Government > Departments > Water and Water Supply > 2008 Drinking Water Report

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 2008. 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 2008, 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. 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. 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 2008, 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 2008 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 in 2007 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)