We're pleased to present to you this year's Annual Water Quality Report. This report is designed to inform you about the quality water and services we deliver to you every day. Our constant goal is to provide you with a safe and dependable supply of drinking water. We want you to understand the efforts we make to continually improve the water treatment process and protect our water resources. We are committed to ensuring the quality of your water.

Our water source is drawn from Bowlens Creek, surface water and Cane River, surface water.

Raw water from Bowlens Creek and Cane River is treated at the Town of Burnsville Water Plant. The treatment process has four main steps: coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. First, chemicals are mixed into the water which form a solid material around small particles in the raw water, causing them to clump together. The particles are allowed to settle to the bottom of large settling tanks and then removed. The water flows through filters of carbon and sand to remove any remaining particles. Finally chlorine is added to disinfect and to ensure that the water is safe to drink when it reaches the customers.

I'm pleased to report that our drinking water is safe and meets all federal and state requirements.

If you have any questions about this report or concerning your water utility, please contact Thomas W. Storie at (828) 682-2420.We want our valued customers to be informed about their water utility. If you want to learn more, please attend any of our regularly scheduled board meetings. Our board meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 10:30 AM. in the Town Hall.
 

What EPA Wants You to Know

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 Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

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 microbiological contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife; inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming; pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses; organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems; and 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.
 

Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) Results

The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Public Water Supply (PWS) Section, Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) conducted assessments for all drinking water sources across North Carolina. The purpose of the assessments was to determine the susceptibility of each drinking water source (well or surface water intake) to Potential Contaminant Sources (PCSs). The results of the assessment are available in SWAP Assessment Reports that include maps, background information and a relative susceptibility rating of Higher, Moderate or Lower.

The relative susceptibility rating of each source for Town of Burnsville was determined by combining the contaminant rating (number and location of PCSs within the assessment area) and the inherent vulnerability rating (i.e., characteristics or existing conditions of the well or watershed and its delineated assessment area.). The assessment findings are summarized in the table below:

The complete SWAP Assessment report for Town of Burnsville may be viewed on the Web at: http://www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/pws/swap Please note that because SWAP results and reports are periodically updated by the PWS Section, the results available on this web site may differ from the results that were available at the time this CCR was prepared. To obtain a printed copy of this report, please mail a written request to: Source Water Assessment Program – Report Request, 1634 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1634, or email request to swap@ncmail.net. Please indicate your system name, PWSID, and provide your name, mailing address and phone number. If you have any questions about the SWAP report please contact the Source Water Assessment staff by phone at 919-715-2633.

It is important to understand that a susceptibility rating of "higher" does not imply poor water quality, only the systems’ potential to become contaminated by PCS’s in the assessment area
 

The Town of Burnsvilleroutinely monitors for contaminants in your drinking water according to Federal and State laws. This table shows the results of our monitoring for the period of January 1^st to December 31^st, 2004 and the last test results of contaminants that were not due to be tested in 2004. As water travels over the land or underground it can pick up substances or contaminants such as microbes, inorganic and organic chemicals, and radioactive substances. All drinking water, including bottled drinking water, may be reasonably expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. It's important to remember that the presence of these contaminants does not necessarily pose a health risk.

In this table you will find many terms and abbreviations you might not be familiar with. To help you better understand these terms we've provided the following definitions:

Not-Applicable (N/A) – Information not applicable/not required for that particular water system of for that particular Rule.

Non-Detects (ND) - laboratory analysis indicates that the constituent is not present.

Parts per million (ppm) or Milligrams per liter (mg/l) - one part per million corresponds to one minute in two years or a single penny in $10,000.

Parts per billion (ppb) or Micrograms per liter - one part per billion corresponds to one minute in 2,000 years, or a single penny in $10,000,000.

Parts per trillion (ppt) or Nanograms per liter (nanograms/l) - one part per trillion corresponds to one minute in 2,000,000 years, or a single penny in $10,000,000,000.

Parts per quadrillion (ppq) or Picograms per liter (picograms/l) - one part per quadrillion corresponds to one minute in 2,000,000,000 years or one penny in $10,000,000,000,000.

Picocuries per liter (pCi/L) - picocuries per liter is a measure of the radioactivity in water.

Millirems per year (mrem/yr) - measure of radiation absorbed by the body.

Million Fibers per Liter (MFL) - million fibers per liter is a measure of the presence of asbestos fibers that are longer than 10 micrometers.

Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) - nephelometric turbidity unit is a measure of the clarity of water. Turbidity in excess of 5 NTU is just noticeable to the average person.

Action Level - the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.

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

Maximum Contaminant Level - The "Maximum Allowed" (MCL) is 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 - The "Goal"(MCLG) is 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.

Microbiological Contaminants
 

Contaminant (units)	MCL Violation Y/N	Your Water	MCLG	MCL	Likely Source of Contamination
Total Coliform Bacteria  (presence or absence)	N	ABSENT	0	one positive monthly sample	Naturally present in the environment
Fecal Coliform or E. coli (presence or absence)	N/A	N/A	0	0 (Note: The MCL is exceeded if a routine sample and repeat sample are total coliform positive, and one is also fecal coliform or E. coli positive)	Human and animal fecal waste

Turbidity* - Systems with population <10,000
 

Contaminant (units)	MCL Violation Y/N	Your Water	MCLG	MCL	Likely Source of Contamination
Turbidity (NTU)	N	.29	N/A	TT = 5 NTU	Soil runoff
		100%		TT = percentage of samples < 0.5 NTU

* Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water. We monitor it because it is a good indicator of the effectiveness of our filtration system. Beginning January 2005, the turbidity rule will require, for all systems, that 95% or more of the monthly samples must be less than or equal to 0.3 NTU.

Inorganic Contaminants
 

Contaminant (units)	Sample Date	MCL Violation Y/N	Your Water	Range Low High	MCLG	MCL	Likely Source of Contamination
Antimony (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	6	6	Discharge from petroleum refineries; fire retardants; ceramics; electronics; solder
Arsenic (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	0	10	Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; runoff from glass and electronics production wastes
Barium (ppm)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	2	2	Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits
Beryllium (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	4	4	Discharge from metal refineries and coal-burning factories; discharge from electrical, aerospace, and defense industries
Cadmium (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	5	5	Corrosion of galvanized pipes; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from metal refineries; runoff from waste batteries and paints
Chromium (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	100	100	Discharge from steel and pulp mills; erosion of natural deposits
Cyanide (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	200	200	Discharge from steel/metal factories; discharge from plastic and fertilizer factories
Fluoride (ppm)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	4	4	Erosion of natural deposits; water additive which promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories
Mercury (inorganic) (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	2	2	Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from refineries and factories; runoff from landfills; runoff from cropland
Selenium (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	50	50	Discharge from petroleum and metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from mines
Thallium (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	0.5	2	Leaching from ore-processing sites; discharge from electronics, glass, and drug factories

While your drinking water meets EPA’s standard for arsenic, it does contain low levels of arsenic. EPA’s standard balances the current understanding of arsenic’s possible health effects against the costs of removing arsenic from drinking water. EPA continues to research the health effects of low levels of arsenic, which is a mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linked to other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems.
 

Nitrate/Nitrite Contaminants
 

Contaminant (units)	MCL Violation Y/N	Your Water	Range Low High	MCLG	MCL	Likely Source of Contamination
Nitrate (as Nitrogen) (ppm) 10/20/04	N	1.22	N/A	10	10	Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits
Nitrite (as Nitrogen) (ppm) 5/24/93	N	<.01	N/A	1	1	Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits

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.

Unregulated Inorganic Contaminants
 

Contaminant (units)	Sample Date	Your Water	Range Low High	Secondary MCL
Sulfate (ppm)	7/9/04	9.73	9.73 9.73	250

Synthetic Organic Chemical (SOC) Contaminants Including Pesticides and Herbicides
 

Contaminant (units)	Sample Date	MCL Violation Y/N	Your Water	Range Low High	MCLG	MCL	Likely Source of Contamination
2,4-D (ppb)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	70	70	Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
2,4,5-TP (Silvex) (ppb)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	50	50	Residue of banned herbicide
Alachlor (ppb)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	0	2	Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
Atrazine (ppb)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	3	3	Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
Benzo(a)pyrene (PAH) (ppt)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	0	200	Leaching from linings of water storage tanks and distribution lines
Carbofuran (ppb)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	40	40	Leaching of soil fumigant used on rice and alfalfa
Chlordane (ppb)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	0	2	Residue of banned termiticide
Dalapon (ppb)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	200	200	Runoff from herbicide used on rights of way
Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (ppb)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	400	400	Discharge from chemical factories
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (ppb)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	0	6	Discharge from rubber and chemical factories
DBCP [Dibromochloropropane] (ppt)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	0	200	Runoff/leaching from soil fumigant used on soybeans, cotton, pineapples, and orchards
Dinoseb (ppb)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	7	7	Runoff from herbicide used on soybeans and vegetables
Endrin (ppb)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	2	2	Residue of banned insecticide
EDB [Ethylene dibromide] (ppt)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	0	50	Discharge from petroleum refineries
Heptachlor (ppt)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	0	400	Residue of banned pesticide
Heptachlor epoxide (ppt)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	0	200	Breakdown of heptachlor
Hexachlorobenzene (ppb)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	0	1	Discharge from metal refineries and agricultural chemical factories
Hexachlorocyclo-pentadiene (ppb)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	50	50	Discharge from chemical factories
Lindane (ppt)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	200	200	Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cattle, lumber, gardens
Methoxychlor (ppb)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	40	40	Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on fruits, vegetables, alfalfa, livestock
Oxamyl [Vydate] (ppb)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	200	200	Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on apples, potatoes and tomatoes
PCBs [Polychlorinated biphenyls] (ppt)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	0	500	Runoff from landfills; discharge of waste chemicals
Pentachlorophenol (ppb)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	0	1	Discharge from wood preserving factories
Picloram (ppb)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	500	500	Herbicide runoff
Simazine (ppb)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	4	4	Herbicide runoff
Toxaphene (ppb)	4/23/02	N	ND	ND	0	3	Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cotton and cattle

Unregulated SOC Contaminants Including Pesticides and Herbicides
 

Contaminant (units)	Sample Date	Your Water	Range Low High
Aldicard (ppb)	4/23/02	ND	ND
Aldicard Sulfone (ppb)	4/23/02	ND	ND
Aldicard Sulfoxide (ppb)	4/23/02	ND	ND
Aldrin (ppb)	4/23/02	ND	ND
Butachlor (ppb)	4/23/02	ND	ND
Carbaryl (ppb)	4/23/02	ND	ND
Dicamba (ppb)	4/23/02	ND	ND
Dieldrin (ppb)	4/23/02	ND	ND
3-Hydroxycarbofuran (ppb)	4/23/02	ND	ND
Methomyl (ppb)	4/23/02	ND	ND
Metolachlor (ppb)	4/23/02	ND	ND
Metribuzin (ppb)	4/23/02	ND	ND
Propachlor (ppb)	4/23/02	ND	ND

Volatile Organic Chemical (VOC) Contaminants
 

Contaminant (units)	Sample Date	MCL Violation Y/N	Your Water	Range Low High	MCLG	MCL	Likely Source of Contamination
Benzene (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	0	5	Discharge from factories; leaching from gas storage tanks and landfills
Carbon tetrachloride (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	0	5	Discharge from chemical plants and other industrial activities
Chlorobenzene (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	100	100	Discharge from chemical and agricultural chemical factories
o-Dichlorobenzene (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	600	600	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
p-Dichlorobenzene (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	75	75	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
1,2 – Dichloroethane (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	0	5	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
1,1 – Dichloroethylene (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	7	7	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene (ppb)	10/15/04	N	ND	ND	70	70	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	100	100	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
Dichloromethane (ppb)	7/9/04	N	2.5	2.5 2.5	0	5	Discharge from pharmaceutical and chemical factories
1,2-Dichloropropane (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	0	5	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
Ethylbenzene (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	700	700	Discharge from petroleum refineries
Styrene (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	100	100	Discharge from rubber and plastic factories; leaching from landfills
Tetrachloroethylene (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	0	5	Discharge from factories and dry cleaners
1,2,4 –Trichlorobenzene (ppb)	10/15/04	N	ND	ND	70	70	Discharge from textile-finishing factories
1,1,1 – Trichloroethane (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	200	200	Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories
1,1,2 –Trichloroethane (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	3	5	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
Trichloroethylene (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	0	5	Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories
Toluene (ppm)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	1	1	Discharge from petroleum factories
Vinyl Chloride (ppb)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	0	2	Leaching from PVC piping; discharge from plastics factories
Xylenes (Total) (ppm)	7/9/04	N	ND	ND	10	10	Discharge from petroleum factories; discharge from chemical factories

Unregulated VOC Contaminants
 

Contaminant (units)	Sample Date	Your Water	Range Low High	Contaminant (units)	Sample Date	Your Water	Range Low High
Chloroform (ppb)	10/15/04	19	16 21	Bromomethane (ppb)	10/15/04	ND	ND
Bromodichloromethane (ppb)	7/9/04	16	16 16	n-Butylbenzene (ppb)	10/15/04	ND	ND
Bromoform (ppb)	7/9/04	ND	ND	sec-Butylbenzene (ppb)	10/15/04	ND	ND
Chlorodibromomethane (ppb)	7/9/04	ND	ND	tert-Butylbenzene (ppb)	10/15/04	ND	ND
Bromobenzene (ppb)	7/9/04	ND	ND	Chloroethane (ppb)	10/15/04	ND	ND
Bromochloromethane (ppb)	10/15/04	ND	ND	Chloromethane (ppb)	10/15/04	ND	ND
o-Chlorotoluene (ppb)	7/9/04	ND	ND	Hexachlorobutadiene (ppb)	10/15/04	ND	ND
p-Chlorotoluene(ppb)	7/9/04	ND	ND	Isopropylbenzene (ppb)	7/9/04	ND	ND
Dibromomethane (ppb)	10/15/04	ND	ND	p-Isopropyltoluene (ppb)	10/15/04	ND	ND
m-Dichlorobenzene (ppb)	7/9/04	ND	ND	Naphthalene (ppb)	10/15/04	ND	ND
Dichlorodifluoromethane (ppb)	10/15/04	ND	ND	n-Propylbenzene (ppb)	7/9/04	ND	ND
1,1-Dichloroethane (ppb)	7/9/04	ND	ND	1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane (ppb)	7/9/04	ND	ND
1,3-Dichloropropane (ppb)	10/15/04	ND	ND	1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane (ppb)	7/9/04	ND	ND
2,2-Dichloropropane (ppb)	10/15/04	ND	ND	1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene (ppb)	10/15/04	ND	ND
1,1-Dichloropropene (ppb)	10/15/04	ND	ND	1,2,3-Trichloropropane (ppb)	10/15/04	ND	ND
1,3-Dichloropropene (ppb)	10/15/04	ND	ND	1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene (ppb)	10/15/04	ND	ND
Fluorotrichloromethane (ppb)	10/15/04	ND	ND	1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene (ppb)	10/15/04	ND	ND

Asbestos Contaminant
 

Contaminant (units)	Sample Date	MCL Violation Y/N	Your Water	Range Low High	MCLG	MCL	Likely Source of Contamination
Total Asbestos (MFL)	12/18/03	N	ND	ND	7	7	Decay of asbestos cement water mains; erosion of natural deposits

Lead and Copper Contaminants
 

Contaminant (units)	Sample Date	Your Water	# of sites found above the AL	MCLG	MCL	Likely Source of Contamination
Copper (ppm) (90th percentile)	9/25/04	.0144	0	1.3	AL=1.3	Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives
Lead (ppb) (90th percentile)	9/25/04	<1	0	0	AL=15	Corrosion of household plumbing systems, erosion of natural deposits

Infants and young children are typically more vulnerable to lead in drinking water than the general population. It is possible that lead levels at your home may be higher than at other homes in the community as a result of materials used in your home's plumbing. If you are concerned about elevated lead levels in your home's water, you may wish to have your water tested and flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using tap water. Additional information is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Radioactive Contaminants
 

Contaminant (units)	Sample Date	MCL Violation Y/N	Your Water	MCLG	MCL	Likely Source of Contamination
Alpha emitters (pCi/L)	12/18/03	N	ND	0	15	Erosion of natural deposits
Beta/photon emitters (pCi/L)	12/18/03	N	ND	0	50 *	Decay of natural and man-made deposits
Combined radium (pCi/L)	N/A	N/A	N/A	0	5	Erosion of natural deposits
Uranium (pCi/L)	12/18/03	N	ND	0	20.1	Erosion of natural deposits

* Note: The MCL for beta particles is 4 mrem/year. EPA considers 50 pCi/L to be the level of concern for beta particles.
 

Alternative Compliance Criteria (ACC)
Alt. 2	Treated Water TOC < 2.0 mg/L

Our water system used Alternative Compliance Criteria (ACC) Alt. 2 as the method to comply with the disinfectants/disinfectant byproducts treatment technique requirements.

Disinfection Byproduct Precursors Contaminants
 

Contaminant (units)	Sample Date	MCL/TT Violation Y/N	Your Water	Range Low High	MCLG		MCL	Likely Source of Contamination
Total Organic Carbon (ppm) (TOC)-RAW	12/22/04	N	.126	0 1.14	N/A		TT	Naturally present in the environment
Total Organic Carbon (ppm) (TOC)-TREATED	12/22/04	N	ND	ND	N/A	TT		Naturally present in the environment

Note: Depending on the TOC in our source water, the system MUST have a certain % removal of TOC or must achieve alternative compliance criteria. If we do not achieve that % removal, there is an alternative % removal. If we fail to meet the alternative % removal, we are in violation of a Treatment Technique.

Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Contaminants
 

Contaminant (units)	MCL/MRDL Violation Y/N	Your Water (AVG)	Range Low High	MCLG	MCL	Likely Source of Contamination
TTHM (ppb) [Total Trihalomethanes]	N	23	18 28	N/A	80	By-product of drinking water chlorination
HAA5 (ppb) [Total Haloacetic Acids]	N	35	29 40	N/A	60	By-product of drinking water disinfection

Some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous systems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer

Water Characteristics Contaminants
 

Contaminant (units)	Sample Date	Your Water	Range Low/High	Secondary MCL
Iron (ppm)	7/9/04	ND	N/A	0.3
Manganese (ppm)	7/9/04	ND	N/A	0.05
Nickel (ppm)	7/9/04	ND	N/A	N/A
Sodium(ppm)	7/9/04	6.19	N/A	N/A
PH	7/9/04	6.33	N/A	6.5 to 8.5

Microbiological Contaminants:

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. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems.

Fecal coliform/E.Coli. Fecal coliforms and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune systems.

Turbidity. Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.

Radioactive Contaminants:

Beta/photon emitters. Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit forms of radiation known as photons and beta radiation. Some people who drink water containing beta and photon emitters in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Alpha emitters. Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit a form of radiation known as alpha radiation. Some people who drink water containing alpha emitters in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

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.

Inorganic Contaminants:

Antimony. Some people who drink water containing antimony well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience increases in blood cholesterol and decreases in blood sugar.

Arsenic. Some people who drink water containing arsenic in excess of the MCL over many years could experience skin damage or problems with their circulatory system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Asbestos. Some people who drink water containing asbestos in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of developing benign intestinal polyps.

Barium. Some people who drink water containing barium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience an increase in their blood pressure.

Beryllium. Some people who drink water containing beryllium well in excess of the MCL over many years could develop intestinal lesions.

Cadmium. Some people who drink water containing cadmium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience kidney damage.

Chromium. Some people who use water containing chromium well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience allergic dermatitis.

Copper. Copper is an essential nutrient, but some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over a relatively short amount of time could experience gastrointestinal distress. Some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over many years could suffer liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson's Disease should consult their personal doctor.

Cyanide. Some people who drink water containing cyanide well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience nerve damage or problems with their thyroid.

Fluoride. Some people who drink water containing fluoride in excess of the MCL over many years could get bone disease, including pain and tenderness of the bones. Children may get mottled teeth.

Lead. Infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the action level could experience delays in their physical or mental development. Children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.

Mercury (inorganic). Some people who drink water containing inorganic mercury well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience kidney damage.

Nitrate. Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome.

Nitrite. Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrite in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome.

Selenium. Selenium is an essential nutrient. However, some people who drink water containing selenium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience hair or fingernail losses, numbness in fingers or toes, or problems with their circulation.

Thallium. Some people who drink water containing thallium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience hair loss, changes in their blood, or problems with their kidneys, intestines, or liver

Synthetic organic contaminants including pesticides and herbicides:

2,4-D. Some people who drink water containing the weed killer 2,4-D well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their kidneys, liver, or adrenal glands.

2,4,5-TP (Silvex). Some people who drink water containing silvex in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver problems.

Acrylamide. Some people who drink water containing high levels of acrylamide over a long period of time could have problems with their nervous system or blood, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Alachlor. Some people who drink water containing alachlor in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their eyes, liver, kidneys, or spleen, or experience anemia, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Atrazine. Some people who drink water containing atrazine well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their cardiovascular system or reproductive difficulties.

Benzo(a)pyrene [PAH]. Some people who drink water containing benzo(a)pyrene in excess of the MCL over many years may experience reproductive difficulties and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Carbofuran. Some people who drink water containing carbofuran in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their blood, or nervous or reproductive systems.

Chlordane. Some people who drink water containing chlordane in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Dalapon. Some people who drink water containing dalapon well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience minor kidney changes.

Di (2-ethylhexyl) adipate. Some people who drink water containing di (2-ethylhexyl) adipate well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience general toxic effects or reproductive difficulties.

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. Some people who drink water containing di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in excess of the MCL over many years may have problems with their liver, or experience reproductive difficulties, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Dibromochloropropane (DBCP). Some people who drink water containing DBCP in excess of the MCL over many years could experience reproductive difficulties and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Dinoseb. Some people who drink water containing dinoseb well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience reproductive difficulties.

Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD). Some people who drink water containing dioxin in excess of the MCL over many years could experience reproductive difficulties and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Diquat. Some people who drink water containing diquat in excess of the MCL over many years could get cataracts.

Endothall. Some people who drink water containing endothall in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their stomach or intestines.

Endrin. Some people who drink water containing endrin in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver problems.

Epichlorohydrin. Some people who drink water containing high levels of epichlorohydrin over a long period of time could experience stomach problems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Ethylene dibromide. Some people who drink water containing ethylene dibromide in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver, stomach, reproductive system, or kidneys, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Glyphosate. Some people who drink water containing glyphosate in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their kidneys or reproductive difficulties.

Heptachlor. Some people who drink water containing heptachlor in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver damage and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Heptachlor epoxide. Some people who drink water containing heptachlor epoxide in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver damage, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Hexachlorobenzene. Some people who drink water containing hexachlorobenzene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or kidneys, or adverse reproductive effects, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Hexachlorocyclopentadiene. Some people who drink water containing hexachlorocyclopentadiene well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their kidneys or stomach.

Lindane. Some people who drink water containing lindane in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their kidneys or liver.

Methoxychlor. Some people who drink water containing methoxychlor in excess of the MCL over many years could experience reproductive difficulties.

Oxamyl [Vydate]. Some people who drink water containing oxamyl in excess of the MCL over many years could experience slight nervous system effects.

PCBs [Polychlorinated biphenyls]. Some people who drink water containing PCBs in excess of the MCL over many years could experience changes in their skin, problems with their thymus gland, immune deficiencies, or reproductive or nervous system difficulties, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Pentachlorophenol. Some people who drink water containing pentachlorophenol in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or kidneys, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Picloram. Some people who drink water containing picloram in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver.

Simazine. Some people who drink water containing simazine in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their blood.

Toxaphene. Some people who drink water containing toxaphene in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their kidneys, liver, or thyroid, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Volatile Organic Contaminants:

Benzene. Some people who drink water containing benzene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience anemia or a decrease in blood platelets, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Carbon Tetrachloride. Some people who drink water containing carbon tetrachloride in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Chlorobenzene. Some people who drink water containing chlorobenzene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or kidneys.

o-Dichlorobenzene. Some people who drink water containing o-dichlorobenzene well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or circulatory systems.

p-Dichlorobenzene. Some people who drink water containing p-dichlorobenzene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience anemia, damage to their liver, kidneys, or spleen, or changes in their blood.

1,2-Dichloroethane. Some people who drink water containing 1,2-dichloroethane in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

1,1-Dichloroethylene. Some people who drink water containing 1,1-dichloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver.

cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene. Some people who drink water containing cis-1,2-dichloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver.

trans-1,2-Dicholoroethylene. Some people who drink water containing trans-1,2-dichloroethylene well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver.

Dichloromethane. Some people who drink water containing dichloromethane in excess of the MCL over many years could have liver problems and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

1,2-Dichloropropane. Some people who drink water containing 1,2-dichloropropane in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Ethylbenzene. Some people who drink water containing ethylbenzene well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or kidneys.

Styrene. Some people who drink water containing styrene well in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their liver, kidneys, or circulatory system.

Tetrachloroethylene. Some people who drink water containing tetrachloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their liver, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene. Some people who drink water containing 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience changes in their adrenal glands.

1,1,1,-Trichloroethane. Some people who drink water containing 1,1,1-trichloroethane in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver, nervous system, or circulatory system.

1,1,2-Trichloroethane. Some people who drink water containing 1,1,2-trichloroethane well in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their liver, kidneys, or immune systems.

Trichloroethylene. Some people who drink water containing trichloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

TTHMs [Total Trihalomethanes]. Some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous systems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Toluene. Some people who drink water containing toluene well in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their nervous system, kidneys, or liver.

Vinyl Chloride. Some people who drink water containing vinyl chloride in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Xylenes. Some people who drink water containing xylenes in excess of the MCL over many years could experience damage to their nervous system.
 
 
 
 

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

Our system did not meet the treatment technique requirement at our water treatment plant. Although this situation was not an emergency and does not require that you take immediate action, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we did to correct this situation.

The North Carolina Rules Governing Public Water Systems requires that we comply with these treatment technique requirements; therefore, we routinely monitor the disinfectant residual levels and contact times within the water treatment plant(s). Test results for the time period of January 2005 showed that treatment technique requirements had not been adequately met.

What should I do?

You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor. People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426-4791.

What does this mean?

This situation does not require that you take immediate action. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. Tests taken during the same time period did not indicate the presence of bacteria in the water. Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms in drinking water, but also by other factors. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.

What happened? What is being done?

Town of Burnsville is in violation of Section .2002 of North Carolina’s Rules Governing Public Water Systems for failure to provide adequate disinfection of your system’s drinking water. The disinfection treatment must be sufficient to ensure at least 99.9 percent (3-log) inactivation of Giardia lamblia cysts, therefore, the calculated CT ratio must be greater than or equal to 1.0. Your system’s CT ratio on January 17, 2005 was 0.48, which is below the required CT ratio of 1.0.

We have since taken samples and had them tested. They show that we are currently meeting the removal requirements of the treatment technique.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

For more information, please contact:

Violation Awareness Date: ___1/17/05__

Date Notice Distributed: _____June 2005_____ Method of Distribution: ________CCR_________

We are required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis. Results o