7350 World Communications Dr.

Omaha, NE 68122

Metropolitan Utilities District

7350 World Communications Dr.

Omaha, NE 68122

2020 WATER QUALITY REPORT

Consumer Confidence Report for January 1 - December 31, 2020

Si desea ver la versión en español de este reporte, por favor diríjase a la página 17

2020 WATER QUALITY

LETTER TO CUSTOMER-OWNERS

We often take for granted the precious resource that flows from our faucets — safe and reliable drinking water. In 2020, this resource was more important than ever to help combat the spread of the

SOURCES OF DRINKING WATER

Sources of drinking water (tap and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and groundwater 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.

Sources of M.U.D. tap water include the Missouri and Platte Rivers and the Dakota sandstone aquifer. These sources are categorized as surface water (Missouri River), groundwater under-the- direct-influence of surface water (Platte River) and groundwater. Water is pumped from intakes and wells maintained by the District.

M.U.D.

36

680

133

75

FLORENCE

64

680

REPORT

coronavirus pandemic through increased hand washing and other hygienic practices.

Tap water also delivers vital services to the community. Metropolitan Utilities District (M.U.D.) is proud to present the 2020 Water Quality Report, which provides an overview of your drinking water from the source to the tap. Your water continues to meet or exceed all state and federal standards for drinking water.

M.U.D. operates and maintains more than 3,000 miles of mains that deliver clean drinking water

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) completed the source water assessment which includes a wellhead protection area map, potential contaminant source inventory, vulnerability

31

64

480

275

to the taps of 220,625 homes and businesses in the metro Omaha area, serving a population of approximately 535,000 people. M.U.D. serves an average of 90 million gallons of water per day to the community and maintains more than 27,000 hydrants for fire protection.

We operate three water treatment plants, which provide a reliable water supply and also allow us to take facilities out of service as needed for system maintenance or improvements. Some of our

rating and source water protection information.

To better protect the quality of the water in our well fields, we have wellhead protection plans for our Platte South and Platte West well fields.

PLATTE WEST

50

85

infrastructure dates back to the 1880s and is in need of repair or replacement. One of the challenges of aging infrastructure is water main breaks. In 2020, there were 538 water main breaks.

To improve system reliability, M.U.D. began a program in 2008 to replace more than 1,200 miles of aging water mains. Customers fund this program through water infrastructure fees on their monthly bill. In 2020, we replaced more than 13 miles of targeted water mains with a long-term goal of replacing up to 25 miles per year.

In summary, M.U.D. is working diligently to ensure a safe and reliable drinking water supply to our customer-owners, as well as safeguarding the water system for future generations.

WHY THIS REPORT?

The Safe Drinking Water Act requires public water supply systems to prepare annual water quality reports for customers to provide accurate, comprehensive information about their water supply.

For more information, call 402.554.6666 or visit our website at mudomaha.com.

Wellhead protection is the management of the land surrounding a water supply well to prevent contamination of the water supply. The plans provide a detailed account of the potential threats to the facilities and a summary of existing and recommended management strategies.

To view the source water assessment report or the wellhead protection plans, visit our website at mudomaha.com/our-company/our-services/ water/quality and locate the PDF files in the “Related Resources” box. Or, use the search bar tool to look for the plans.

If you have additional questions, please contact Customer Service at 402.554.6666 or e-mail customer_service@mudnebr.com.

370

370

75

PLATTE SOUTH

Three treatment plants form a “Triangle of Reliability”

M.U.D. operates three water treatment plants — Florence, Platte West and Platte South — to serve the water supply needs of the metro Omaha area. M.U.D. also operates and maintains more than 3,000 miles of mains that deliver safe drinking water to the taps of 220,625 homes and businesses. We serve an average of 90 million gallons of water per day to the community and maintain more than 27,000 hydrants for fire protection.

TREATMENT PROCESS

1 Sedimentation

Settle out silt

2 Clarification & Softening

Remove silt and hardness (some minerals)

3 Disinfection

Destroy bacteria and parasites

4 Filtration

Remove very fne suspended matter

Fish tank, aquarium and pond owners need to use fltration equipment or water treatment products to neutralize chloramines. These products are available at pet supply stores.

TESTING & RESULTS

We use chloramines in the water treatment process to kill bacteria that cause diseases like typhoid and cholera. Approximately 20 percent of water supply systems in the U.S., including Council Bluffs and Lincoln, use chloramine as a disinfection agent.

Chloramine, a mixture of chlorine and ammonia, does not dissipate through boiling or exposure to the air in open containers as rapidly as chlorine. Chloraminated water is safe for warm- blooded animals to drink, including humans, kidney dialysis patients, pregnant women,

infants, dogs, cats and birds, because their digestive systems neutralize chloramine before it reaches their bloodstreams.

Chloramine is toxic to cold-blooded animals, such as fish, reptiles, turtles and amphibians because it enters directly into their bloodstreams. Fish tank, aquarium and pond owners need to use filtration equipment or water treatment products to neutralize chloramines. These products are available at pet supply stores.

Before use in a home kidney dialysis system, the water must be treated. Check with your equipment supplier and/or physician.

M.U.D. adds fluoride to its treated water to promote dental health. Omaha voters approved fluoridation in 1968. In 2008, the Nebraska Unicameral passed LB 245 which requires all Nebraska cities and towns with populations over 1,000 to add fluoride to public water systems.

Both the Missouri and Platte Rivers have naturally occurring fluoride in the range of

0.3 to 0.5 parts per million (ppm). The District adds enough fluoride to make the tap water concentration approximately 0.7 ppm, well below the federal limit of 4.0 ppm.

M.U.D. IS REQUIRED TO TEST FOR THE FOLLOWING CONTAMINANTS:

CRYPTOSPORIDIUM TESTS

We tested the source and treated water for Cryptosporidium at our three water plants in 2020. Cryptosporidium was not detected in any sample. Analysis was conducted by M.U.D.’s Water Quality Lab.

Cryptosporidium, a protozoan parasite and one-celled animal, is too small to be seen without a microscope. It’s common in surface waters (lakes and rivers), especially when these waters contain sewage or animal waste. Cryptosporidium must be ingested to cause infection. Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea and abdominal cramps. Most healthy individuals can overcome the infection within a few weeks.

We encourage immuno-compromised individuals to consult their doctor regarding appropriate precautions to take to avoid infection. Cryptosporidium may be spread through means other than drinking water.

POSSIBLE SOURCE WATER CONTAMINANTS

Microbial contaminants,

such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations and wildlife.

Pesticides and herbicides,

READING THE RESULTS

MCL Maximum Contaminant Level The highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.

Maximum Contaminant MCLG Level Goal

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.

Results collected between 01/01/2020 through 12/31/2020 unless otherwise noted. The Nebraska Department of Health TEST RESULTS and Human Services requires monitoring of certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations

of these contaminants do not change frequently. Therefore, some of this data may be more than a year old.

COLIFORM BACTERIA

• 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, some of the elderly and people with severely compromised immune systems.

which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water run-off and residential uses.

Organic chemical contaminants,

including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and also can come from gas stations, urban storm water run-off and septic systems.

Radioactive contaminants,

which can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

n/a Not applicable

• less than

• more than

Likely Source of Contamination

Erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives; corrosion of household plumbing systems.

Likely Source of Contamination

Erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives; corrosion of household plumbing systems.

REGULATED CONTAMINANTS

Likely Source of Contamination

Soil run-off.

DISINFECTANTS & DISINFECTANT BY-PRODUCTS

*MCL is based on a system-wide running annual average of several samples.

SYNTHETIC ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS

(Including pesticides and herbicides.)

0.6

<0.01 - 0.35 <0.02 - 0.04

30.2

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50

<0.01 - 0.04

• 0.04 - 0.55 <0.01 - 0.01

MCLG

N/A

MCL 60*

Range of Levels Detected 14.8 - 49.5

Likely Source of Contamination

By-product of drinking water chlorination.

Notes on Haloacetic Acids in drinking water

Some people who drink water containing haloacetic acids in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased

risk of cancer.

MCLG

N/A

Range of Levels Detected 30.6 - 76.1

Likely Source of Contamination

By-product of drinking water chlorination.

Notes on Trihalomethanes in drinking water

MCL

80*

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 system, and may have an increased risk of cancer.

INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS

Notes on Arsenic in drinking water 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 cost of removing arsenic from drinking water. EPA continues to research the health effects of low levels of arsenic, which is a mineral known at high concentrations to cause cancer in humans and is linked to other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems.

UCMR4 (UNREGULATED)

ANATOXIN-A

TOTAL MICROCYSTINS & NODULARINS

BROMODICHLOROACETIC ACID

2.85

0.89-

2.85 Range

BUTYLATED HYDROXYANISOLE

ETHOPROP

ppb <0.03 Highest Level Detected

<0.03 Range

PROFENOFOS

ppb <0.30 Highest Level Detected

<0.30 Range

• Bromide and Total Organic Carbon samples were from source water, all other samples taken from fnished water.

HEALTH NOTES

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised people — such as those with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, people who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, and some older adults and infants — can be particularly at risk for infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

The EPA and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline, call 800.426.4791 or visit their website at http://water.epa.gov/drink.

Women who are pregnant, infants and children typically are 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 your community as a result of materials used in your home’s plumbing.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LEAD:

If your home has a lead water service line, you can reduce the chance of exposure to lead by using water only from the cold tap for cooking and drinking. If the tap has not been used in more than a half hour, flush water through the faucet for 30 seconds up to 2 minutes before using it.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

The M.U.D. Board of Directors generally meets the first Wednesday of every month at the District’s Headquarters at 7350 World Communications Dr. Visit our website for meeting dates and agendas or call 402.504.7147. Requests for special accommodations, alternative formats or sign language interpreters require a minimum of 72 hours advance notice. We livestream and record board meetings; the video link is posted online at mudomaha.com.

To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations to limit the amounts of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems.

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

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 risks may be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800.426.4791, or visiting their website at http://water.epa.gov/drink.

Is there lead in M.U.D.’s water?

No. M.U.D. conducts monthly tests for lead and it is not detected in source (raw) water, in the finished water from the District’s water treatment plants, or in the distribution system (water mains). M.U.D. produces stable, non- corrosive water. Lead is mainly a localized customer issue, which means some customers may own a lead service line or have plumbing that includes lead solder. Lead service lines may be found in areas of Omaha and other communities on our system in homes built prior to the 1930s.

How do I find out if I have a lead service line?

The pipe that connects your household plumbing to the water main in the street is called a service line, which you own. M.U.D. customers can call Customer Service at 402.554.6666 to find out what the District’s records indicate about their service line material, or you can hire a licensed plumber to inspect the service line.

Can I get my water tested for lead?

Yes. Customers who have partial or whole lead service lines (or the composition is unknown) installed before 1940 can request M.U.D. to test for lead. To request a test, call Customer Service at 402.554.6666. M.U.D.’s Water Quality Lab conducts the tests and submits results to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). In addition, M.U.D. has an agreement with Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance to test the drinking water in homes where there is a concern for lead.

If I do own a lead service line, what can I do to reduce lead exposure?

M.U.D.’s water treatment is designed to not leach lead and copper, however there are steps you can take to further reduce the risk:

Only use water from the cold tap for cooking and drinking.

If the tap has not been used in more than a half hour, then flush water through the faucet for 30 seconds up to 2 minutes before using it.

Remove and clean the faucet aerators (also called screens) on a regular basis. To clean the faucet screen of debris:

Unscrew the screen.

Separate the individual parts.

Remove any sediment (mineral or rust buildup) on the screen and other parts. If necessary, soak the parts in white vinegar for a few minutes and scrub with a brush.

Reassemble the screen parts and re- attach to the faucet.

Remove and clean faucet aerators (screens) on a regular basis.

Do I need a water filter?

Use of a supplemental filter is a personal preference, however it can also be harmful if not properly maintained. In selecting a filter, determine what substance(s) is/are to be removed and look for a filter that has a NSF/ UL certification to remove it. Information on plumbing fixtures and in-home filters is available from the National Sanitation Foundation by calling 1.800.NSF.MARK or visiting www.nsf.org.

Does the federal government monitor water for lead?

Yes. In 1991, the EPA published a regulation to control lead and copper in drinking water, known as the Lead and Copper Rule. The EPA revised the regulation in 2000, 2007 and in early 2021. Congress has also set limits on the amount of lead that can be used in plumbing products. These requirements were first enacted in 1986 and then reduced to lower levels in 2011.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) performs all of the testing for M.U.D.’s compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule. M.U.D.’s role is to deliver the sample kits to the customer, collect them and send them to DHHS for testing. M.U.D. is required to sample for lead and copper every three years. The most recent round of lead and copper testing was completed in August 2019. The 90th percentile (action level) was 7.45 ppb, well below the regulatory limit of 15 ppb.

How do I find more information?

You can call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800.426.4791 or visit their website at http://water.epa.gov/drink. Or, call the DHHS Division of Public Health, Office of Drinking Water, 402.471.2541.

Filling up your pool? Make sure to take the hose out of the pool once it is flled to prevent water backflow.

BACKFLOW PREVENTION

According to the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services requires M.U.D. to make sure backflow preventers are installed and tested every year. We keep records of these tests and issue notices when testing is due. This requirement does not apply to lawn sprinkler systems unless they use booster pumps or chemical injection systems. Also check your city’s plumbing code for their regulations.

What is potentially dangerous about an unprotected sill cock?

A sill cock permits easy attachment of a hose for outside watering. However, a garden hose with an unprotected sill cock can be hazardous when left submerged in swimming pools, watering shrubs, and when chemical sprayers are attached to hoses.

Protect yourself from backflow incidents:

Check your faucets to make sure all faucet endpoints are above the flood level of the sink, tub, basin or other apparatus they supply.

HOME WATER TREATMENT DEVICES

M.U.D. meets all state and federal water quality standards so home water treatment devices are not necessary. Use of a supplemental filter is a personal preference, however it can also be harmful if not properly maintained.

In selecting a filter, determine what substance(s) is/are to be removed and look for a filter that has an NSF/ UL certification to remove it.

Does using a home water treatment device guarantee that my

WISE WATER USE TIPS

Water in the early morning, 4 to 10 a.m., to allow grass blades to dry, making them less susceptible to diseases. Watering is more efficient in the morning due to less evaporation and wind speed. Don’t water if it’s windy.

Measure the amount of water applied to your lawn in a 15-minute period using a tuna can. Adjust the run time on your sprinkler system to deliver the required amount. Contact a lawn care professional if you need help.

To conserve water, make sure your sprinkler heads are in working order and directed on your lawn and not on sidewalks, driveways and streets. Use sprinklers that emit large droplets, again to reduce losses due to evaporation.

Consider programming your sprinkler system to water on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday to relieve system demands on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Check hose connections for leaks and repair them quickly. A single hose left on uses nearly 300 gallons of water an hour!

Use a broom to clean patios, sidewalks and driveways.

For more tips, visit mudomaha.com.

Rain

Sensor

Rebate

rain sensor device installed in 2021 by a licensed lawn sprinkler contractor. For details, visit mudomaha.com/our-company/rebates or check the Forms link at mudomaha.com.

Protect your faucet extensions by installing proper backflow prevention devices on all faucets capable of having a hose or other extension attached.

Check drain lines (refrigerator drink dispensers, water softeners, heat exchangers, etc.) to make sure there is an adequate air gap between the drain line and the floor drain or sewer line into which they discharge.

Never use unprotected faucets to fill non- drinking water containers (i.e., water beds, wading pools, stock tanks, hot tubs, etc.)

water is safe?

No. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does not recommend home treatment devices as a substitute for public water treatment because of the difficulty in monitoring their performance. Home treatment devices are not tested or regulated by the federal government. Some, however, are tested by independent laboratories. If you want to use a water treatment device, carefully choose one according to the water conditions in your area. Also, be aware that a device needs to be properly maintained or it could cause water quality problems.

How often should I replace the filters on my treatment devices like the water dispenser on my refrigerator?

All units require some maintenance, and it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for replacements. For example, activated carbon filters are designed to filter a certain amount of water; after that, the filters become clogged and ineffective.

Where can I get more information?

Information on plumbing fixtures and in-home filters is available from the National Sanitation Foundation by calling 1.800.NSF.MARK or visiting www.nsf.org. Resources also are available on the EPA’s website at http://water.epa.gov/drink.

2020 INFORME

DE

CALIDAD DEL AGUA

02 CARTA A NUESTROS CONSUMIDORES-PROPIETARIOS

02 ¿POR QUE HACEMOS ESTE REPORTE?

03 FUENTESPOTABLE DE AGUA

03 EVALUACIÓN DE LA FUENTE DE AGUA Y PROTECCIÓN AL MANANTIAL

04 PROCESO DEL TRATAMIENTO

05 CONTAMINANTESEXAMINADOS

06 EXAMENES DE CRIPTOSPORIDIO

07 PRUEBAS Y RESULTADO

12 REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

12 SALUD PÚBLICA Y EL USO DEL AGUA EN EL HOGAR

14 RECOMENDACIONES PARA USAR EL AGUA ADECUADAMENTE

CARTA A NUESTROS CONSUMIDORES-PROPIETARIOS

Con frecuencia no valoramos el preciado recurso natural que fluye por nuestros grifos – agua potable segura y confiable. En el 2020, este recurso natural fue más importante que nunca para ayudar a combatir la propagación del coronavirus mediante el lavado de manos frecuente y otras prácticas de higiene.

El agua potable provee servicios vitales a la comunidad. El Distrito Metropolitano de Servicios Públicos (M.U.D.) se enorgullece en presentar el Informe de Calidad del Agua del 2020, el cual ofrece una descripción general del agua potable desde la fuente natural hasta su grifo. El agua que usted consume continúa cumpliendo o excede las normas federales y estatales requeridas para el Agua Potable Segura.

M.U.D. opera y mantiene más de 3,000 millas de tuberías que llevan agua potable a los grifos de 220,625 hogares y negocios en el área metropolitana de Omaha, sirviendo a una población de 535,000 personas. La compañía le provee a la comunidad un promedio de 90 millones de galones de agua por día y mantiene más de 27,000 hidrantes para la protección contra incendios.

Operamos tres diferentes plantas de tratamiento que proveen agua potable segura y confiable. Esto nos permite apagar, descansar, reparar o actualizar alguna de las tres plantas mientras las otras dos continúan operando normalmente y cumplir con los requisitos de nuestros consumidores. Partes de nuestra infraestructura fueron construidas en los 1880s y necesitan reparación o remplazo. Uno de los mayores retos de tener la infraestructura antigua es que las cañerías/tuberías se rompen con regularidad. En el 2020, tuvimos que reparar más de 538 cañerías centrales.

Para mejorar la seguridad y confianza de nuestro sistema de tuberías, M.U.D. comenzó un programa en el 2008 para remplazar más de 1,200 millas de tuberías viejas. Los consumidores financian este valioso e importante programa al pagar los cargos de infraestructura en sus facturas de agua. En el 2020, reemplazamos 13 millas de cañerías de agua centrales. Nuestra meta a largo plazo es de remplazar hasta 25 millas por año.

En resumen, M.U.D. está trabajando diligentemente para asegurar el suministro de agua potable segura y confiable a nuestros consumidores-propietarios y proteger el sistema de agua para las generaciones futuras.

POR QUE HACEMOS ESTE REPORTE?

La ley de Agua Potable Segura exige a las entidades públicas proveedoras de agua potable que elaboren reportes anuales de calidad para todos sus clientes, con el objetivo de brindarles una correcta y detallada información acerca del suministro de agua.

Para más información al respecto, llame al 402.554.6666 o visite la página web siguiente mudomaha.com.

FUENTES DE AGUA POTABLE

Las distintas fuentes de agua potable (agua del grifo y embotellada) incluyen ríos, lagos, riachuelos, lagunas, represas, manantiales y pozos subterráneos. A través de su movimiento por la superficie o bajo tierra, el agua disuelve minerales y en algunos casos, materiales radioactivos, y puede recoger algunas sustancias provenientes de animales o actividad humana.

M.U.D. adquiere el agua potable de los ríos Missouri y Platte y el sistema acuífero de Dakota. Estas fuentes son categorizadas como agua de superficie (río Missouri), aguas subterráneas bajo la influencia directa del agua de la superficie (río Platte), y agua subterránea. El agua es bombeada desde entradas y pozos mantenidos por el Distrito.

EVALUACION DE LA FUENTE

DE AGUA

M.U.D.

36

680

133

75

FLORENCE

64

680

El Departamento de Calidad Ambiental de Nebraska (NDEQ) ha completado la evaluación de la Fuente de agua, la cual incluye un mapa de protección al área del manantial, inventario de posibles orígenes de contaminación, grado de vulnerabilidad, e información

31

64

480

275

acerca de la protección de la fuente de agua.

Para proteger mejor la calidad del agua en nuestros pozos, tenemos implementados planes de protección para la boca/entrada de los pozos en los terrenos de Platte South y Platte West.

PLATTE WEST

50

85

La protección al manantial es la adecuada administración de la tierra alrededor del pozo o fuente de suministro de agua para prevenir la contaminación de la misma. Estos planes proveen una lista detallada de las amenazas potenciales a nuestras plantas y un resumen de las estrategias de administración actualmente recomendadas.

Para ver el reporte de evaluación de la fuente de agua o los planes de protección al manantial, visite nuestra página web en www.mudomaha.com/our-company/our- services/water/quality y abra los archivos PDF en “Related Resources”.

Si tiene alguna pregunta adicional, por favor contacte a nuestro departamento de Servicio al Cliente 402.554.6666 o envíenos un correo electrónico a customer_service@mudnebr.com.

370

370

75

PLATTE SOUTH

Tres plantas de tratamiento de Agua forman un “Triángulo de Confiabilidad”

M.U.D. tiene tres plantas de tratamiento de agua – Florence, Platte West y Platte South – para servir la demanda de agua potable que necesita el área metropolitana de Omaha. M.U.D. también opera y da mantenimiento a más de 3,000 millas de tuberías principales que llevan el agua potable a los grifos de 220,625 hogares y negocios. Nuestra compañía le suministra a la comunidad un promedio de 90 millones de galones de agua por día y mantiene 27,000 hidrantes para la protección contra incendios.

PROCESO DEL TRATAMIENTO

2 Aclaramiento y Ablandamiento

Remueve los sedimentos y dureza (algunos minerales)

3 Desinfección

Destruye las bacterias y parásitos

Las personas que tienen peceras, acuarios o lagunitas necesitan usar un equipo de filtración o productos de tratamiento del agua para neutralizar las cloraminas. Estos productos están disponibles en las tiendas de suplementos para mascotas.

4 Filtración

Remueve las sustancias muy finas que están suspendidas

Nosotros utilizamos cloraminas para matar las bacterias que causan enfermedades como la tifoidea y el cólera durante el proceso de tratamiento del agua. Aproximadamente el 20% de los sistemas que suministran agua potable en los Estados Unidos, incluyendo Council Bluffs y Lincoln, utilizan cloraminas como desinfectante.

La cloramina, una mezcla de cloro con amoniaco, no se disipa tan rápidamente como el cloro al ser hervida o expuesta al aire en envases abiertos. El agua cloraminada es segura para el consumo de animales de sangre

caliente, incluyendo los humanos, pacientes sometidos a diálisis de riñón, mujeres embarazadas, bebés, perros, gatos y pájaros, porque sus sistemas digestivos neutralizan la cloramina antes que ésta llegue al sistema sanguíneo.

La cloramina es tóxica para animales de sangre fría como los peces, reptiles, tortugas y anfibios porque ésta entra directamente a sus sistemas sanguíneos. Las personas que tienen peceras, acuarios o lagunitas necesitan usar un equipo de filtración o productos de tratamiento del agua para neutralizar las cloraminas. Estos productos están disponibles en las tiendas de suplementos para mascotas.

Si usted utiliza un sistema de diálisis en casa, el agua deberá ser tratada antes de su uso. Chequee con el proveedor del equipo y/o con su doctor.

M.U.D. añade fluoruro al agua tratada para promover la salud dental. Esto fue aprobado por los votantes de Omaha en 1968. En el 2008, La Cámara de Nebraska pasó la ley LB 245 que requiere a todas las ciudades de Nebraska y pueblos con una población mayor de 1,000 habitantes, agregar fluoruro a los sistemas públicos de agua.

Tanto el río Missouri como el río Platte tienen fluoruro natural en un rango de 0.3 a 0.5 partes por millón (ppm). La concentración de fluoruro que añade M.U.D. es de 0.8 ppm aproximadamente, lo cual es muy por debajo del límite federal de 4.0 ppm.

Planta de Tratamiento de Agua "Florence"

PRUEBAS DE CRIPTOSPORIDIO

En el 2020, examinamos las fuentes de agua y el agua ya tratada en nuestras tres plantas y no se detectó la presencia del criptosporidio en ninguna de las muestras. El análisis fue realizado por el laboratorio de M.U.D.

El criptosporidio, un parásito protozoario y animal unicelular, es tan pequeño que no se puede ver sin un microscopio. Es común encontrarlo en aguas superficiales (lagos y ríos), especialmente cuando estas aguas contienen excrementos o desecho animal. El criptosporidio debe ser ingerido para causar una infección y algunos de los síntomas incluyen diarrea, náuseas y dolores abdominales. La mayoría de las personas saludables pueden superar la infección en unas pocas semanas.

Le recomendamos a las personas con deficiencias inmunológicas, que consulten a sus doctores acerca de precauciones para evitar una infección. Es válido aclarar que este parásito no solo se propaga a través del agua potable.

LECTURA DE LOS RESULTADOS

POSIBLES FUENTES DE CONTAMINACION DEL AGUA

Contaminantes microbianos,

Tales como virus y bacterias, los cuales pueden venir de plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales/alcantarillado, sistemas sépticos, operaciones agropecuarias y vida silvestre.

urbanas, escapes de aguas residuales industriales o domésticas, producción de petróleo y gas, minería o agricultura.

Pesticidas y herbicidas,

Los cuales pueden provenir de variadas fuentes tales como la agricultura, la contaminación de aguas pluviales urbanas y usos residenciales.

Contaminantes químicos orgánicos,

Incluyendo productos químicos orgánicos sintéticos y volátiles, que son productos derivados de los procesos industriales y la producción de petróleo, y que también pueden venir de estaciones de gas, la contaminación de aguas pluviales urbanas y los sistemas sépticos.

Contaminantes Radioactivos,

Lo cual puede ocurrir naturalmente, o ser el resultado de la producción de petróleo, gas o actividades de minería.

Meta del Nivel Máximo de MCLG Contaminante

El nivel de contaminante en el agua potable, debajo el cual no se conocen o representan riesgos a la salud. Los MCLGs permiten un margen de seguridad.

Una medida de la claridad del agua.

Partes por Trillón

ppt 1 parte por trillón (o picogramo por litro) y corresponde a 1 minuto en 2 millones de años o 1 centavo en 10 billones de dólares.

n/a no aplicable

• menos que

• más que

RESULTADOS DE LAS PRUEBAS

07

Coleccionado en el 01/01/2020 hasta 12/31/2020 o citado si difiere. El State of Nebraska Health and Human Services requiere que ciertos contaminantes sean examinados menos de una vez al año porque las concentraciones de los mismos no cambia frecuentemente. Por lo que alguna de la información dada se pudo haber obtenido hace más de un año atrás.

BACTERIA COLIFORME

COLIFORME TOTAL

MCLGMCL

COLIFORME FECAL O E. COLI

MCL

Fuente Probable de Contaminación

Presente naturalmente en el medio ambiente; usada como un indicador que otras bacterias dañinas pudieran estar presente.

Mayor porciento de muestras positivas de Coliforme Total en algún mes

Fuente Probable de Contaminación

Excrementos fecales de humanos y animales.

Mayor porciento de muestras positivas de E.coli Total en algún mes

Fuente Probable de Contaminación

Erosión de depósitos naturales; desprendimientos de conservantes en la madera; corrosión de sistemas de plomerías domésticos.

Fuente Probable de Contaminación

Erosión de depósitos naturales; desprendimientos de conservantes en la madera; corrosión de sistemas de plomerías domésticos.

ANALISIS MINERAL