Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Utica?
Yes, Utica's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Utica has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page, the city's water provider website, or Utica's local Twitter account.
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Utica's water utility, Mvwa - Mohawk Valley Water Authority, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Utica was resolved on Dec. 31, 2017. This assessment is based on the Mvwa - Mohawk Valley Water Authority water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.
While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.
The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.
Water Quality Report for Utica Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Utica tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.
Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.
EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.
There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.
We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Utica's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Utica Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Mvwa - Mohawk Valley Water Authority for Utica in New York. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
From Dec. 1, 2017 to Dec. 31, 2017, Utica had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Treatment Technique Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Single Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
From Sept. 1, 2016 to Sept. 30, 2016, Utica had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Treatment Technique Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Single Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
From June 1, 2013 to June 30, 2013, Utica had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Regular which falls into the Chemicals rule code group, and the Inorganic Chemicals rule code family for the following contaminant code: Fluoride.
Is there Lead in Utica Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Utica water system, Mvwa - Mohawk Valley Water Authority, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.0119 mg/L of lead in Utica water. This is 79.3% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Utica contained more lead.
While Utica water testing may have found 0.0119 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.
No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.
Are there PFAS in Utica Tap Water?
Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Griffiss Air Force Base - near Utica with suspected leaks.
With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Utica has been evaluated for yet.
Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.
Utica SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years
| Compliance Period | Status | Health-Based? | Category Code | Code | Rule Code | Contaminant Code | Rule Group Code | Rule Family Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/01/2017 - 12/31/2017 | Resolved | Yes | Treatment Technique Violation (TT) | Single Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) (43) | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (122) | Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (0300) | Microbials (100) | Surface Water Treatment Rules (120) |
| 09/01/2016 - 09/30/2016 | Resolved | Yes | Treatment Technique Violation (TT) | Single Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) (43) | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (122) | Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (0300) | Microbials (100) | Surface Water Treatment Rules (120) |
| 06/01/2013 - 06/30/2013 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring, Regular (03) | Inorganic Chemicals (333) | Fluoride (1025) | Chemicals (300) | Inorganic Chemicals (330) |
What do these Violations Mean?
Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.
Health Based Violations
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
- Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
- Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.
Non-Health Based Violations
- Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
- Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
- Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.
SDWA Table Key
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Compliance Period | Dates of the compliance period. |
| Status |
Current status of the violation.
|
| Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
| Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
|
| Code | A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table. |
| Contaminant Code | A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation. |
| Rule Code |
Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
|
| Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
|
| Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
|
For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
Utica Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Mail: | MVWA 1 KENNEDY PLAZA UTICA, NY, 13502 |
Existing customers can login to their Mvwa - Mohawk Valley Water Authority account to pay their Utica water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your Mvwa - Mohawk Valley Water Authority bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Utica water bill.
If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Utica water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.
Moving to a new house or apartment in Utica means you will often need to put the water in your name with Mvwa - Mohawk Valley Water Authority. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.
Leaving your house or apartment in Utica means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Mvwa - Mohawk Valley Water Authority. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.
The estimated price of bottled water
$1.67 in USD (1.5-liter)
USER SUBMITTED RATINGS
- Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility
- Water Pollution
- Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility
- Water Quality
The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Utica, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Utica Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)
The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Utica's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
ANNUAL DRINKING WATER QUALITY REPORT FOR 2020
Upper Mohawk Valley Regional Water Board
(Mohawk Valley Water Authority)
1 Kennedy Plaza
Utica, New York 13502
(Public Water Supply ID# NY3202411)
INTRODUCTION
MVWA Report – Use with Supplemental System reports for required reporting information
To comply with State and Federal regulations, the Mohawk Valley Water Authority (MVWA) will be annually issuing a report describing the quality of your drinking water. The purpose of this report is to raise your understanding of drinking water and awareness of the need to protect our drinking water sources. All Federal and New York State Drinking Water Standards were met. This report provides an overview of last year’s (2020) water quality. Included are details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to State and Federal standards.
If you have any questions about this report or concerning your drinking water, please contact Philip Tangorra, Director of Water Quality, at
For
“This report contains important information about your drinking water. Translate it or speak with someone who understands it.”
Bosnian – Ovaj izvještaj sadrži važne informacije o vodi za piće. Prevesti, ili razgovarati s neko ko razumije.
Russian - Этот отчет содержит важную информацию о вашей питьевой воды. Перевести его, или поговорить с
Somali – Warbixintani waxay ku qoran macluumaad muhiim ah oo ku saabsan biyo aad u cabbo. Fasiri karaa ama ula hadasho qof fasiri karaa adiga.
Spanish - Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua beber. Tradúzcalo ó hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.
Vietnamese - Báo cáo này chứa thông tin quan trọng về nước uống của bạn. Dịch nó, hoặc nói chuyện với một ai đó hiểu nó.
Simplified Chinese - 该报告包含有关饮用水的重要信息。翻译它，或者与别人谁了解它说话。
Traditional Chinese - 該報告包含有關飲用水的重要信息。翻譯它，或者與別人誰了解它說話。
WHERE DOES YOUR WATER COME FROM?
In general, 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
The water we drink gathers in the streams and creeks of a remote 374 square mile Adirondack Mountain watershed, far from settled areas and farmland. These tributaries drain into the West Canada Creek, which carries our water to the New York
SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
A Source Water Assessment has been completed for our water system. Possible and actual threats to drinking water source(s) were evaluated. The source water assessment includes a susceptibility rating based on the risk posed by each potential source of contamination and how easily contaminants can move through the subsurface to the source(s). The susceptibility rating is an estimate of the potential for contamination of the source water, it does not mean that the water delivered to consumers is or will become contaminated. The Source Water Assessment Program
Page 1 of 8
(SWAP) is designed to compile, organize and evaluate information to make better decisions regarding protecting sources of public drinking water. The report does not address the safety or quality of treated finished potable tap water. The source water assessment report is based on reasonably available information. Although efforts have been made to check the source water assessment report for accuracy, the large scope of this program and the nature of the available data make the elimination of all errors from these reports nearly impossible. It is important to note that source water assessment reports estimate the potential for untreated drinking water sources to be impacted by contamination. A copy of the assessment, including a map of the assessment area, can be obtained by contacting us, as noted above.
During 2005 a source water assessment was completed under the NYS Department of Health’s Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP). This assessment found a low to moderate susceptibility to contamination of our source water. Land cover and its associated activities within the assessment area did not increase the potential for contamination. Permitted discharges from facilities in the watershed do not represent an important threat to source water quality, based on their density in the assessment area. There are no likely contamination threats associated with other discrete contaminant sources, even though some facilities were found in low densities. Additional sources of potential contamination include the roadways in the watershed. In conclusion, it was noted that hydrologic characteristics (basin shape and flushing rates) generally make reservoirs highly sensitive to existing and new sources of phosphorus and microbial contamination.
See section “Are there contaminants in our drinking water?” for a list of the contaminants that have been detected. The source water assessments provide resource managers with additional information for protecting source waters into the future.
Based upon the SWAP Report determinations, good judgment should be used, and caution should be exercised when determining land use near the source. We work hard to ensure that the source of water for our system is protected from contamination. MVWA has an established water quality monitoring program within the Hinckley watershed. In addition, the MVWA has existing Watershed Rules and Regulations (10NYCRR Chapter III Part 130.2) that regulate the land use and potential contamination sources around the water source. This is accomplished through a combination of land ownership and policing of the watershed area.
HOW IS YOUR WATER TREATED?
In 1990, after four years of careful testing, planning and design, construction of a water treatment and filtration plant began at a site near the village of Prospect. The facility became operational in 1992. The treatment plant includes a double filtration system designed to remove most of the organic matter and contaminants.
After our water has been filtered it is chlorinated. Chlorine is a disinfecting agent and kills bacteria present in the water. Chlorine levels are continuously monitored throughout our 650 miles of pipe that brings the water to your home.
Fluoride is added to your water in concentrations of 0.7 mg/l. Fluoride has been shown to reduce tooth decay and cavities.
Our water is treated to control corrosion of household plumbing that may contain metals such as lead. Calcium hydroxide (lime) and sodium carbonate (soda ash) are used in small amounts to buffer the water so that it is rendered
FACTS AND FIGURES
Our water system presently serves approximately 126,250 people through over 38,900 service connections. The daily average amount of water treated was 17.4 million gallons per day. Our highest single day of production was 21.9 million gallons. The total water produced in 2020 was approximately 6.4 billion gallons. Some of the water was used for flushing water mains, filter backwashing, plant processes, equipment and hydrant testing, fighting fires, training firefighters, street cleaning and water main breaks and leakage. Approximately 3.3 billion gallons were sold to our customers. MVWA has an ongoing Leak Detection and Repair program. All distribution mains within the MVWA system are surveyed by professional Leak Detection Contractors annually. In the past 3 years, approximately 1.5 to 2 mgd of
In 2020, residential water customers were charged approximately $4.97 per 1,000 gallons of water (average family of four).
Page 2 of 8
SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS - During 2020 the MVWA continued its aggressive program of reinvestment in the Regional System.
WATER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT SUMMARY
The Engineering, Distribution and Maintenance Departments continued to implement major physical and operational improvements throughout the Regional Transmission and Distribution System and Facilities in 2020. Nearly $4,000,000 in Improvements were completed with another $15,000,000 in various stages of design or construction. The Departments were able to accomplish these projects despite the loss of significant staff resources due to COVID work force reduction in the Spring and various personnel quarantined throughout the year.
MVWA utilizes system management tools to improve water service reliability and ensure sustainability throughout the Regional Water System. These management tools include the
The Departments are also responsible for preparing, bidding and administering routine annual contracts for commodities and services including; Water Main Materials, Leak Detection, Generator Maintenance, Fence Repairs, Tree Removals, Backflow Testing, Asphalt Paving and Concrete repairs and numerous other System needs. There is also an annual Tank Diving contract that permits the cleaning and inspection of the tanks while they remain in service thus eliminating lengthy service interruptions.
A program to begin replacement of key valves in chambers with packaged PRV Chambers was undertaken in 2020. These types of valves automatically regulate system flow and pressure. Failures can cause pressure fluctuations and cause main breaks. Repairs and upgrades to the chambers to improve access and safe working conditions also continue.
Department staff are active members of several professional associations and their governing Boards. While activity was reduced due to COVID, MVWA staff remained involved remotely. Presentations have typically been made the, the NY Section American Water Works meeting, at the ESRI Annual Conference, the Mohawk Valley Environmental Information Exchange, the NYS
PROJECTS AND OPERATIONS IN FY 2020 INCLUDED:
FACILITIES – PUMPSTATIONS, CHEMICAL TREATMENT BUILDINGS, WATER STORAGE TANKS AND KEMBLE ST. MAINTENANCE FACILITY
Significant work has been undertaken in the past several years to upgrade Pump Stations and Tanks ranging in age from 40 to 100+ years old. This included constructing the new 1,200,000 gallon Snowden Hill Rd. High Service Zone Tank and preparing plans and bidding the rehabilitation of the Welsh Bush Rd. concrete tank. General building Improvements including lighting and access related safety upgrades, security door replacements and exterior wall repairs. Motors, Pumps and Control Drives were replaced at two (2) Pump Stations. Plans were advanced for further building renovations, electrical upgrades and new generators at several locations. Improvements continued at the Kemble St. Maintenance Facility to provide a new two (2) bay material storage bunker, access stairs, concrete floor replacements, and install an industrial capacity
rack storage system. One liquid chlorine feed facility
was decommissioned since it was no longer required due to improved system residuals.
WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT & EXTENSIONS, LARGE VALVE REPLACEMENTS, TRANSMISSION MAINS, NYSDOT RT. 5S, & MVHS WATER MAIN IMPROVEMENTS COORDINATION
The MVWA continued to support the NYSDOT as they completed their Rt. 5S reconstruction project with replacement water main design and field services for nearly 7,000 feet of new and relocated mains up to 20” in diameter including hydrants, and services. The MVWA also supported the MVHS new downtown hospital and the NEXXUS project that replaced approximately 4,000 feet of older downtown mains and numerous aged services. The cost of these mains was paid for by the DOT or MVHS and are not included in the $4,000,000 noted above. Two (2) 24“ valves were installed on Transmission Mains in Marcy and 1,800 feet of new 24 “ diameter main was installed on the Cavanaugh Rd. Tank site along with a new metering chamber and multiple isolation valves. Topographic survey was also completed for 3,500 feet of replacement main in New Hartford that is under design for construction in 2021
HYDRAULIC CONTROL VALVES MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENTS
Hydraulic control valves include; Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs), Pump Control Valves and Altitude Valves. The MVWA has over 150 of these types of valves in the system. These stations were inspected/adjusted and significant PRV improvement work was undertaken at several sites including repair of the Cavanaugh Rd. Tank 18” Altitude valve and the Trenton Rd. Tank 12” Valve. A new prefabricated PRV Chamber was specified and bid and installation was completed in early 2020 replacing an aging, very constricted one in East Utica. Two more are planned for 2021 as are 10+ replacement remote pressure monitors were approved.
RAW WATER MAINS & NORTH AND SOUTH PIPE BRIDGES
Easements maps for the Phase 1 Raw Water Main (RWM) Pipe Bridge were prepared and the Phase 2 RWM Topographic and Environmental surveys were completed, and the Soil Borings were bid for early 2021 field work. A WIIA grant for Phase 2 of the Raw Water Mains at $3m was received in late 2019 and the balance of the project cost, $7m was included in the 2020 bonding. A 50% Design Package for the New Bridge is complete. A Geotech Report was completed the North Pipe Bridge which is designated for renovations and coating in the next several years.
FEMA PROGRAM to REPAIR “HALLOWEEN 2019 STORM” DAMAGE
FEMA has approved a number of water main and stormwater facilities repairs, and for consideration under their funding program for storm damage repairs and improvements. The MVWA has identified four (4) separate project types in multiple locations for a total of 24 projects estimates at over $5,000,000 in project costs. All of these projects may qualify for the 87.5% funding. The MVWA has included $500,000 in the 2020 Bonding to cover MVWA’s share of the funding in anticipation of significant FEMA awards. The new FEMA policy is to incorporate resiliency wherever practical to accommodate future storm events without a repeat of significant damages. In order to approve these types of improvements, FEMA requires engineered plans and studies which were commenced in late 2020.
Page 3 of 8
ARE THERE CONTAMINANTS IN YOUR DRINKING WATER?
As the State regulations require, we routinely test your drinking water for numerous contaminants. These contaminants include: total coliform, turbidity, inorganic compounds, nitrate, nitrite, lead and copper, volatile organic compounds, disinfection byproducts, and synthetic organic compounds. The table presented below depicts which compounds were detected in your drinking water. The State allows us to test for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of our data, though representative, are more than one year old.
It should be noted that all drinking water, including bottled drinking water, might be reasonably 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 EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
Table of Detected Contaminants
|
|
Is System in |
Date of |
Level Detected |
Unit |
MCLG / |
Regulatory Limit |
|
|
Contaminant |
Average / Maximum |
(MCL, MRDL, TT or |
Likely Source of Contamination |
||||
|
Violation? |
Sample |
Measurement |
MRDLG |
||||
|
|
(Range) |
AL) |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Microbiological Contaminants– over 100 Coliform Samples Monthly (2,383 collected in 2020) |
|
|
|
||||
|
Total Coliform |
No |
N/A |
N/A (1) |
N/A |
0 |
Any positive sample |
Naturally present in the environment. |
|
N/A |
(2) |
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Physical Parameters |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Turbidity (Filtered Water) (3a) |
|
07/20/2020 |
0.26 (highest single |
|
|
TT = <1.0 NTU |
|
|
|
measurement) (3a) |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All months ≤ |
99.9% ≤ 0.3 (lowest monthly |
|
|
TT = 95% of samples |
|
|
Turbidity (Filtered Water) (3b) |
No |
percentage of samples meeting |
NTU |
N/A |
Soil Runoff |
||
|
0.3 |
<0.3 NTU |
||||||
|
|
|
specified limits) |
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Turbidity (Distribution) |
|
Daily |
0.31 (4) |
|
|
TT = <5 NTU |
|
|
|
(range = 0.01 – 3.88) |
|
|
(Monthly Average) |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Organic Carbon (Raw Water) |
|
|
4.2 (5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(range = 3.0 – 6.3) |
|
|
TT (relative to |
|
|
|
|
No |
Monthly |
mg/l |
N/A |
Naturally present in the environment. |
||
|
Total Organic Carbon (Filtered Water) |
1.0 (5) |
removal rates) |
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
(range = 0.1 – 1.5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Organic Contaminants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acetone occurs naturally and is used in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
production of paints, varnishes, plastics, |
|
Acetone |
No |
1/31 |
3.8 |
µg/l |
|
MCL = 50 |
adhesives, organic chemicals and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
alcohol Also used to clean and dry parts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of precision equipment. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inorganic Contaminants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barium |
No |
9/29/2020 |
0.0077 |
mg/l |
2 |
MCL = 2 |
Erosion of natural deposits. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chloride |
No |
9/29/2020 |
6.3 |
mg/l |
N/A |
MCL = 250 |
Naturally occurring. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper |
No |
2018 |
0.023 (6) |
mg/l |
1.3 |
AL = 1.3 |
Corrosion of household plumbing |
|
(range = ND – 0.050) |
systems; Erosion of natural deposits. |
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page 4 of 8
Table of Detected Contaminants
|
|
Is System in |
Date of |
Level Detected |
Unit |
MCLG / |
Regulatory Limit |
|
|
Contaminant |
Average / Maximum |
(MCL, MRDL, TT or |
Likely Source of Contamination |
||||
|
Violation? |
Sample |
Measurement |
MRDLG |
||||
|
|
(Range) |
AL) |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Fluoride (System Entry Point) |
No |
Daily |
0.7 (7) |
|
|
|
Erosion of natural deposits; Water |
|
(range = 0.2 – 0.8) |
|
|
|
additive that promotes strong teeth (The |
|||
|
|
|
|
mg/l |
N/A |
MCL = 2.2 |
||
|
Fluoride (Distribution System) |
No |
Monthly |
0.7 (8) |
MVWA water system adds Fluoride to |
|||
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
(range = 0.2 – 0.9) |
|
|
|
the water). |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lead |
No |
2018 |
13.0 (9) |
µg/l |
0 |
AL = 15 |
Corrosion of household plumbing |
|
(range = ND – 41.9) |
systems; Erosion of natural deposits. |
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Magnesium |
No |
9/29/2020 |
1.4 |
mg/l |
N/A |
N/A |
Naturally occurring. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nitrate |
No |
2/6/2020 |
0.19 |
mg/l |
N/A |
MCL=10 |
Run off from fertilizer use, leaching of |
|
septic tanks, erosion of natural deposits. |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sodium |
No |
9/29/2020 |
18.0 (10) |
mg/l |
N/A |
See Note 11 below |
Naturally occurring; part of pH |
|
adjustment additive. |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sulfate |
No |
9/29/2020 |
14.6 |
mg/l |
N/A |
MCL = 250 |
Naturally occurring. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Disinfectants / Disinfection Byproducts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chlorine Residual |
No |
Daily/ |
1.0 (11) |
mg/l |
N/A |
MRDL = 4 (12) |
Water additive used to control microbes. |
|
Monthly |
(range = 0.2 – 2.2) |
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Haloacetic Acids |
|
|
15.1 (13) |
|
|
|
By product of drinking water disinfection |
|
trichloroacetic acid, and, mono- and |
No |
Quarterly |
µg/l |
N/A |
MCL= 60 |
||
|
(range = 0 – 26.9) |
needed to kill harmful organisms. |
||||||
|
dibromoacetic acid) |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Byproduct of drinking water chlorination |
|
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs – chloroform, |
|
|
42.9(14) |
|
|
|
needed to kill harmful organisms. |
|
bromodichloromethane, |
No |
Quarterly |
µg/l |
N/A |
MCL = 80 |
TTHMs are formed when source water |
|
|
(range = 4.9 – 91.4) |
|||||||
|
dibromochloromethane and bromoform) |
|
|
|
|
|
contains large amounts of organic |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
matter. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unregulated Contaminants (UCMR4 Data) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bromochloroacetic Acid |
No |
|
ND – 0.61 (15) |
µg/l |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
Dichloroacetic Acid |
No |
June, |
ND – 17.6 (15) |
µg/l |
N/A |
N/A |
By product of drinking water disinfection |
|
|
|
September, & |
|
|
|
|
needed to kill harmful organisms. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Trichloroacetic Acid |
No |
December |
3.2 – 19.3 (15) |
µg/l |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
|
|
2019; March |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Organic Carbon |
No |
3550 – 5240 (16) |
µg/l |
N/A |
N/A |
Naturally occurring. |
|
|
2020 |
|||||||
|
Manganese |
No |
|
4.4 – 10.5 (17) |
µg/l |
N/A |
N/A |
Naturally occurring. |
Additional Detected Water Quality Parameters Collected Monthly (MVWA)
Contaminant |
Level Detected - Average or Maximum (Range) |
Unit |
Importance of Parameter Measurement for Treatment |
|
Measurement |
||||
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of water. Solutions with a pH less than 7 are said to be |
|
pH |
9.4 (range = 7.1 – 10.0) |
units |
acidic and solutions with a pH greater than 7 are basic or alkaline. The pH of our water has an |
|
|
|
|
effect on our water treatment and the efficiency of chemical treatment (e.g. coagulants, chlorine). |
|
|
|
|
Page 5 of 8 |
Notes:
1 - We averaged 199 Total Coliform samples per month in 2020. No samples out of 2,383 total routine samples collected in 2020 were found to contain Total Coliform. Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful bacteria may be present. Additional samples would be subsequently collected after each positive sample for total coliforms. Since total coliforms were detected in <5% of the samples collected during each month when detected, the system did not have an MCL violation. It should be noted that E. coli, associated with human and animal fecal waste, was not found in any of the samples collected.
2 - A Level 1 assessment is triggered at systems collecting 40 or more samples per month when more than 5% of the total coliform samples are positive or at systems collecting less than 40 samples per month when two or more samples are total coliform positive. A Level 1 assessment can also be triggered if the system fails to take every required repeat sample after any single total
3a - This value represents the highest daily average number reported.
3b - Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water. We test it because it is a good indicator of the effectiveness of our filtration system. The regulations require that 95% of the turbidity samples collected have measurements below 0.3 NTU. 99.9% recorded during 2020 were within the acceptable range allowed.
4 - Turbidity is measured daily in the distribution system. State regulations require that the monthly turbidity average must always be below 5 NTU. The monthly average of the results in the months with highest turbidity levels were all below 5 NTU. May 2020 had the highest monthly average of Distribution Turbidity measurements (0.39 NTU).
5 - This level represents the average and range of values calculated from monthly sample submission results.
6 - The level presented represents the 90th percentile of the 50 sites tested in 2018. A percentile is a value on a scale of 100 that indicates the percent of a distribution that is equal to or below it. The 90th percentile is equal to or greater than 90% of the copper values detected at your water system. In this case,
7 - This level represents the average and range calculated from daily measurements.
8 - This level represents the average and range calculated from over 800 sample submission results.
9 - The level presented represents the 90th percentile of the fifty samples collected in 2018. In this case,
10 - Water containing more than 20 mg/l of sodium should not be used for drinking by people on severely restricted sodium diets. Water containing more than 270 mg/l of sodium should not be used for drinking by people on moderately restricted sodium diets.
11 - This level represents the average and range calculated from sample submission results.
12 - Value presented represents the Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) which is a level of disinfectant added for water treatment that may not be exceeded at the consumer’s tap without an unacceptable possibility of adverse health effects. MRDLs are currently not regulated but in the future, they will be enforceable in the same manner as MCLs.
13 - This level represents the highest Locational Running Annual Average along with the range of results for samples collected in compliance with the Stage 2 DBP Rule. Compliance with the MCL (60 ug/l) for HAAs is determined by the Locational Running Annual Average.
14 - This level represents the highest Locational Running Annual Average along with the range of results for samples collected in compliance with the Stage 2 DBP Rule. Compliance with the MCL (80 ug/l) for TTHMs is determined by the Locational Running Annual Average.
15 - These levels represent the range of all samples collected in compliance with the Unregulated Contaminates Monitoring Rule 4 (UCMR4)
16 - These levels represent the range of all samples collected in compliance with the Unregulated Contaminates Monitoring Rule 4 (UCMR4)
17 - These levels represent the range of all samples collected in compliance with the Unregulated Contaminates Monitoring Rule 4 (UCMR4)
Definitions:
ACTION LEVEL |
AL |
MAXIMUM CONTAMINANT LEVEL |
MCL |
MAXIMUM CONTAMINANT LEVEL GOAL |
MCLG |
MAXIMUM RESIDUAL DISINFECTANT LEVEL |
MRDL |
MAXIMUM RESIDUAL DISINFECTANT LEVEL GOAL |
MRDLG |
MILLIGRAMS PER LITER |
mg/l |
MICROGRAMS PER LITER |
ug/l |
NEPHELOMETRIC TURBIDITY UNIT |
NTU |
ND |
|
TREATMENT TECHNIQUE |
TT |
The concentration of a contaminant that, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow. The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible.
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.
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.
The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contamination.
Corresponds to one part of liquid in one million parts of liquid (parts per million - ppm).
Corresponds to one part of liquid in one billion parts of liquid (parts per billion - ppb).
A measure of the clarity of water. Turbidity in excess of 5 NTU is just noticeable to the average person.
Laboratory analysis indicates that the constituent is not present.
A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking.
WHAT DOES THIS INFORMATION MEAN?
As you can see by the table, our system had no violations. We have learned through our testing that some contaminants have been detected; however, these contaminants were detected below New York State requirements.
Page 6 of 8
UNREGULATED CONTAMINANT INFORMATION
From
ADDITIONAL TESTING
In addition to the testing we are required to perform; our water system voluntarily tests hundreds of additional substances and microscopic organisms to make certain our water is safe and of high quality. If you are interested in a more detailed report, contact the Water Quality Department at
DO I NEED TO TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS?
Although our drinking water met or exceeded state and federal regulations, some people may be more vulnerable to disease causing microorganisms or pathogens in drinking water than the general population.
IS OUR WATER SYSTEM MEETING OTHER RULES THAT GOVERN OPERATIONS?
Last year, our system was in general compliance with State drinking water operating, monitoring and reporting requirements.
CLOSING
To maintain a safe and dependable water supply we sometimes need to make improvements that will benefit all our customers. The costs of these improvements may be reflected in the rate structure. Rate adjustments may be necessary to address these improvements.
Thank you for allowing us to continue to provide your family with quality drinking water this year. We ask that all our customers help us protect our water sources, which are the heart of our community and our way of life. Please call our office if you have questions.
Page 7 of 8
WHY SAVE WATER AND HOW TO AVOID WASTING IT?
Although our system has an adequate amount of water to meet present and future demands, there are several reasons why it is important to conserve water:
- Saving water saves energy and some of the costs associated with both of these necessities of life;
- Saving water reduces the cost of energy required to pump water and the need to construct costly new wells, pumping systems and water towers; and
-
Saving water lessens the strain on the water system during a dry spell or drought, helping to avoid severe water use restrictions so that essential
fire-fighting needs are met.
You can play a role in conserving water by becoming conscious of the amount of water your household is using, and by looking for ways to use less whenever you can. It is not hard to conserve water. Conservation tips include:
- Automatic dishwashers use 15 gallons for every cycle, regardless of how many dishes are loaded. So, get a run for your money and load it to capacity.
- Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.
- Check every faucet for leaks. Just a slow drip can waste 15 to 20 gallons a day. Fix it up and you can save almost 6,000 gallons per year.
- Check toilets for leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank - watch for a few minutes to see if the color shows up in the bowl. It is not uncommon to lose up to 100 gallons a day from one of these otherwise invisible toilet leaks. Fix it and you save more than 30,000 gallons a year.
- Use Heat Tape to protect your pipes from freezing. This will save water AND protect septic systems from overuse.
- Use your water meter to detect hidden leaks. Simply turn off all taps and water using appliances, then check the meter after 15 minutes, if it moved, you have a leak.
DO I NEED TO TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS?
Some people may be more vulnerable to disease causing microorganisms or pathogens in drinking water than the general population.
LEAD INFORMATION
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. Our water system is responsible for providing high quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or 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.
INFORMATION ON FLUORIDE ADDITION
Our system is one of the many drinking water systems in New York State that provides drinking water with a controlled, low level of fluoride for consumer dental health protection. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control, fluoride is very effective in preventing cavities when present in drinking water at a properly controlled level. To ensure that the fluoride supplement in your water provides optimal dental protection, we monitor fluoride levels on a daily basis to make sure fluoride is maintained at a target level of 0.7 mg/l (the CDC’s “interim” target level). During the last year monitoring showed that fluoride levels in your water were within 0.1 mg/l of the target level for 99% of the time. None of the monitoring results showed fluoride at levels that approach the 2.2 mg/l MCL for fluoride. Our fluoride addition facility is designed and operated to provide drinking water with this beneficial fluoride treatment. Additional reliable information regarding fluoridation in public water systems can be found online at: http://www.cdc.gov/FLUORIDATION/ and http://www.health.state.ny.us/prevention/dental/fluoridation/.
.
WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATIONS
In August of 2017, MVWA entered into a partnership with SUEZ for the daily operation and maintenance of the Water Treatment Plant and related facilities. This
Page 8 of 8
Contaminants
MVWA - Mohawk Valley Water Authority
EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the New York Department of Health - Bureau of Public Water Supply Protection, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Utility details
- Serves: 129372
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Surface water
- Total: 19
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- Bromodichloromethane
- Chloroform
- Dichloroacetic acid
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
- Trichloroacetic acid
Other Detected Contaminants
- Barium
- Bromoform
- Chlorate
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Dibromochloromethane
- Fluoride
- Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
- Manganese
- Monochloroacetic acid
- Nitrate
- Nitrate and nitrite
- Strontium
- Uranium
- Vanadium
Reminder
Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.
Sources and Resources
Sources Cited
Additional Resources
Do you live in the United States? If you do, then I am assuming that you are part of a country where tap water is considered to be unsafe. This is because the government has taken action against unregulated tap water treatment facilities and water delivery companies.
Most of the time the US citizens do not know that tap water in their homes is not safe. There are several reasons as to why this happens. First, these companies do not take the time to treat their water. They simply go out to the nearest community and fill the pipes from the municipal supply.
Second, the government allows the municipality to filter out all the chemicals and metals present in their municipal supply. Third, the municipal supply is also not tested for lead contamination.
Fourth, even though there is some debate, most of the time tap water is just not tested. It is either not tested at all, or it is tested in one way or another but most people would not know about