2011 WATER QUALITY REPORT
FOR
Hickory Hollow Water Service
This report contains important information regarding the water quality in our water system. The source of our water is surface water purchased from
Des Moines Water Works. The surface water is drawn from Des Moines River, Raccoon River and Maffitt Reservoir.
Our water quality testing shows the following results:
CONTAMINANT
MCLG
MCL
DETECTED DATE
RANGE OF
VIOLATION
SOURCE
LEVEL
SAMPLED
DETECTIO
N
Turbidity (NTU)
N/A
TT
0.52
2011
0.04-0.52
No
Soil runoff
Fleur Plant
Turbidity (NTU)
N/A
TT
0.11
2011
0.04-0.11
No
Soil runoff
McMullen Plant
TTHM (ppb) [Total N/A
80
57.360
7/21/11
N/A
No
By-products of drinking
trihalomethanes]
water disinfection
Hickory Hollow
Haloacetic Acids
N/A
60
16.90
7/21/11
N/A
No
By-products of drinking
(HAA5) (ppb)
water disinfection
Hickory Hollow
Chlorine (ppm)
MRDLG MRDL=4.0
1.0
2011
.8-1.3
No
Water additive used to
Hickory Hollow
=4.0
control microbes
Copper (ppm)
1.3
AL=1.3
0.0139-90%
6/1/07-9/30/09 0-0.0141
No
Corrosion of household
Hickory Hollow
plumbing systems; Erosion
of natural deposits
Lead (ppb)
0
AL=15
0-90%
6/1/070
No
Corrosion of household
Hickory Hollow
0--95%
9/30/09
plumbing systems;
5 samples
erosion of natural
deposits
Nitrate [as N]
10
10
6.94
2011
1.23-6.94
No
Runoff from fertilizer
(ppm)
use; Leaching from
McMullen Plant
septic tanks, sewage;
Erosion of natural
deposits
Fluoride (ppm)
4
4
0.85
2011
0.67-0.85
No
Water additive which
McMullen Plant
promotes strong teeth;
Erosion of natural
deposits; Discharge from
fertilizer and aluminum
factories
Fluoride (ppm)
4
4
0.93
2011
0.77-0.93
No
Water additive which
Fleur Plant
promotes strong teeth;
Erosion of natural
deposits; Discharge from
fertilizer and aluminum
factories
Sodium (ppm)
N/A
N/A
47.3
7/14/11
N/A
No
Erosion of natural
Hickory Hollow
deposits; Added to water
Sodium (ppm)
during treatment process
Fluer Plant
13.6
2011
No
McMullen Plant
9.85
2011
No
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

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.
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).
CONTAMINANT VIOLATIONS
The system had no violations
ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
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.
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.
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.
HAA5: Some people who drink water containing haloacetic acids in excess of the MCL over many years 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.
OTHER VIOLATIONS
The system had no additional violations.
SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
This water supply obtains water from one or more groundwater aquifers. Every aquifer has a defree of susceptibility to contamination because of the
characteristics of the aquifer, overlying materials, and human activity. Susceptibility to contamination generally increases with shallower aquifers,
increasing permeability of the aquifer and overlying material, nearby development or agricultural activity, and abandoned or poorly maintained wells.
The Des Moines Water Works obtains its water from the Des Moines River, Raccoon River and Maffitt Reservoir. The Des Moines River, Raccoon
River and Maffitt Reservoir were determined to be highly susceptible to contamination because they are surface water supplies. The Des Moines
River, Raccoon River and Maffitt Reservoir will be most susceptible to activities such as agricultural and urban runoff. A detailed evaluation of your
source water was completed by the Des Moines Water Works, and is available from Des Moines Water Works at 515/283-8700.
OTHER INFORMATION
Des Moines Water Works monitors for turbidity. Turbidity is an indicator of treatment filter performance and is regulated as a treatment technique.
Des Moines Water Works also monitors for several unregulated contaminants as required by their state operation permit.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions regarding this information, please contact Tom Thorpe at 515-289-2345 from 8-5.