OELWEIN MUNICIPAL WATERWORKS 2007 WATER QUALITY REPORT

This report contains important information regarding the water quality in our water system. The source of our water is groundwater. Our groundwater is drawn from the Cambrian Jordan Sandstone Our water quality testing shows the following results:

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).

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. Oelwein Municipal Waterworks 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.

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
The Oelwein Municipal Waterworks water supply obtains its water from the Cambrian Jordan Sandstone aquifer. The Cambrian Jordan Sandstone aquifer was determined to be not susceptible to contamination because the characteristics of the aquifer and overlying materials prevent easy access of contaminants to the aquifer. The wells will not be susceptible to most contaminant sources except through pathways to the aquifer such as abandoned or poorly maintained wells. A detailed evaluation of your source water was completed by the IDNR, and is available from the Oelwein Municipal Waterworks at 283 - 1197.

OTHER INFORMATION
Our water utility is making every effort to protect the water system from potential security threats. You, as customers, can also help. If you see any suspicious activity near the water tower, treatment plant, wells or fire hydrants, please contact us at 319 - 283 - 1197 or the local police department at 283 - 4311. We appreciate your assistance in protecting the water system.

CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions regarding this information, please contact Utility Superintendent Victor Kane at 283 - 1197 during the following hours: 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Decisions regarding the water system are made at the Oelwein City Council meetings held on the second & fourth Mondays at 7:00 p.m. at 20 2nd Ave SW and are open to the public.