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2008 Consumer Confidence Report
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Water Quality Report – 2008                                                                                                                                
                                    

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 which is located on Route 10 2.5 miles north of the center of town.
                                                                          Well #2 – installed in 1952 which is located on Route 10 2.5 miles north of the center of town.
                                                                          Well #3 – installed in 1970 which is located off Plumb Pak Road 1mile east of the center of town.
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 or access our website at http://www.winchester-nh.gov/Pages/index.
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 US Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).
Violations and Other information; No violations were incurred during the calendar year of 2007
Do I need to take special precautions?
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population.  Immunocompromised persons, such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ trans-plants, 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 (1-800-426-4791).

Definitions:
MCLG: Maximum Contaminant Level Goal, or 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.
MCL: Maximum Contaminant Level: The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. 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.
MRDLG: Maximum residual disinfectant level goal or the level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLG’s do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants(for water systems that use chlorine).
MRDL: Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level or 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 (for water systems that use chlorine)..

Abbreviations:
ppm: parts per million    ppb: parts per billion    ppt: parts per trillion    ppq: parts per quadrillion    pCi/L: pico curies per liter   NTU: Nephelometric Turbidy Unit
NA – Not applicable    nd: not detectable at testing limits    AL: Action Level    TT: Treatment Technique                

Sample Dates: The results for detected contaminants listed below are from the most recent monitoring done in compliance with regulations ending with the year 2007. Results prior to 2007 will include the date the sample was taken. The State of New Hampshire allows water systems to monitor for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Thus some of the data present, though representative, may be more than one year old.
Turbidity: is 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.


                                             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
0
< 40 samples >1  is positive
0
No
Naturally present in the environment
Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present 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.
Total
Organic
Carbon
(ppm)
N/A
TT
N/A
Naturally present in the
Environment
Total organic carbon (TOC) has no health effects. However, total organic carbon provides a medium for the formation of disinfection byproducts. These byproducts include trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). Drinking water containing these byproducts in excess of the MCL may lead to adverse health effects, liver, or kidney problems, or nervous system effects, and may lead to an increased risk of getting cancer.
Turbidity
(NTU)
N/A
TT
N/A
Soil runoff
Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated headaches.
Fecal
Coliform,
E. Coli
Bacteria
0
0
0                  
No
Human and animal fecal waste
Fecal coliforms and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely-compromised immune systems.
Radioactive Contaminants
Radon
(pCi/L)
Well #1 = 630
Well #2 = 710
Well #3 = 250

5/12/98
         
None
0



N/A
Erosion of natural deposits
Presently the US Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing the setting of a standard for radon in drinking water. See radon note at the bottom of this report.
Compliance  Gross Alpha
(pCi/L)
2.5  1.4
15
0
No
Erosion of natural deposits
Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit a form of radiation know as alpha radiation. Some people who drink water containing alpha emitters in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Uranium  
(ug/L)
1.0  0.4
30
0
No
Erosion of natural deposits
Some people who drink water containing uranium in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer and kidney toxicity.
Combined
Radium pCi/L    
0.5  0.2
5
0
No
Erosion of natural deposits
Some people who drink water containing radium 226 or 228 in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Inorganic Contaminants
Antimony
(ppb)
<0.002
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)
<0.002
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.
Asbestos
(MFL)
0.20
8/18/06
7
7
No
Decay of asbestos cement water mains; erosion of natural deposits
Some people who drink water containing asbestos in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of developing benign intestinal polyps.
Barium
(ppm)
<0.02
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)
<0.002
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)
<0.002
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)
<0.02
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)
Low = <0.02

High = 1.14
AL=1.3
1.3

No
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)
<0.01
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)
0.112
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)
Number of samples above AL
of 15 were Zero

low = <0.001

High = 0.012
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)
<0.001
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)
1.5
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)
0.003
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)
<0.002
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.
Thallium
(ppb)
<0.001
2
0.5
No
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.
Synthetic Organic Contaminants including Pesticides and Herbicides
2,4-D
(ppb)
<1
70
70
No
Runoff from herbicides used on row crops
Some people who drink water containing the weed killer 2,4-D well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their kidneys, liver, or adrenal glands.
2,4,5-TP
(Silvex)
(ppb)
<0.25
50
50
No
Residue of banned herbicide
Some people who drink water containing silvex in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver problems.
Acrylamide
N/A
TT
0
Added in water during sewage/wastewater treatment
Some people who drink water containing high levels of acrylamide over a long period of time could have problems with their nervous system or blood, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Alachlor
(ppb)
<0.1
2
0
No
Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
Some people who drink water containing alachlor in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their eyes, liver, kidneys, or spleen, or experience anemia, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Atrazine
(ppb)
<0.1
3
3
No
Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
Some people who drink water containing atrazine well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their cardiovascular system or reproductive difficulties.
Benzo(a)pyrene
(PAH)
(ppt)
<0.1
200
0
No
Leaching from linings of water storage tanks and distribution lines
Some people who drink water containing benzo(a)pyrene in excess of the MCL over many years may experience reproductive difficulties and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Carborfuran
(ppb)
<1
40
40
No
Leaching of soil fumigant used on rice and alfalfa
Some people who drink water containing carbofuran in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their blood, or nervous or productive systems.
Chlordane
(ppb)
<0.4
2
0
No
Residue of banned termiticide
Some people who drink water containing chlordane in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Dalapon
(ppb)
N/A
200
200
Runoff from herbicide used on rights of way
Some people who drink water containing dalapon well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience minor kidney changes.
Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate
(ppb)