2023

Annual Drinking Water Report

City of Ione

 

April 19, 2024

We are pleased to present to you this year’s Annual Quality Water 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 ground water from EP­ A, Well #2 MORR11.

 

On November 29, 2023, the monthly water sample was drawn from City Hall tested positive for Total Coliforms and E.coli. Further testing was done at City Hall and three additional sites, the city well and holding tanks on December 4^th, 7^th and 12^th, 2023.   City Hall and two other sites tested positive on these dates.  NOTE:  The city’s well Morr11 and the holding tank tested negative for contaminants on all dates. The city was not chlorinating its water at the time these samples were taken.  Therefore, after consulting with an engineer with the Port of Morrow and William Goss, P.E., Regional Engineer, OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY, Public Health Division, Drinking Water Services, the city began chlorinating their water source on December 13, 2023.  The samples taken on December 14^th  and 20^th, 2023, no longer tested positive for Total Coliforms or E.coli. Therefore, we are now pleased to report that our drinking water is safe and meets federal and state requirements.

 

If you have any questions about this report or concerning your water utility, please contact Shad Hass our certified drinking water operator at (541)422-7414. We want our valued customers to be informed about their water utility. If you want to learn more, please contact us for the next regularly scheduled meeting date, time and location.

 

The City of Ione routinely monitors for constituents in your drinking water according to Federal and State laws. This table shows the results of our monitoring for the period of January 1st to December 31st, 2023. 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 constituents. It’s important to remember that the presence of these constituents 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:

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

 

Parts per million (ppm) or Milligrams per liter (mg/I) – one part per million corresponds to one minute in two years 9r 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) – (mandatory language) A treatment technique is a required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

 

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) – (mandatory language) 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 (MCLG) – (mandatory language) 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.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) – (mandatory language) 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.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) – (mandatory language) 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.

 

TEST RESULTS
Contaminant	Violation YIN	Level Detected	Unit Measurement	MCLG	MCL	Likely Source of Contamination
Microbiological Contaminants
1. Total Coliform Bacteria	Y	Present *November 29 December 4, 7, 12   Negative After Chlorination on December 14, 2023	Present/Absent	0	presence of coliform bacteria in 5% of monthly samples	Naturally present in the environment
2. Fecal coliform and E.coli	Y	Present *November 29 December 4, 7, 12   Negative After Chlorination on December 14, 2023	Present/Absent	0	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
3. Turbidity	N			n/a	TT	Soil runoff
Radioactive Contaminants
4. Beta/photon emitters	N		mrem/yr	0	4	Decay of natural and man-made deposits
5. Alpha emitters	N		pCi/1	0	15	Erosion of natural deposits
6. Combined radium	N		pCi/1	0	5	Erosion of natural deposits
7. Uraniuml	N		µg/L	01	301	Erosion of natural deposits
Inorganic Contaminants
8. Antimony	N	ND	ppb	6	6	Discharge from petroleum refineries; fire retardants; ceramics; electronics; solder
9. Arsenic	N	ND	ppb	n/a	.01	Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; runoff from glass and electronics production wastes
10. Asbestos	N		MFL	7	7	Decay of asbestos cement water mains; erosion of natural deposits
11. Barium	N	0.0229	ppm	2	2	Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits
12. Beryllium	N	ND	ppb	4	4	Discharge from metal refineries and coal-burning factories; discharge from electrical, aerospace, and defense industries
13. Cadmium	N	ND	ppb	5	5	Corrosion of galvanized pipes; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from metal refineries; runoff from waste batteries and paints
14. Chromium	N	ND	ppb	100	100	Discharge from steel and pulp mills; erosion of natural deposits
15. Copper	N	0.0213	ppm	1.3	AL=l.3	Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives
16. Cyanide	N	ND	ppb	200	200	Discharge from steel/metal factories; discharge from plastic and fertilizer factories
17. Fluoride	N	ND	ppm	4	4	Erosion of natural deposits; water additive which promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories
18.Lead	N	0.0010	ppm	0	AL=15	Corrosion of household plumbing systems, erosion of natural deposits
19. Mercury (inorganic)	N	ND	ppb	2	2	Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from refineries and factories; runoff from landfills; runoff from cropland
20. Nitrate (as Nitrogen)	N	ND	ppm	10	10	Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits
21. Nitrite (as Nitrogen)	N	ND	ppm	1	1	Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits
22. Selenium	N	ND	ppb	50	50	Discharge from petroleum and metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from mines
23. Thallium	N	ND	ppb	0.5	2	Leaching from ore-processing sites; discharge from electronics, glass, and drug factories
Synthetic Organic Contaminants including Pesticides and Herbicides
24. 2,4-D	N	ND	ppb	70	70	Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
25. 2,4,5-TP (Silvex)	N	ND	ppb	50	50	Residue of banned herbicide
26. Acrylamide	N	ND		0	TT	Added to water during sewage/wastewater treatment
27. Alachlor	N	ND	ppb	0	2	Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
28. Atrazine	N	ND	ppb	3	3	Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
29. Benzo(a)pyrene (PAH)	N	ND	nanograms/I	0	200	Leaching from linings of water storage tanks and distribution lines
30. Carbofuran	N	ND	ppb	40	40	Leaching of soil fumigant used on rice and alfalfa
31. Chlordane	N	ND	PPb	0	2	Residue of banned termiticide
32. Dalapon	N	ND	ppb	200	200	Runoff from herbicide used on rights of way
33. Di(2- ethvlhexvl) adipate	N	ND	ppb	400	400	Discharge from chemical factories
34. Di(2- ethylhexyl) phthalate	N	ND	ppb	0	6	Discharge from rubber and chemical factories
35. Dibromochloroprop ane	N	ND	nanograms/1	0	200	Runoff/leaching from soil fumigant used on soybeans, cotton, pineaooles, and orchards
36. Dinoseb	N	ND	ppb	7	7	Runoff from herbicide used on soybeans and vegetables
37. Diquat	N	ND	ppb	20	20	Runoff from herbicide use
38. Dioxin [2,3,7,8-TCDD]	N	ND	picograms/1	0	30	Emissions from waste incineration and other combustion; discharge from chemical factories
39. Endothall	N	ND	ppb	100	100	Runoff from herbicide use
40. Endrin	N	ND	ppb	2	2	Residue of banned insecticide
41. Epichlorohydrin	N	ND		0	TT	Discharge from industrial chemical factories; an impurity of some water treatment chemicals
42. Ethylene dibromide	N	ND	nanograms/1	0	50	Discharge from petroleum refineries
43. Glyphosate	N	ND	ppb	700	700	Runoff from herbicide use
44. Heotachlor	N	ND	nanograms/1	0	400	Residue of banned termiticide
45. Heptachlor eooxide	N	ND	nanograms/1	0	200	Breakdown of heptachlor
46. Hexachlorobenzene	N	ND	ppb	0	1	Discharge from metal refineries and agricultural chemical factories
47. Hexachlorocyclo- pentadiene	N	ND	ppb	50	50	Discharge from chemical factories
48. Lindane	N	ND	nanograms/1	200	200	Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cattle, lumber, gardens
49. Methoxychlor	N	ND	ppb	40	40	Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on fruits, vegetables, alfalfa, livestock
50. Oxamyl [Vydate]	N	ND	ppb	200	200	Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on apples, potatoes and tomatoes
51. PCBs [Pol ychlorinated biohenvlsl	N	ND	nanograms/1	0	500	Runoff from landfills; discharge of waste chemicals
52. Pentachlorophenol	N	ND	ppb	0	1	Discharge from wood preserving factories
53. Picloram	N	ND	oob	500	500	Herbicide runoff
54. Simazine	N	ND	ppb	4	4	Herbicide runoff
55. Toxaphene	N	ND	ppb	0	3	Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cotton and cattle
Volatile Organic Contaminants
56. Benzene	N	ND	ppb	0	5	Discharge from factories; leaching from gas storage tanks and landfills
57. Carbon tetrachloride	N	ND	ppb	0	5	Discharge from chemical plants and other industrial activities                                               •
58. Chlorobenzene	N	ND	ppb	100	100	Discharge from chemical and agricultural chemical factories
59.o- Dichlorobenzene	N	ND	ppb	600	600	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
60. p- Dichlorobenzene	N	ND	ppb	75	75	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
61. 1,2 – Dichloroethane	N	ND	ppb	0	5	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
62. 1,1 – Dichloroethylene	N	ND	ppb	7	7	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
63. cis-1,2- ichloroethylene	N	ND	ppb	70	70	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
64. trans – 1,2 – Dichloroethylene	N	ND	ppb	100	100	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
65. Dichloromethane	N	ND	ppb	0	5	Discharge from pharmaceutical and chemical factories
66. 1,2- Dichloropropane	N	ND	ppb	0	5	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
67. Ethylbenzene	N	ND	ppb	700	700	Discharge from petroleum refineries
68. Styrene	N	ND	ppb	100	100	Discharge from rubber and plastic factories; leaching from landfills
69. Tetrachloroethylene	N	ND	ppb	0	5	Leaching from PVC pipes; Discharge from factories and dry cleaners
70. 1,2,4 – Trichlorobenzene	N	ND	ppb	70	70	Discharge from textile-finishing factories
71. 1,1,1 – Trichloroethane	N	ND	ppb	200	200	Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories
72. 1,1,2 – Trichloroethane	N	ND	ppb	3	5	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
73. Trichloroethylene	N	ND	ppb	0	5	Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories
74. TTHM3 [Total trihalomethanes]	N	TTHM= HAAS=	ppb	0	80 or 1003	By-product of drinking water chlorination
75. Toluene	N	ND	ppm	1	1	Discharge from petroleum factories
76. Vinyl Chloride	N	ND	ppb	0	2	Leaching from PVC piping; discharge from plastics factories
77. Xylenes	N	ND	ppm	10	10	Discharge from petroleum factories; discharge from chemical factories

 

Microbiological Contaminants:

• Total Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially­ harmfu/, bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems.
• Fecal coliform/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 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 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 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.
• Some people who drink water containing uranium in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer and kidney toxicity.

Inorganic Contaminants:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Some people who drink water containing barium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience an increase in their blood pressure.
• Some people who drink water containing beryllium well in excess of the MCL over many years could develop intestinal lesions.
• Some people who drink water containing cadmium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience kidney damage.
• Some people who use water containing chromium well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience allergic dermatitis.
• 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.

 

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome.
• 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.
• 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
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Some people who drink water containing dalapon well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience minor kidney changes.
• Di (2-ethylhexyl) 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
• 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.
• Some peo.ple who drink water containing diquat in excess of the MCL over many years could get cataracts.
• Some people who drink water containing endothall in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their stomach or intestines.
• Some people who drink water containing endrin in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver problems.
• 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 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.
• Some people who drink water containing glyphosate in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their kidneys or reproductive difficulties.
• 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 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.
• 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.

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

 

L

 

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

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

 

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

 

• 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:

• 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 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.
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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.
• Some people who drink water containing ethylbenzene well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or kidneys.
• 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.
• 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 adren l 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
• 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
• 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.
• 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 Some people who drink water containing vinyl chloride in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk

          of getting cancer.

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

 

What does this mean?

            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.

 

“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”. The City of Ione is responsible for providing high quality of drinking water, but cannot control the variety of components 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.“