Details for CITY OF MASON CITY - Ad from 2023-05-25

2022 WATER QUALITY REPORT
FOR
MASON CITY WATER DEPARTMENT
This report contains essential information regarding the water quality in our water system. The source of our water is groundwater. Our water
quality testing shows the following results:
CONTAMINANT

MCL - (MCLG)

Compliance
Type

Value & (Range)

Date

Violation

Source

Yes/No

Total Trihalomethanes
(ppb) [TTHM]

80 (N/A)

LRAA

5.00 (5 - 5)

06/30/2022

No

By-products of drinking water
chlorination

Total Haloacetic Acids
(ppb) [HAA5]

60 (N/A)

LRAA

8.00 (8 - 8)

06/30/2022

No

By-products of drinking water
disinfection

Total Haloacetic Acids
(ppb) [HAA5]

60 (N/A)

LRAA

8.00 (8 - 8)

06/30/2022

No

By-products of drinking water
disinfection

Lead (ppb)

AL=15 (0)

90th

7.40 (ND - 20)
1 sample(s)
exceeded AL

2020

No

Corrosion of household plumbing
systems; erosion of natural deposits

Copper (ppm)

AL=1.3 (1.3)

90th

0.256 (0.0149 0.389)

2020

No

Corrosion of household plumbing
systems; Erosion of natural deposits;
Leaching from wood preservatives

RAA

0.8 (0.13 - 1.19)

12/31/2022

No

Water additive used to control
microbes
Coliforms are bacteria that are
naturally present in the environment
and are used as an indicator that
other waterborne pathogens may be
present, or that a potential pathway
exists through which contamination
may enter the drinking water.

950 - DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Chlorine (ppm)

Total Coliform
Bacteria

MRDL=4.0
(MRDLG=4.0)

TT (TT)

RTCR

2 sample(s)
positive

09/30/2022

No

1.04

09/22/2022

No

Erosion of natural deposits

05 - WELLS A1, A3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16-TREATED
Combined Radium
(pCi/L)

5 (0)

SGL

Barium (ppm)

2 (2)

SGL

0.0082

04/21/2021

No

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

Fluoride (ppm)

4 (4)

RAA

.77

12/31/22

No

Water additive which promotes
strong teeth; Erosion of natural
deposits; Discharge from fertilizer
and aluminum factories

Sodium (ppm)

N/A (N/A)

SGL

31.1

04/21/2021

No

Erosion of natural deposits; Added to
water during treatment process

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
• RAA – Running Annual Average
• Treatment Technique (TT) – A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
• Action Level (AL) – The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system
must follow.
• Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) - 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 contaminants.
• Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) - 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.
• SGL – Single Sample Result
• RTCR – Revised Total Coliform Rule
• NTU – Nephelometric Turbidity Units
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).
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).
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. MASON CITY WATER DEPARTMENT 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.
COLIFORM ASSESSMENT
During the past year we were required to conduct 1 Level 1 assessment and 1 Level 2 assessment to determine the cause of bacteria in our
distribution system. Corrective actions have been or will be taken to address these issues. If a health concern is present, you will be notified.
A Level 1 Assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria
have been found in our water system.
A Level 2 Assessment is a detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform
bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.
SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
This water supply obtains its water from the sandstone and dolomite of the Cambrian-Ordovician aquifer. The Cambrian-Ordovician
aquifer was determined to be susceptible to contamination because the characteristics of the aquifer and overlying materials provide some
protection from contaminants from the land surface. The Cambrian-Ordovician wells will be susceptible to surface contaminants such as leaking
underground storage tanks, contaminant spills, and excess fertilizer application. A detailed evaluation of your source water was completed by
the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is available from the Water Operator at 641-421-3683.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions regarding this information or how you can get involved in decisions regarding the water system, please contact MASON CITY
WATER DEPARTMENT at 641-421-3683.

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