Winchester, NH - 2009 Consumer Confidence Report

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2009 Consumer Confidence Report

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Water Quality Report – 2009

Town of Winchester, NH 03470

EPA ID #2531010

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 Road) 2.5 miles north of the center of town. EPA ID #2531010-001

Well #2 – installed in 1952, located on Route 10 (Keene Road) 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

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 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 2008

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 2008. Results prior to 2008 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)	Samples not required in 2008	None	0		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 above on page one of this report.
Compliance Gross Alpha (pCi/L)	<3.0	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	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 226 + 228	<1.0	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)	Samples not required in 2008	6	6		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)	Samples not required in 2008	10	0		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)	Samples not required in 2008	7	7		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)	Samples not required in 2008	2	2		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)	Samples not required in 2008	4	4		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)	Samples not required in 2008	5	5		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)	Samples not required in 2008	100	100		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)	Samples not required in 2008	AL=1.3	1.3		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)	Samples not required in 2008	200	200		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)	Samples not required in 2008	4	4		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)	Samples not required in 2008	AL=15	0		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)	Samples not required in 2008	2	2		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)	Samples not required in 2008	10	10		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)	Samples not required in 2008	1	1		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)	Samples not required in 2008	50	50		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)	Samples not required in 2008	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.
Synthetic Organic Contaminants including Pesticides and Herbicides
2,4-D (ppb)	Samples not required in 2008	70	70		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)	Samples not required in 2008	50	50		Residue of banned herbicide	Some people who drink water containing silvex in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver problems.
Acrylamide	Samples not required in 2008	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)	Samples not required in 2008	2	0		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)	Samples not required in 2008	3	3		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)	Samples not required in 2008	200	0		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)	Samples not required in 2008	40	40		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)	Samples not required in 2008	2	0		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)	Samples not required in 2008	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)	Samples not required in 2008	400	400		Discharge from chemical factories	Some people who drink water containing (Di 2-ethylhexyl) adipate well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience toxic effects such as weight loss, liver enlargement or possible reproductive difficulties.
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (ppb)	Samples not required in 2008	6	0		Discharge from rubber and chemical factories	Some people who drink water containing di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in excess of the MCL over many years may have problems with their liver, or experience reproductive difficulties, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Dibromo- chloropropane (ppt)	Samples not required in 2008	200	0		Runoff/leaching from soil fumigant used on soybeans, cotton, pineapples, and orchards	Some people who drink water containing DBCP in excess of the MCL over many years could experience reproductive problems and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Dinoseb (ppb)	Samples not required in 2008	7	7		Runoff from herbicide used on soybeans and vegetables	Some people who drink water containing dinoseb well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience reproductive difficulties.
Diquat (ppb)	Samples not required in 2008	20	20		Runoff from herbicide use	Some people who drink water containing diquat in excess of the MCL over many years could get cataracts.
Dioxin [2,3,7,8-TCDD] (ppq)	Samples not required in 2008	30	0		Emissions from waste incineration and other combustion; discharge from chemical factories	Some people who drink water containing dioxin in excess of the MCL over many years could experience reproductive difficulties and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Endrin (ppb)	Samples not required in 2008	2	2		Residue of banned insecticide	Some people who drink water containing endrin in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver problems.
Ethylene dibromide(EDB) (ppt)	Samples not required in 2008	50	0		Discharge from petroleum refineries	Some people who drink water containing ethylele dibromide in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver, stomach, reproductive system, or kidneys, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Glyphosate (ppb)	Samples not required in 2008	700	700		Runoff from herbicide use	Some people who drink water containing glyphosate in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their kidneys or reproductive difficulties.
Heptachlor (ppt)	Samples not required in 2008	400	0		Residue of banned termiticide	Some people who drink water containing heptachlor in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver damage and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Heptachlor- epoxide (ppt)	Samples not required in 2008	200	0		Breakdown of heptachlor	Some people who drink water containing heptachlor epoxide in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver damage, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Hexachloro- benzene (ppb)	Samples not required in 2008	1	0		Discharge from metal refineries and agricultural chemical factories	Some people who drink water containing hexachlorobenzene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their kidneys, or adverse reproductive effects, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Lindane (ppt)	Samples not required in 2008	200	200		Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cattle, lumber, gardens	Some people who drink water containing lindane in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their kidneys or liver.
Methoxychlor (ppb)	Samples not required in 2008	40	40		Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on fruits, vegetables, alfalfa, livestock	Some people who drink water containing methoxychlor in excess of the MCL over many years could experience reproductive difficulties.
Oxamyl (Vydate) (ppb)	Samples not required in 2008	200	200		Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on apples, potatoes, and tomatoes	Some people who drink water containing oxamyl in excess of the MCL over many years could experience slight nervous system effects.
PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) (ppt)	Samples not required in 2008	500	0		Runoff from landfills; discharge of waste chemicals	Some people who drink water containing PCBs in excess of the MCL over many years could experience changes in their skin, problems with their thymus gland, immune deficiencies, or reproductive or nervous system difficulties, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Penta- chlorophenol (ppb)	Samples not required in 2008	1	0		Discharge from wood preserving factories	Some people who drink water containing pentachlorophenol in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or kidneys, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Picloram (ppb)	Samples not required in 2008	500	500		Herbicide runoff	Some people who drink water containing picloram in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver.
Simazine (ppb)	Samples not required in 2008	4	4		Herbicide runoff	Some people who drink water containing simazine in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their blood.
Toxaphene (ppb)	Samples not required in 2008	3	0		Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cotton and cattle	Some people who drink water containing toxaphene in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their kidneys, liver, or thyroid, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Volatile Organic Contaminants
Benzene (ppb)	<0.5	5	0	No	Discharge from factories; leaching from gas storage tanks and landfills	Some people who drink water containing benzene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience anemia or a decrease in blood platelets, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Bromate (ppb)	n/a	10	0	No	By-product of drinking-water chlorination	Some people who drink water containing bromate in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Carbon tetrachlorude (ppb)	<0.5	5	0	No	Discharge from chemical plants and other industrial activities	Some people who drink water containing carbon tetrachloride in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Chloro- benzene (ppb)	<0.5	100	100	No	Discharge from chemical and agricultural chemical factories	Some people who drink water containing chlorobenzene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or kidneys.
Chloramines (ppm)	n/a	MRDL = 4	MRDLG =4	No	Water additive used to control microbes	Some people who use water containing chloramines well in excess of the MRDL could experience irritating effects to their eyes and nose. Some people who drink water containing chloramines well in excess of the MRDL could experience stomach discomfort or anemia.
Chlorine (ppm)	<0.2	MRDL = 4	MRDLG = 4	No	Water additive used to control microbes	Some people who use water containing chlorine well in excess of the MRDL could experience irritating effects to their eyes and nose. Some people who drink water containing chlorine well in excess of the MRDL could experience stomach discomfort.
Chlorite (ppm)	n/a	1	.8	No	By-product of drinking water chlorination	Some infants and young children who drink water containing chlorite in excess of the MCL could experience nervous systems effects. Similar effects may occur in fetuses of pregnant women who drink water containing chlorite in excess of the MCL. Some people may experience anemia.
Chlorine dioxide (ppb)	n/a	MRDL = 800	MRDLG=800	No	Water additive used to control microbes	Some infants and young children who drink water containing chlorine dioxide in excess of the MRDL could experience nervous system effects. Similar effects may occur in fetuses of pregnant women who drink water containing chlorine dioxide in excess of the MRDL. Some people may experience anemia.
o-Dichloro- benzene (ppb)	n/a	600	600	No	Discharge from industrial chemical factories	Some people who drink water containing o-dichlorobenzene well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or circulatory systems.
p-Dichloro- benzene (ppb)	n/a	75	75	No	Discharge from industrial chemical factories	Some people who drink water containing p-dichlorobenzene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience anemia, damage to their liver, kidneys, or spleen, or changes in their blood.
1,2-Dichloro- ethane (ppb)	<0.5	5	0	No	Discharge from industrial chemical factories	Some people who drink water containing 1,2-dichloroethane in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
1,1- Dichloro- ethylene (ppb)	<0.5	7	7	No	Discharge from industrial chemical factories	Some people who drink water containing 1,1-dichloroethylele in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver.
cis-1,2- Dichloro- ethylene (ppb)	<0.5	70	70	No	Discharge from industrial chemical factories	Some people who drink water containing cis-1,2-dichloroethylele in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver.
Trans-1,2-Dichloro- ethylene (ppb)	<0.5	100	100	No	Discharge from industrial chemical factories	Some people who drink water containing trans-1,2-dichloroethylene well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver.
Dichloro- methane (ppb)	<0.5	5	0	No	Discharge from pharmaceutical and chemical factories	Some people who drink water containing dichloromethane in excess of the MCL over many years could have liver problems and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
1,2- Dichloropropane (ppb)	<0.5	5	0	No	Discharge from industrial chemical factories	Some people who drink water containing 1,2-dichloropropane in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Ethylbenzene (ppb)	<0.5	700	700	No	Discharge from petroleum factories	Some people who drink water containing ethylbenzene well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or kidneys.
Haloacetic Acids (ppb)	n/a	60	N/A	No	By-product of drinking water disinfection	Some people who drink water containing haloacetic acids in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) (ppb)	<0.5	13	13	No	A gasoline additive	The New Hampshire Bureau of Health Risk Assessment considers MTBE a possible human carcinogen.
Styrene (ppb)	<0.5	100	100	No	Discharge from rubber and plastic factories; leaching from landfills	Some people who drink water containing styrene well in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their liver, kidneys, or circulatory system.
Tetrachloroethylene (ppb)	<0.5	5	0	No	Leaching from PVC pipes; discharge from factories and dry cleaners	Some people who drink water containing tetrachloroethylelen in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their liver, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene (ppb)	<0.5	70	70	No	Discharge from textile-finishing factories	Some people who drink water containing 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience changes in their adrenal glands.
1,1,1-Trichloroethane (ppb)	<0.5	200	200	No	Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories	Some people who drink water containing 1,1,1-trichloroethane in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver, nervous system, or circulatory system.
1,1,2-Trichloroethane (ppb)	<0.5	5	3	No	Discharge from industrial chemical factories	Some people who drink water containing 1,1,2- trichloroethane well in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their liver and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Trichloro- ethylene (ppb)	<0.5	5	0	No	Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories	Some people who drink water containing trichloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
TTHM (Bromodichloro-methane Bromoform Dibromomethane Chloroform) (ppb)	<2.0	80	N/A	No	By-product of drinking water chlorination	Some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous systems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Toluene (ppm)	<0.5	1	1	No	Discharge from petroleum factories	Some people who drink water containing toluene well in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their nervous system, kidneys, or liver.
Vinyl Chloride (ppb)	<0.5	2	0	No	Leaching from PVC piping; discharge from plastic factories	Some people who drink water containing vinyl chloride in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Xylenes (total contaminants listed below) M/P-Xylenes O-Xlyene (ppm)	<1.0	10	10	No	Discharge from petroleum factories; discharge from chemical factories	Some people who drink water containing xylenes in excess of the MCL over many years could experience damage to their nervous system.

Description of Drinking Water Contaminants:

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 storm water 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 United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

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 showering, 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. Presently the EPA is reviewing a standard for radon in water.

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 your tap for at least 30 seconds before using water for drinking or cooking. Don 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://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Source Water Assessment Summary:

The NH Department of Environmental Services has prepared a Source Water Assessment Report for the source(s) serving this community water system, assessing the sources’ vulnerability to contamination. The results of the assessment, prepared on 2006 are as follows:

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.

The complete Assessment Report is available for review at the Water Department office located downstairs at Town Hall. For more information call the Winchester Water Department at 603-239-4951 ext. 105, check our website at http://www.winchester-nh.gov/Pages/index or visit the NH Department of Environmental Services Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau web site at http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/dwgb/index.htm.

Town of Winchester, NH 1 Richmond Road, Winchester, NH 03470
Phone: (603) 239-4951

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