IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR DRINKING WATER
HB&TS Utility District’s water system recently violated the MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level) for Haloacetic Acids. Although this situation does not require that you take immediate action, you as a customer, have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what was done to correct this situation.
During the July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011 compliance period the system’s running annual average for Haloacetic Acids (HAA’s) has been calculated to be 0.063 mg/L. This value exceeds the Maximum Contaminant Level of 0.060 mg/L set by the EPA for this parameter.
Some people who drink water containing Haloacetic Acids in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer. The actual risk has been identified as 1 out of 10,000 people may get cancer if they drink 2 liters of water each day for 70 years.
You do not need to boil your water or take other actions. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.
Haloacetic Acids are disinfection byproducts resulting from the chlorination of the water to minimize risk of microbial life in the drinking water. While disinfection byproducts are an undesirable result of chlorination, the risks of not chlorinating the water far outweigh the risks of these byproducts.
The EPA considers microbial contaminants as the greatest risk to the public.
HB&TS takes this violation very seriously. We strive to provide a safe and reliable water source to all of our customers. Immediately after learning of this violation, HB&TS sampled again at the end of June 2011. The Haloacetic Acids average for this single round of sampling was found to be 0.049mg/L, which is lower than the MCL of 0.060 mg/L. HB&TS will continue to take quarterly samples to monitor the level of Haloacetic Acids in the drinking water.
We are evaluating the results of the required disinfection and will continue to make every effort to reduce the disinfection byproducts without increasing the microbial risks.
For more information please contact Troy Watkins at 615-794-7796.
Please share this information with everyone who may drink this water, including 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.
This notice is being sent to you by HB&TS Utility District, PWSID# TN0000699.
Date Distributed: AUGUST 24, 2011
TN One Call
