is rarely present. Occasionally, some individuals
will have chronic diarrhea over several weeks or a month, with significant
weight loss. Giardiasis can be treated with anti-parasitic medication.
Individuals with weakened immune systems should consult with their health care
providers about what steps would best reduce their risks of becoming infected
with Giardiasis. Individuals who think that they may have been exposed to
Giardiasis should contact their health care providers immediately. The Giardia
parasite is passed in the feces of an infected person or animal and may
contaminate water or food. Person to
person transmission may also occur in day care centers or other settings where
handwashing practices are poor.
Do
I Need to Take Special Precautions?
Although
our drinking water met or exceeded state and federal regulations, some people
may be more vulnerable to disease causing microorganisms or pathogens 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 from their health care provider about
their drinking water. EPA/CDC
guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by
Cryptosporidium, Giardia and other microbial pathogens are available from the
Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).
Why
Save Water and How to Avoid Wasting It?
Although
our system has an adequate amount of water to meet present and future demands,
there are a number of reasons why it is important to conserve water:
Saving
water saves energy and some of the costs associated with both of these
necessities of life;
Saving
water lessens the strain on the water system during a dry spell or drought,
helping to avoid severe water use restrictions so that essential fire fighting
needs are met.
You
can play a role in conserving water by becoming conscious of the amount of
water your household is using, and by looking for ways to use less whenever you
can. It is not hard to conserve water. Conservation tips include:
Run
only full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.
Turn
off the tap when brushing your teeth.
Check
every faucet in your home for leaks.
Just a slow drip can waste 15 to 20 gallons a day. Fix it and you may save almost 6,000 gallons
per year.
Check
your toilets for leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank,
watch for a few minutes to see if the color shows up in the bowl. It is not uncommon to lose up to 100 gallons
a day from one of these otherwise invisible toilet leaks. Fix it and you save more than 30,000 gallons
a year.
Use
your water meter to detect hidden leaks.
Simply turn off all taps and water using appliances, then check the
meter after 15 minutes, if it moved, you have a leak.
System
Improvements
In
2007, the Albany Water Board continued operating the UV Disinfection System at
the Loudonville Reservoirs.
Improvements
at the Filtration Plant included: Installation of continuous online
instrumentation, and numerous structural improvements to the filtration
facility.
Enhanced
coagulation to reduce disinfection by-products continues at the filtration
plant.
In
2007 the Albany water Board continued leasing the Six-Mile Water Works, on a
long-term basis, as an alternative drinking water source in case of a natural
or manmade disruption of service to our primary drinking water source. Upgrades
at this facility are on going.
Albany’s
water system will continue with our enhanced security program, begun in 1999,
at all of our facilities.
In
addition Albany’s Drinking Water was judged to be the best tasting water in all
of New York State, an honor that all Water Department Employees are proud of.
Closing
Thank
you for allowing us to continue to provide your family with quality drinking
water this year. We ask that all our customers help us protect our water
sources, which are the heart of our community.
Please call our office if you have questions concerning your drinking
water. (518-434-5300)
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