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Consumer Confidence Report
2011
Town of Winchester EPA ID #2531010
What is a Consumer Confidence Report?
The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) details the quality of your drinking water, where it comes from, and where you can get more information. This annual report documents all detected primary and secondary drinking water parameters, and compares them to their respective standards known as Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs).
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, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.
Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or 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 can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems.
Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.
What is the source of my drinking water? The Town of Winchester has three gravel packed wells that supply water that meets federal and state requirements.
- Well #1 – installed in 1947, located on Route 10 (Keene Rd) 2.5 miles north of the center of town. EPA ID #2531010-001
- Well #2 – installed in 1952, located on Route 10 (Keene Rd) 2.5 miles north of the center of town. EPA ID #2531010-002
- Well #3 – installed in 1970, located off Plumb Pak Road 1 mile east of the center of town. EPA ID #2531010-003
Why are 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 water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
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 other 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 the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
Source Water Assessment Summary
DES prepared drinking water source assessment reports for all public water systems in an effort to assess the vulnerability of each of the state’s public water supply sources. Included in the report is a map of each source water protection area, a list of potential and known contamination sources, and a summary of available protection options. The results of the assessment, prepared on August 8, 2006 are noted below.
- Well #1, received one high susceptibility ratings, two medium susceptibility ratings, and nine low susceptibility ratings.
- Well #2, received one high susceptibility ratings, two medium susceptibility ratings, and nine low susceptibility ratings.
- Well #3, received one high susceptibility ratings, four medium susceptibility ratings, and eight low susceptibility ratings.
Note: This information is over 4 years old and includes information that was current at the time the report was completed. Therefore, some of the ratings might be different if updated to reflect current information.~ At the present time, DES has no plans to update this data.
The complete Assessment Report is available for review in the administrative offices in the town hall located at 1 Richmond Rd., Winchester, NH. For more information, call Richard Meleski, Superintendent and primary operator at 239.4132 or visit the DES Drinking Water Source Assessment website at http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/dwgb/dwspp/dwsap.htm.
How can I get involved? If you have any questions or concerns relating to the Town’s water supply or system, please call us at the Winchester Water Department 603-239-4951, ext 105 to speak to the Administrative Assistant, ext 111 to speak to the Town Administrator, 239.4132 to speak to the Water Superintendent or access our website at http://www.winchester-nh.gov/Pages/index. Regular Board of Selectman meeting are held at 1 Richmond Rd. at 7 pm and are open to the public. Fore more information about Selectman’s meeting contact Joan Morel, Winchester’s Town Administrator.
For more information about your drinking water, please call Richard Meleski, Superintendent and Primary Water Operator at 239.4132. Although we do not have specific dates for public participation events or meetings, feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
Violations and Other information: The Town of Winchester exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal of 1.3 (milligrams per liter) in the third quarter testing. Follow up monitoring requirements include bi annual system water quality samples, bi monthly point of entry samples, and quarterly distribution samples submitted to, and monitored by, NH DES. The Town of Winchester performed a thorough study of the Optimal Corrosion Control Treatment Plan, with an updated plan approved by NH DES. For more information about the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) read the NH DES issued Environmental Fact Sheet WD-DWGB-3-23.
See violation list in table below.
Definitions
Ambient Groundwater Quality Standard or AGQS: The maximum concentration levels for contaminants in groundwater that are established under RSA 485-C, the Groundwater Protection Act.
Action Level or AL: The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.
Maximum Contaminant Level or MCL: The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal or 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.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level or MRDL: The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal or 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 contaminants.
Treatment Technique or TT: A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
Turbidity: A measure of the cloudiness of the water. It is monitored by surface water systems because it is a good indicator of water quality and thus helps measure the effectiveness of the treatment process. High turbidity can hinder the effectiveness of disinfectants.
Abbreviations
BDL: Below Detection Limit
mg/L: milligrams per Liter
NA: Not Applicable
ND: Not Detectable at testing limits
NTU: Nephelometric Turbidity Unit
pCi/L: picoCurie per Liter
ppb: parts per billion
ppm: parts per million
RAA: Running Annual Average
TTHM: Total Trihalomethanes
UCMR: Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule
ug/L: micrograms per Liter
THE FOLLOWING APPLIES if these contaminants are present - see table for detected levels.
Drinking Water Contaminants:
Lead: If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. This water system is responsible for high quality drinking water, but can not control the variety of materials used in your plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing cold water from your tap for at least 30 seconds before using water for drinking or cooking. Do not use hot water for drinking and cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize
exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://water.epa.gov/drink/info/lead/index.cfm
Radon: Radon is a radioactive gas that you can’t see, taste or smell. It can move up through the ground and into a home through cracks and holes in the foundation. Radon can also get into indoor air when released from tap water from showing, washing dishes, and other household activities. It is a known human carcinogen. Breathing radon can lead to lung cancer. Drinking water containing radon may cause an increased risk of stomach cancer.
System Name:Town of Winchester EPA ID:#2531010
2011
Violations
VIOLATIONS |
Date of violation |
Explain violation |
Length of violation |
Action taken to resolve |
Health Effects (Env-Dw 811.21) |
MCL |
10/1/2011
|
When the concentration of copper reaches the action level of 1.3 milligrams per liter, NH DES enforces monitoring requirements until the MCLG has been met. |
The monitoring period is concluded when the copper results have been reduced to or below the MCG. |
Mandatory residential tap samples are collected for analysis every six months, point of entry samples are collected for analysis every two weeks. All data is collected and monitored by NH DES. The Optimal Corrosion Control Plan was modified and approved by NH DES in December 2010. |
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. |
DETECTED WATER QUALITY RESULTS |
Contaminant (Units)
|
Level Detected |
MCL |
MCLG |
Violation YES/NO |
Likely Source of Contamination |
Health Effects of Contaminant |
Microbiological Contaminants |
Total Coliform Bacteria |
ND |
< 40 samples >1 is positive
|
0 |
NO |
Naturally present in the environment
|
Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially-harmful, bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems. |
Inorganic Contaminants |
Antimony (ppb) |
Well #1 ND Well #2 ND Well #3 ND |
6 |
6 |
NO |
Discharge from petroleum; fire retardants; ceramics; electronics; solder |
Some people who drink water containing antimony well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience increases in blood cholesterol and decreases in blood sugar |
Arsenic (ppb) |
Well #1 ND Well #2 ND Well #3 ND |
10 |
0 |
NO |
Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; runoff from glass and electronics production wastes |
(5 ppb through 10 ppb) While your drinking water meets EPA’s standard for arsenic, it does contain low levels of arsenic. EPA’s standard balances the current understanding of arsenic’s possible health effects against the costs of removing arsenic from drinking water. EPA continues to research the health effects of low levels of arsenic, which is a mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linked to other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems. (above 10 ppm) Some people who drink water containing arsenic in excess of the MCL over many years could experience skin damage or problems with their circulatory system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. |
Barium (ppm) |
Well #1 ND Well #2 ND Well #3 ND |
2 |
2 |
NO |
Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits |
Some people who drink water containing barium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience an increase in their blood pressure. |
Beryllium (ppb)
|
Well #1 ND Well #2 ND Well #3 ND |
4 |
4 |
NO |
Discharge from metal refineries and coal-burning factories; discharge from electrical, aerospace, and defense industries |
Some people who drink water containing beryllium well in excess of the MCL over many years could develop intestinal lesions. |
Cadmium (ppb) |
Well #1 ND Well #2 ND Well #3 ND |
5 |
5 |
NO |
Corrosion of galvanized pipes; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from metal refineries; runoff from waste batteries and paints |
Some people who drink water containing cadmium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience kidney damage. |
Chromium (ppb) |
Well #1 ND Well #2 ND Well #3 ND |
100 |
100 |
NO |
Discharge from steel and pulp mills; erosion of natural deposits |
Some people who use water containing chromium well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience allergic dermatitis. |
Copper (ppm) |
0.47 0.24 1.9 0.39 2.5 0.43 0.41 0.90 1.6 1.2
|
AL=1.3 |
1.3
|
YES |
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives |
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. |
Cyanide (ppb) |
Well #1 ND Well #2 ND Well #3 ND |
200 |
200 |
NO |
Discharge from steel/metal factories; discharge from plastic and fertilizer factories |
Some people who drink water containing cyanide well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience nerve damage or problems with their thyroid. |
Fluoride (ppm) |
Well #1 ND Well #2 ND Well #3 ND |
4 |
4 |
NO |
Erosion of natural deposits; water additive which promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories |
Some people who drink water containing fluoride in excess of the MCL over many years could get bone disease, including pain and tenderness of the bones. Fluoride in drinking water at half the MCL or more may cause mottling of children’s teeth, usually in children less than nine years old. Mottling also known as dental fluorosis, may include brown staining and/or pitting of the teeth, and occurs only in developing teeth before they erupt from the gums. |
Lead (ppb) |
Results from all 10 sites were ND
|
AL=15 |
0 |
NO |
Corrosion of household plumbing systems, erosion of natural deposits |
(15 ppb in more than 5%) 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 (800-426-4791). (above 15 ppb) Infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the action level could experience delays in their physical or mental 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. |
Mercury (inorganic) (ppb)
|
Well #1 ND Well #2 ND Well #3 ND |
2 |
2 |
NO |
Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from refineries and factories; runoff from landfills; runoff from cropland |
Some people who drink water containing inorganic mercury well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience kidney damage. |
Nitrate (as Nitrogen) (ppm) |
Well #1 0.2 Well #2 0.8 Well #3 0.1 |
10 |
10 |
NO |
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits |
(5 ppm through 10ppm) Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 ppm is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If you are caring for an infant, you should ask for advice from your health care provider. (Above 10 ppm) Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could
become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome. |
Nitrite (as Nitrogen) (ppm) |
Well #1 ND Well #2 NA Well #3 NA |
1 |
1 |
NO |
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits |
Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrite in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill, and if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome. |
Selenium (ppm) |
Well #1 ND Well #2 ND Well #3 ND |
50 |
50 |
NO |
Discharge from petroleum and metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from mines |
Selenium is an essential nutrient. However, some people who drink water containing selenium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience hair or fingernail losses, numbness in fingers or toes, or problems with their circulation. |
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Thallium (ppb) |
Well #1 ND Well #2 ND Well #3 ND |
2 |
0.5 |
|
Leaching from ore- processing sites; discharge from electronics, glass and drug factories |
Some people who drink water containing thallium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience hair loss, changes in their blood, or problems with their kidneys, intestines, or liver. |
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