City of Tekamah

Ninth Annual Water Quality Report For the period of January 1 to December 31, 2007. The City of Tekamah is committed to providing residents with a safe and reliable supply of high-quality drinking water. This report is intended to provide you with important information about your drinking water and the efforts made to provide safe drinking water. This report tells you where your water comes from, what our tests show about it, and other things you should know about drinking water.

For more information regarding this report, contact: Terry Schroeder, Public Water System Operator, P.O. Box 143, 1315 K Street, Tekamah, NE 68061 or phone 402-374-2521. This report will not be mailed to individual customers, but is available at the City Office upon request.

If you would like to observe the decision-making processes that affect drinking water quality, please attend the regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council. If you would like to participate in the process, please contact the City Clerk to arrange to be placed on the agenda of the meeting of the City Council.

This report is also available on the World Wide Web at http://www.hhs.state.ne.us, the Website of the Nebraska Health and Human Services System and on the Tekamah web site: http://www.tekamah.ne.

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Source of Drinking Water

The sources of drinking water (both tap water 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 pickup substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.

The source of drinking water used by the City of Tekamah water system is Ground Water pumped from 5 wells located throughout the community.

These wells vary in size, pumping capacity, and hardness.

WELL #1 (G-28226/591) located at 13th & H Street pumps 310 gpm.

WELL #2 (G-28227/551) located at 15th & G Street pumps 325 gpm.

WELL #3 (G-28228/491) located at 13th & R Street pumps 340 gpm.

WELL #4 (G-28229/592) located at 18th & N Street pumps 190 gpm.

WELL #5 (G-51029/751) located at 19th & Q Street pumps 442 gpm.

Source Water Assessment Availability

A source water assessment contaminant source inventory has been completed by the Loess Hill R C & D for the City as part of the Wellhead Protection Program. The contaminant source inventory is a very important in protecting ground water used by the city. The inventory of potential contaminant sources reveals what materials could end up in the community’s drinking water. Considering this information, a community can institute preventive measures that will cost far less than remediation. Overall the Wellhead Protection Program is a powerful tool used to help reduce the threat of drinking water contamination. Copies of the maps and potential contaminant sources are available at the city office for review. If you are interested in finding out more about the Source Water Assessment Program, please call the Ground Water Section, NDEQ at (402) 471-0096.

Contaminants Found In Drinking Water.

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hot line at (800) 426-4791.

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 byproducts 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. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health.

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

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 results of material 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) or the Department of Health and Human Services/Division of Public Health/Office of the Drinking Water at 402-471-2541.

The City of Tekamah is required to test for the following contaminants: Coliform Bacteria, Antimony, Arsenic, Asbestos, Barium, Beryllium, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Cyanide, Fluoride, Lead, Mercury, Nickel, Nitrate, Nitrite, Selenium, Sodium, Thallium, Alachlor, Atrazine, Benzo(a)pyrene, Carbofuran, Chlordane, Dalapon, Di(2-ethylhexyl)adipate, Dibromochloropropane, Dinoseb, Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, Diquat, 2,4-D, Endothall, Endrin, Ethylene dibromide, Glyphosate, Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide, Hexachlorobenzene, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Lindane, Methoxychlor, Oxamyl (Vydate), Pentachlorophenol, Picloram, Polychlorinated biphenyls, Simazine, Toxaphene, Dioxin, Silvex, Benzene, Carbon Tetrachloride, o-Dichlorobenzene, Para-Dichlorobenzene, 1, 2-Dichlorethane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, Cis-1, 2,-Dichloroethylene, Trans-1, 2-Dichloroethylene, Dichloromethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, Ethylbenzene, Monochlorobenzene, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, Trichloroethylene, Vinyl Chloride, Styrene, Tetrachloroethylene, Toluene, Xylenes (total), Gross Alpha (minus Uranium & Radium 226), Radium 226 plus Radium 228, Sulfate, Chloroform, Bromodichloromethane, Chlorodibromomethane, Bromoform, Chlorobenzene,

m-Dichlorobenzene, 1,1-Dichloropropene, 1,1-Dichloroethane,

1,1, 2,2-Tetrachlorethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, Chloromethane, Bromomethane,

1, 2,3-Trichloropropane, 1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane, Chloroethane, 2,2-Dichloropropane, o-Chlorotoluene, p-Chlorotoluene, Bromobenzene, 1,3-Dichloropropene, Aldrin, Butachlor, Carbarryl, Dicamba, Dieldrin, 3-Hydroxycarbofuran, Methonyl, Metolachlor, Metribuzin, Propachlor, Uranium-If disinfecting test for DBP’s

The City of Tekamah was chosen by the State to test for contaminants that fall underneath the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule.

2,4 -dinitrotoluene, 2,6-dinitrotoluene, 4,4’-DDE, Acetochlor, DCPA di/mono acid degradate, EPTC, Molinate, MTBE, Nitrobenzene, Perchlorate, Terbacil

TEST RESULTS (COLLECTED IN 2007 UNLESS NOTED)

Microbiological Contaminants Violation MCL MCLG Tekamah

Coliform Bacteria; Sample tests for Total coliform in 2007 were all zero.

Sample tests for Fecal Coliform or E. Coli in 2007 were all zero.

Two routine total coliform bacteria samples were collected from the distribution system each month of 2007.

Likely Source of Coliform Contamination: Naturally present in the environment. Fecal coliform and E. coli are present in human and animal fecal waste.

Lead and Copper Unit 90th % MCL AL Tekamah Date

Lead ppb 12.7 15 ppb 15 0 8-24-2005

Copper ppm .462 1.3 ppm 1300 0 8-24-2005

Likely Source Of Contamination: Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposit; Leaching from wood preservatives.

Radioactive Contaminants. Unit MCL MCLG Tekamah Date

Gross-Alpha pCi/L 15 0 2.8 2-19-2003

Likely source of contamination: Naturally present in the environment or the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

Detected Regulated Contaminants

Inorganic Contaminants

Arsenic results are below Highest results tested 2-01-2005

Analyte Name	Analytical Method	Less than Indicator	Level Type	Reporting Level	Concentration level	Monitoring Period Begin Date	Monitoring Period End Date
ARSENIC	200.8	Y	MRL	2 UG/L		01-01-2005	12-31-2007

Highest results tested 2-11-2003

Analyte Name	Analytical Method	Less than Indicator	Level Type	Reporting Level	Concentration level	Monitoring Period Begin Date	Monitoring Period End Date
ARSENIC	200.8	N		0	3.35  UG/L	01-01-1999	12-31-2004

Unit Highest Level RANGE MCLG MCL VIOATION

Detected of levels

Arsenic ppb 3.35 2.3- 3.35 0 10 no 2-11-2003

Arsenic ppb * < 2.3-3.35 0 10 no 2-01-2005

Barium ppm 0.251 0.154-0.251 2 2 no 2-11-2003

Fluoride * ppm 0.59 0.36-0.59 4 4 no 2-11-2003

Nickel ppb 3.76 2.44-3.76 n/a 100 no

Nitrate-Nitrite ppm 8.8 1.4- 88 10 10 no 2007

* < = less than indicator

Detected Unregulated Contaminants.

Unit Highest Level Range of level Detected Detected Date

Sulfate ppm 140 51-140 200

Likely source of contamination: Naturally present in the environment; erosion of natural deposits.

Radioactive Contaminants. Unit MCL MCLG Tekamah Date

Radium 226 pCi/l 15 0 0.1 3/18/2002

Likely Source of Contamination:

Arsenic- Erosion of natural deposits; Runoff from Orchards; Runoff from electronics production wastes

Barium - Erosion of natural deposits; Discharge of drilling wastes; Discharge from metal refineries

Fluoride * – Erosion of natural deposits, Fertilizer discharge;

Water additives which promotes strong teeth

Nickel – Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching

Nitrate - Nitrite-- Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits.

* = Fluoride is not added to the City’s water to protect against tooth decay.

Note: The state requires monitoring of certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Therefore, some of our data may be more than one year old. Also, information about Radiological Contaminants may be obtained from NE Health and Human Services by calling (402) 471-2541.

MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLG’s as feasible using the best available treatment technology.

MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level Goal): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLG’s allow for a margin of safety.

TT (Treatment Technique): A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

AL (Action Level): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.

ppm: Parts Per Million ppb: Parts Per Billion ppt: Parts Per Trillion Pci/L: picoCuries Per Liter (measurement of radioactivity)

Information about Violations of the Nebraska Safe Drinking Water Act, which occurred in 2007:

Total Coliform Rule (Non-Acute MCL) Potential Adverse Health Effects Statement: Coliforms are bacteria, which are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems. 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 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.

Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 ppm is a health risk for infants of less than 6 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 advice from your health care provider.

The City of Tekamah purchased chlorine injectors in 1999 and placed them on the wells so that minimal chlorine residual could be maintained if the need arose to chlorinate the water system.

The City of Tekamah in 2003 Built a New Reservoir at 16 th. & G st. this allowed the city to combine the two water systems. In doing so the city increased the fire protection for many areas of Tekamah and has increased water pressure in the Old South Reservoir system. This allowed the city to comply with the minimum state water pressure requirements of 20 lbs at all times and especially during a fire.

The Nebraska Water Assessment Program is “To develop information which enables Public Water Supply owners, consumers, and others to initiate and/or promote actions to protect their drinking water sources.”

The information included in the City’s Public Water Supply System’s Source Water Assessment is: A map of the Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA)

A list of potential contaminant sources

A vulnerability rating from NHHS Sanitary Survey Program

A Source Water Protection information sheet

This information is available at the Tekamah City Office.

For more information call the City of Tekamah:

(402) 374-2521 or

e-mail: tekcity@tekamah.net

The 2007 City of Tekamah Ninth Annual Water Quality Report.