2004 WATER QUALITY REPORT FOR CITY OF MAQUOKETA  

This report contains important information regarding the water quality in our water system. The City of Maquoketa has four active public water wells (Wells 3,4,5, and 6). Wells 4,5, and 6 are open in the Cambrian-Ordovician aquifer. Well 3 is open in the Pleistocene aquifer. Hydrogeologic data was not available for Well 3. Our water quality testing shows the following results:  

Note: Contaminants with dates indicate results from the most recent testing done in accordance with regulations.  

DEFINITIONS  

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

·          Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) -- 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.

·          ppb -- parts per billion.

·          ppm -- parts per million.

·          pCi/L – picocuries per liter

·          N/A – Not applicable

·          ND -- Not detected

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

GENERAL INFORMATION  

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 posed a health risk.  More information about contaminants or potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) or see the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) water information site at www.epa.gov/safewater/.  

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) or see the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) water information site at www.epa.gov/safewater/.  

CONTAMINANT Violations

Combined Radium 226/228. Some people who drink water containing Radium 226 or 228 in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer. This notice serves as public notification for the 2^nd quarter of 2004.  

The City’s engineering consultant, Snyder and Associates, is designing an Ion Exchange Softening Water Treatment process to eliminate the combined radium excess MCL. The water plant and new piping is expected to be completed in the summer of  2005.  

ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION  

Fluoride in children’s drinking water at levels of approximately 1 mg/L reduces the number of dental cavities. This is why the City of Maquoketa has chosen to add fluoride to the water system.  

Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 ppm is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age.  High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome.  Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity.  If you are caring for an infant you should ask advice from your health care provider.  

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT INFORMATION  

The Maquoketa water supply obtains a portion of its water from the Cambrian - Ordovician aquifer.  The Cambrian - Ordovician aquifer was determined to be not susceptible to contamination because the characteristics of the aquifer and overlying materials prevent easy access of contaminants to the Cambrian - Ordovician aquifers.  The wells will not be susceptible to most contaminates sources except through pathways to the aquifer such as abandoned or poorly maintained wells. The other portion of the Maquoketa water supply is obtained from the Pleistocene aquifer. The Pleistocene aquifer was determined to be highly susceptible to contamination because the characteristics of the aquifer and overlying materials allow contaminants to move through the aquifer fairly quickly.  The Maquoketa Pleistocene will be susceptible to activities such as solid waste disposal sites, leaking underground storage tanks, and wastewater treatment plants.  A detailed evaluation of your source water was completed by the IDNR, and is available from The City of Maquoketa at 563-652-2484.  

OTHER INFORMATION  

Our water utility is making every effort to protect the water system from potential security threats.  You, as customers, can also help.  If you see any suspicious activity near the water tower, treatment plant, wells or fire hydrants, please contact us at 563-652-2484 or the local police/sheriff department at 563-652-2468.  We appreciate your assistance in protecting the water system. More information on water system security can be found at www.iowawatersecurity.org.  

The City of Maquoketa is currently undergoing a rate study to determine future needs.  

Plans are being prepared and construction should begin during the summer of 2004 of a new Water Treatment Plant and be completed in the summer of 2005.  

This information is also available on the City of Maquoketa ’s web site at: www.maquoketaia.com  

CONTACT INFORMATION  

For questions regarding this information, please contact City Hall at 563-652-2484 during the following hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm , Monday through Friday. Decisions regarding the water system are made at the City Council meetings held on first and third Mondays of the month at 7:00 p.m. at 201 E. Pleasant Street and are open to the public.