ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

MONTGOMERY COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Drinking Water Quality Report for the 2014 Testing Year

This year, Montgomery County is proud to say that your drinking water has once again met all state and federal water quality standards. Drink up!

The City of Dayton’s drinking water source is the Miami Valley Buried Aquifer, a large underground area of water-bearing sand and gravel deposits. Montgomery County purchases its water from the City of Dayton, and then distributes the water to you – our customers.

Montgomery County also has three backup connections, located in Greene County, West Carrollton, and Miamisburg.

Source Water Assessment & Protection As part of the Source Water Assessment and

Protection (SWAP) Program, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) conducted a source water assessment of the Miami Valley Buried Aquifer. The assessment concluded that the aquifer, which supplies water to the City of Dayton’s well fields, has a high susceptibility to contamination.

While Montgomery County Environmental Services customers receive high quality drinking water, which met or exceeded all government regulations and standards in 2014, the aquifer is still vulnerable to future contamination. This determination is based on the influence of surface water to replenish and recharge the aquifer, the presence of a relatively thin layer of clay overlaying the aquifer, the shallow depth of the aquifer, contaminant plumes in Dayton’s well field protection area, the presence of significant potential contaminant sources in the protection area, and the presence of contaminants in treated water.

For more information about our public water system, contact (937) 781-2532. For more information about the aquifer, contact the Ohio EPA source water assessment staff at (937) 285-6357.

Well Field Protection ProgramTo protect against contamination and to ensure high

quality drinking water, Dayton’s Water Department developed a Well Field Protection Program in 1985. This program includes land use control zoning, treatment of contaminated groundwater, early warning monitoring wells, and emergency preparedness.

Help Protect Our Drinking Water SupplyBackflow is the reversal of flow into a public water

system, which can pollute or contaminate the public water system with chemicals, fertilizers, or organic material.

You can help protect our public drinking water supply by installing a backflow prevention device. In some cases, backflow prevention devices are required by the Ohio EPA, such as the following:

• All commercial and residential irrigation systems must install a reduced pressure backflow prevention device.

• All commercial buildings, institutional facilities, industrial facilities, or multifamily residential properties of more than three units must install a reduced pressure backflow prevention device.

• Fire lines must have an approved double check valve assembly, and be inspected by a contractor who is certified to work on fire lines.

For more information, call (937) 781-2650.

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Drinking Water & Water Reclamation Services 1850 Spaulding Road Kettering, Ohio 45432 www.mcohio.org/water

Solid Waste & Recycling Services 2550 Sandridge Drive Moraine, Ohio 45439 www.mcswd.org

Customer ServicesWater & Sewer Billing 781-2688Water Quality 781-2666Maintenance & Repairs 781-2678 Emergency Service 781-2678Education & Outreach 781-3064Recycling Services 225-4999Report-a-Dumper 225-HELP

Engineering ServicesBackflow Prevention 781-2650Commercial Permits 781-2628Residential Permits 781-2628

Environmental Lab 781-3016

GIS & Maps 781-2619

Records & Drafting 781-2619

Water Reclamation (Sewer)Eastern Regional 781-3034Western Regional 781-3029

For kids, visit our interactive Dewey and Splash website atwww.deweyandsplash.com.

Montgomery County Environmental Services provides trash disposal, recycling, drinking water distribution, and sewage collection and treatment to the citizens of Montgomery County. The department provides services that help citizens, businesses, and nonprofits reduce waste, recycle more, and conserve resources. We also offer educational outreach to local schools, communities, and businesses that want to learn more about conservation and sustainability in the Miami Valley Region.

About Montgomery County Environmental Services

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

We are happy to say, once again, that our drinking water has met or exceeded all federal drinking water quality and safety standards in 2014. We take the safety and quality of your drinking water very seriously, and we’re proud of the excellent service we provide.

In Montgomery County, we are blessed with an abundance of high quality water. And it’s very affordable, costing less than one cent per gallon. Bottled water is 645 times more expensive than our tap water, and we perform more than 2,400 tests per year in our environmental lab to ensure that your water is safe and pure.

Water is the most valuable utility - we can’t live without it - and the most under appreciated. Each day more than 5,000 children die of waterborne illnesses directly related to a lack of safe drinking water or adequate sanitation.

We have to be good stewards of our water resources, and our water and sewer infrastructure. As our infrastructure continues to age, it’s more important than ever to invest in our water and sewer systems to continue providing a high level of service and quality to our customers.

Inside this report, you can learn more about drinking water quality and safety, your local water supply, and our free educational services. We look forward to serving you for many years to come.

Appreciating the Value of Water

Patrick TurnbullDirector

Steve SchulzeDeputy Director

Debbie LiebermanCommissioner

Judy DodgeCommissioner

Dan FoleyCommissioner

The Miami Valley Buried AquiferOur Water Source

LEGEND

Rivers & Streams

County Boundary

Great MiamiRiver Watershed

Buried ValleyAquifer

Loramie Creek

Stillwater River

Stillwater R

iver

Greenville Creek

Lost

Cre

ek

Buck

Cre

ek

Mad River

Wolf Creek

Twin C

reek

Clear Creek

Caesar Creek

Elk Creek

Sevenmile CreekFour Mile Creek

Mad

Rive

r

Painter Creek

Spring�eld

Sidney

DAYTON

Hamilton

Hamilton

Warren

Butler

Preble Greene

Montgomery

ClarkMiami

Darke

Champaign

Logan

Shelby

Hardin

Auglaize

Mercer

Gre

at M

iam

i Riv

er

Great M

iami R

iver

Grea

t Mia

mi R

iver

Ohio Rive r

Little

Miami Rive

r

Litt

le M

iami R

iver

Little Miami River

Aquifer information courtesy of The Miami Conservancy District and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Sincerely,

Patrick Turnbull, P.E. Steve Schulze, D.S.L.

Fun Facts About Your WaterWater Hardness is 9 grains/gallon (156 ppm)Water pH is 8.6Water Iron Content is < 25 ppbWe maintain more than 1,400 miles of water main lines and more than 1,200 miles of sanitary sewer lines!

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Contaminants (Units) Ideal Goals(MCLG)

Highest Level Allowed (MCL)

Level Found

Range of Detections

Violation? Contaminant Source

Regulated at the Treatment Plant Fluoride (ppm) 4.0 4.0 1.11 0.80 – 1.11 No Natural geology and/or

dental supplementNitrate (ppm) 10.0 10.0 1.53 0.12 – 1.53 No Fertilizer runoff and/or

natural geologyTurbidity (NTU) N/A TT = 1 0.29 0.02 – 0.29 No Lime softening

residualsTT ≥ 95% must be ≤ 0.3 100 %1

cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene (ppb) 70 70 0.49 ND-0.49 No Discharge from factories

Total Organic Carbon (ppm) N/A TT 0.972 0.52 – 0.97 No Naturally present in the environment

Regulated at the Customer’s Tap Lead* (ppb), north region 0 AL = 15 < 53 N/A No Corrosion of household

plumbing systemsLead* (ppb), south region 0 AL = 15 < 53 N/A NoCopper* (ppb), north region 1300 AL = 1300 543 N/A No Corrosion of household

plumbing systemsCopper* (ppb), south region 1300 AL = 1300 443 N/A NoRegulated in Distribution SystemTotal Coliform Bacteria*(% positive samples/month), north region

0% 5% 1.3%4a 0 - 1.3% No Naturally present in the environment

Total Coliform Bacteria*(% positive samples/month), south region

0% 5% 1.7%4b 0 – 1.7% No Naturally present in the environment

Chlorine* (ppm), north region 47 48 1.096 1.01 – 1.18 No Water additive to control microbesChlorine* (ppm), south region 47 48 1.146 1.06 – 1.19 No

Haloacetic Acids* (ppb), north N/A 60 6.95 <6.0 – 8.8 No By-products of drinking water chlorinationHaloacetic Acids* (ppb), south N/A 60 <6.05 <6.0 – 9.7 No

Trihalomethanes* (ppb), north N/A 80 36.85 14.3 – 57.4 No By-products of drinking water chlorinationTrihalomethanes* (ppb), south N/A 80 33.85 14.6 – 48.9 No

Unregulated Compounds Bromodichloromethane (ppb) N/A N/A 1.47 0.79 – 2.36 N/A

By-products of drinking water chlorination

Bromoform (ppb) N/A N/A ND ND – 0.76 N/AChloroform (ppb) N/A N/A 1.06 0.61 – 2.10 N/ADibromochloromethane (ppb) N/A N/A 1.41 0.67 – 2.18 N/AAll data reflects the 2014 sampling year. * Montgomery County Environmental Services data from the distribution system. All other data is provided by the City of Dayton.

1. The City of Dayton complied with requirements for every month in 2014. Turbidity is used to measure the performance of sand filters.

2. The City of Dayton complied with alternate compliance criteria for TOC regulations under the D/DBP Rule. The level reported is “average.”

3. 90th percentile – 90% of the residential samples were below this level. None of the 30 samples from the North or 50 samples from the South exceeded the Action Limits. There have been no exceedances in more than 20 years of testing.

4. a. One of the 976 distribution samples tested in 2014 tested positive for total coliform bacteria. No samples tested positive for E.coli. Subsequent analyses were negative.

4. b. Of the 1451 distribution samples tested in 2014, five tested positive for total

coliform bacteria. No samples tested positive for E.coli. Subsequent analyses were negative.

5. Locational running annual average.6. Highest running quarterly average.7. Maximum residual disinfectant level goal (MRDLG) – The level of drinking water

disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLG’s do not reflect the benefit of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

8. 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.

Montgomery County drinking water met all EPA standards in sample year 2014.

That Means What?Drinking Water Glossary

Action Level (AL) – the concentration of a contaminant that, if exceeded, triggers treatment or another required action by the system.

Initial Distribution System Evaluation (IDSE) – an evaluation required by the USEPA, intended to identify locations in distribution system with elevated concentrations of disinfection byproducts.

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.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) – the highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close as feasible to the MCLGs, using the best available treatment technology.

N/A – not applicable

ND – none detected

NTU – Nephelometric Turbidity Units, which is used to measure water cloudiness.

Parts per million (ppm) – one part per million (milligrams per liter), corresponds to one minute in two years or a penny in $10,000.

Parts per billion (ppb) – one part per billion (micrograms per liter), corresponds to one minute in 2,000 years or a penny in $10 million.

TT – treatment technique, or required process intended to reduce the level of contamination in drinking water.

Possible Water ContaminantsMicrobial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, might come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife. Radioactive contaminants might be naturally occurring, or they can be the result of oil and gas production, and mining activities.Pesticides and herbicides might come from a variety of sources, including agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses. Inorganic compounds, such as salts and metals, might be naturally occurring or result from storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming. Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production. These contaminants might also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems.

Source Water ContaminationSources of drinking water (both tap and bottled water) include

rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material. Water may also pick up substances that result from the presence of animals or from human activity.

To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the USEPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in the water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) establishes regulations that set limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health.

Drinking water may reasonably be expected to contain small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. Even rainwater contains dissolved minerals or other chemicals.

More information about contaminants and potential health effects is available by calling the USEPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Lead PrecautionsIf 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. Montgomery County Environmental Services is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in household plumbing components.

When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can reduce the potential for lead exposure by running your tap for 30 seconds to two 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, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize your exposure is available from the USEPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Special Health Concerns Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in

drinking water than the general population. Immune-compromised persons such as those who have undergone organ transplant, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their healthcare providers.

Guidelines on how to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the USEPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

More information and resources are available from the USEPA at http://water.epa.gov/drink, or from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/healthywater.

Public Participation WelcomeMontgomery County encourages public participation and

provides opportunities for citizens to express concerns and meet with officials. The Board of County Commissioners meets most Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. in the Hearing Room on the 10th Floor of the County Administration Building, located at 451 W. Third Street, Dayton, OH 45422. These meetings are open to the public. Please contact (937) 225-4690 for more information.

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Beautification & Cleanups

Education & OutreachTour the New Environmental Learning Center

The Montgomery County Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is an education and resource center, featuring hands-on, interactive exhibits and a “green” parking lot. The ELC is an investment in the future of our region to help citizens and businesses learn about sustainability in our region.

Everyone can use the ELC. The center is a resource for the citizens of Montgomery County and the surrounding region. Schools, community groups, businesses and professional organizations are encouraged to schedule free tours of the facility or host meetings at the site. Some restrictions apply.

The Montgomery County Solid Waste District will also provide transportation reimbursement to groups of 15 or more.

To schedule your tour, call (937) 225-4999.

Volunteer OpportunitiesMontgomery County Environmental Services offers many opportunities to give back to your community through Keep Montgomery County Beautiful (KMCB).

The KMCB Adopt-An-Area Program offers individuals, families, groups, and businesses the opportunity to adopt a road, street, lot or other public area that has a problem with litter.

Our Community Pride Cleanup Supply Trailer is also available free of charge on a first come, first serve basis to residents who want to organize a litter cleanup or beautification project in their community. The trailer is stocked with supplies, such as trash bags, wheelbarrows, gloves, safety vests and litter grabbers to help you keep your neighborhood beautiful!

Visit our website at www.kmcbohio.org to learn more about how you can Keep Montgomery County Beautiful. 6

Tap is Safe, Clean, and PureMany people think that bottled

water is cleaner and safer than tap water, but this is just not true. Tap water is tested more frequently and consistently than bottled water for quality and safety.

Montgomery County Environmental Services drinking water consistently meets and exceeds all federal water quality and safety standards.

Good for the EnvironmentEach year, U.S. consumers buy 30

billion bottles of water. Laid end to end, these bottles would circle the earth more than 114 times. Only 25% of these plastic water bottles are recycled. The rest go to landfills or end up as litter.

More Cost EffectivePeople in the U.S. now spend more

than $11 billion each year on bottled water. Bottled water is 645 times more expensive than Montgomery County tap water.

By switching to tap water, a family of four could save almost $2,000 every year.

Drink Tap H2O

Environmental LaboratoryThe Montgomery County

Environmental Laboratory performs thousands of analytic tests on drinking water. The lab is certified by the Ohio EPA and consistently receives high ratings on its annual proficiency tests.

Ensuring Quality• Water samples are taken daily from

sampling stations throughout our distribution system. Each month, we collect more than 200 samples.

• The lab receives approximately 12,000 water samples each year to be analyzed for 33,000 tests.

Safe and Pure Students tour the new Montgomery County Environmental Learning Center to learn about sustainability in our region.

Sources: Montgomery County, Ohio; International Bottled Water Association; Food & Water Watch; National Resource Defense Fund; U.S. and International Developments and Statistics; and The Pacific Institute.

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Department of Environmental Services1850 Spaulding RoadKettering, OH 45432-3732www.mcohio.org/services/environmental_services

For questions or concerns regarding this Drinking Water Quality Report, please contact Brianna Wooten at (937) 781-2532.For questions or concerns regarding this

Drinking Water Quality Report, please contact (937) 781-2532.