Community Water Company of Green Valley, Arizona is pleased to present you with its second annual Water Quality Report.  Information contained in this report reflects the 1999 calendar year.  

            Last year, over 55,000 community water systems nationwide began providing their customers with annual water quality reports. These reports are designed to help you, the water user, make informed decisions regarding your drinking water.

            Within this report, you will find information about:

Þ      Community Water Company of Green Valley;

Þ      where your water comes from, the Source Water Assessment for our service area, and ways you can help protect this precious resource;

Þ      information about hardness and sodium;

Þ      the effects of certain contaminants on those with special health needs;

Þ      the sampling requirements set forth by the  United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a summary of our sampling results for 1999;

Þ      proposed changes in water quality regulations; and

Þ      how you can contact us for more information.

            We hope that you will find this 1999 Water Quality Report informative and enlightening.  Above all, we hope to maintain your confidence in our efforts to provide you with safe, clean water.

Community Water Company of Green Valley

           Community Water Company is a member-owned, non-profit water utility existing in unincorporated Pima County and Sahuarita.  We serve an average of 2 million gallons of water per day to approximately 15,000 people.   Our service area is approximately eight square miles, existing roughly between Duval Mine Road to the north, the Santa Cruz River to the east, Cyprus Sierrita to the west, and Mission Twin Buttes Road to the south.

            We currently have fifteen full-time and three part-time employees who work hard to ensure you receive safe, clean water.

Our Water Source

            Community Water Company’s water source is the Tucson Basin Aquifer.  An aquifer is a saturated permeable geologic unit that can transmit significant quantities of groundwater.  Water is typically removed, or withdrawn, from the aquifer by municipal, agricultural, and industrial users.  Water can be added, or recharged, to the aquifer naturally from rain and snow, or incidentally through agricultural and industrial runoff, or by artificial recharge from sources such as the Central Arizona Project (CAP) and wastewater treatment facilities.  The general direction of flow of groundwater in the aquifer around Green Valley is from south to north.  This same aquifer is the water supply source for all of Green Valley, part of Tucson, and the surrounding communities.

            Community Water Company pumps groundwater from the aquifer using four wells and stores it in three one-million gallon reservoirs.  The water is delivered to the community through our water distribution system.

The Source Water Assessment Plan

            According to information from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) website, “The [Source Water Assessment Plan] SWAP will result in an evaluation of each source water that provides drinking water to each [Public Water System] PWS in Arizona.  This evaluation will determine the degree to which a PWS is protected, or at risk from contamination.  Once completed, SWAP reports will be used to assist local communities in implementing protection measures such as Wellhead Protection.  In addition, specific monitoring requirements can be tailored for each system.  For example, if a PWS has no history of a particular chemical, as well as no potential for future contamination (based on land use practices and the risk they might pose to water sources), then monitoring relief or reduced monitoring for that chemical(s), would be granted for that PWS.  If a different PWS has a history of problems with that same chemical(s), then monitoring would still be required.”

            For more information, please contact ADEQ toll free at 1-800-234-5677 extension 4644 or (602) 207-4644.  ADEQ plans to conduct the Source Water Assessment for Community Water Company in 2002.

Ways to Protect Our Water Source

             All sources of drinking water are subject to potential contamination by substances that are naturally occurring or man made.  These substances can be microbes, inorganic or organic chemicals, and radioactive substances.  All 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 the 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 at 1-800-426-4791.

            Proper disposal of household chemicals and automotive waste can help minimize the risk of groundwater contamination by reducing the potential for runoff and leaching.

            The Sahuarita Landfill accepts paint, batteries, motor oil, anti-freeze, and other hazardous household items 7 days a week between 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM.  Call 744-7649 for more information.

            A hazardous waste pickup occurs in Green Valley, usually two to four times each year.  The Green Valley News and Sun typically announces the date, time, and location of the scheduled pickup.

            The Lyon’s Club collects recyclable paper, aluminum cans, and used eyeglasses off Desert Bell Road near the Library.  This site is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Summer) and 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Winter).

            US West collects used telephone books and directories at Safeway stores in January and February.

            General recycling information may be obtained by contacting the Pima County Recycling Hotline at 791-5000.

Hardness and Sodium

            Over time, we have noticed some questions and comments that tend to be raised more frequently than others.  The most common pertain to the hardness and sodium content of the water.  Below are a few of the typical comments along with our responses.  We are grateful to the input and suggestions we have received from many of you.

            “My dishwasher leaves white stuff all over my dishes.” - We suspect that this is caused by the hardness of the water.  As a service to our customers, Community Water Company now samples annually for hardness levels.  Current hardness levels range between 13.2 and 30.4 grains per gallon.  Some of our customers have suggested the following methods to minimize deposits: use detergent additives (some report that adding these during the rinse cycle yields the best results), reduce the temperature of your hot water heater (based on inquiries we receive, those with newer dishwashers tend to notice more deposits - one customer suggested that this may be due to the temperature boosters in the newer dishwashers - if you’ve lowered the temperature of your hot water heater, you may want to check your dishwasher), and/or allow your dishes to air dry.  Your dishwasher manufacturer may be able to give you additional suggestions.

            “My doctor wants me to reduce my sodium intake.  What is the sodium content of the water?” - Community Water Company now samples annually for sodium.  Current sodium levels range between 38 and 70 milligrams per liter (mg/L), which is approximately 8.9 to 16.5 milligrams of sodium in an 8-ounce glass of water.  One liter is approximately equal to 33.82 ounces. 

            “I’ve noticed a white residue around my plants.” - In 1999, one of our customers submitted water and soil samples to a lab to determine if this residue is harmful to plants.  According to reports he obtained, the irrigation water quality is very good.  His soil fertility reports concluded that the salinity is high and will cause slow growth, foliar burn, or death of sensitive species.  The consultant suggested that some of the salts are native to the soil, but additional salts may have been deposited by light, frequent irrigation through the drip system.  The consultant’s recommendation was to apply 3 to 4 cycles of heavy irrigation (12 to 24 hours with a drip system) to leach the excess salts down and out of the root zone, allowing the soil to dry between cycles.  Please be sure to consult with your landscape expert to determine the appropriate watering methods for your plants.  Once plants mature, they typically require less water.

            “I have noticed this year that the water in my house has been much harder than in previous years.” - Community Water Company conducts routine maintenance on its wells to ensure they are working properly and to extend their useful life.  In 1999, two of our wells were taken out of service for maintenance.  Since those wells have lower levels of hardness, some customers noticed a change when they received water from the other wells.

Information for Those With Special Health Needs

            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, persons 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.

            United States Environmental Protection Agency and Center for Disease Control guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Definitions

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

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) - The “Goal” (MCLG) is the level of contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health.  MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) - 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.  MCLs are set at very stringent levels.  To understand the possible health effects described for many regulated constituents, a person would have to drink 2 liters of water every day at the MCL level for a lifetime to have a one-in-a-million chance of having the described health effect.

Non-Detects (ND) - The 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 (:g/l) - one Part Per Billion corresponds to one minute in 2,000 years, or roughly 1-1/2 inches in your travels around the world.

Picocuries Per Liter (pCi/l) - The measure of the radioactivity in water.

Summary of Sampling Results

            We are pleased to report that our water met all federal and state standards for drinking water during 1999.

            We routinely monitor for constituents in drinking water according to federal and state laws and are required to test the water for more than 100 constituents at intervals determined by the state.  These intervals, or compliance periods, differ depending on the type of contaminant and the likelihood of variation in sample results from year to year.  Regulated synthetic organic chemicals, volatile organic chemicals, and inorganic chemicals are sampled every three years.  Unregulated synthetic organic chemicals, volatile organic chemicals, and inorganic chemicals are sampled every five years.  Samples for radiochemicals, lead, and copper are required every four years.  Asbestos samples are required every nine years.  Sampling for other contaminants, such as total trihalomethanes and bacteria, occurs more frequently.

            Table 1 identifies constituents that were detected during the required compliance period.  As noted in Table 1, some data is from the most recent compliance period which did not occur in 1999.  All data included in Table 1 is from testing done within the last five years.

            The constituents that were detected were within state and federal standards.  It is important to remember that the presence of these constituents does not necessarily pose a health risk.  Table 2 identifies constituents that were tested for, but not detected in your water.

Table 1—Detected Contaminants

Table 1 Notes

Proposed Changes in Water Quality Regulations

            You may have noticed recent media coverage of EPA’s proposed changes in water quality regulations and other water quality issues.  The EPA welcomes public comments and we encourage you to become involved in issues affecting your water.  Below is a brief summary of some of the proposed changes and information on water quality issues affecting Community Water Company.

Radon

            The EPA does not currently regulate radon; however, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) as amended in 1996 directs the EPA to propose and finalize an MCL for radon in water.  Radon is a colorless and odorless gas that results from the decay of natural deposits within the earth’s crust.  The EPA estimates that less than 3% of indoor radon contamination is attributed to radon that is possibly emitted from running water.

            The EPA is currently evaluating a proposed rule to regulate the amount of radon that may be present in drinking water as a possible means to help improve indoor air quality.  Under this proposed rule, there would exist three scenarios for compliance for water systems serving more than 10,000 people, such as Community Water Company.  The first scenario occurs if the state develops a multimedia mitigation (MMM) program to address radon risks in indoor air.  Under this scenario, the alternate maximum contaminant level (AMCL) would be 4,000 pCi/L.  The second and third scenarios occur if the state does not develop the MMM.  Under the second scenario, the water system develops the MMM to address radon risks in indoor air and the AMCL is 4,000 pCi/L.  With the third scenario, neither the state nor the water provider develops the MMM and the MCL is set at 300 pCi/L.  Beginning in August 1999, we initiated quarterly sampling for radon to determine the level present in our service area.  System wide radon levels ranged between 510 to 860 pCi/L.

            Based on the 1996 SDWA amendments timeline, the rule should be finalized by August 2000 and will become effective as early as August 2003.  For more information, please visit the EPA Office of Water website at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/ and type radon in the search window.

Arsenic

            Arsenic is currently regulated by the EPA with an MCL of 0.05 mg/L, or 50 ppb; however, the SDWA amendments direct the EPA to lower the MCL for arsenic in drinking water.  Arsenic is an element that is present in the earth's crust and may enter the water supply through the weathering of rocks and erosion. 

            Under this proposed rule, a new MCL for arsenic would be set at 0.005 mg/L, or 5 ppb.  EPA is also requesting comments on an MCL of 0.003, 0.010 and 0.020 mg/L.  As noted in Table 1, arsenic levels for Community Water Company ranged between 9 and 12 ppb during the 1998 compliance period.  Because the proposed MCL is below existing arsenic levels, we anticipate that future water treatment will be required to remove arsenic.  EPA and others have prepared national cost predictions for arsenic treatment, which range from $400 million to $1.3 billion annually.  Community Water Company is currently participating in an  American Water Works Association Research Foundation (AWWARF) study that will create a decision tree enabling water utilities to select the most appropriate treatment options based on physical constraints and costs.

            Once the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register, EPA will accept public comments up to 90 days after publication.  This rule is expected to be finalized by January 2001 and will become effective as early as January 2004.  For more information, please visit the EPA Office of Water website at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/ and type arsenic in the search window.

MTBE

            Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) is a gasoline additive that oxygenates fuel.  A requirement of the Clean Air Act included the reduction of smog through the use of oxygenates which help fuel burn more efficiently.  Contamination of water supplies in many communities is attributed to leaking underground storage tanks that contained gasoline with MTBE.

            The laboratory that analyzes our water samples has been reporting MTBE levels since May 1999.  MTBE has not been detected in any of Community Water Company’s wells.

Table 2

Constituents Tested For, But Not Detected