2009 WATER QUALITY REPORT FOR CITY OF PRIMGHAR

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 Cretaceous (Dakota Sandstone) aquifer(s). 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

RAA - Running Annual Average

IDSE - Initial Distribution System Evaluation

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. Primghar Water System 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.

CONTAMINANT Violations

None.

ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Fluoride in children's drinking water at levels of approximately 1 mg/L reduces the number of dental cavities. However, some children exposed to levels of fluoride greater than about 2.0 mg/L may develop dental fluorosis. Dental fluorosis, in its moderate and severe forms, is a brown staining and/or pitting of the permanent teeth. Because dental fluorosis occurs only when developing teeth (before they erupt from the gums) are exposed to elevated fluoride levels, households without children are not expected to be affected by this level of fluoride. Families with children under the age of nine are encouraged to seek other sources of drinking water for their children to avoid the possibility of staining and pitting. Your water supplier can lower the concentration of fluoride in your water so you will still receive the benefits of cavity prevention while the possibility of stained and pitted teeth is minimized. Removal of fluoride may increase your water costs. Treatment systems are also commercially available for home use. Information on such systems is available at the address given by your public water supply. Low fluoride bottled drinking water that would meet all standards is also commercially available.

While your drinking water meets EPA's standard for arsenic, it does contain low levels of arsenic. EPA's standard balances the current understanding of arsenic's possible health effects against the costs of removing arsenic from drinking water. EPA continues to research the health effects of low levels of arsenic, which is a mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linked to other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems.

Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 ppm is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If you are caring for an infant you should ask advice from your health care provider.

Nitrite in drinking water at levels above 1 ppm is a health risk of infants of less than six months of age. High nitrite levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome. If you are caring for an infant you should ask advice from your health care provider.

Infants and young children are typically more vulnerable to lead in drinking water than the general population. It is possible that lead levels at your home may be higher than at other homes in the community as a result of materials used in your home's plumbing. If you are concerned about elevated lead levels in your home's water, you may wish to have your water tested and flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using tap water. Additional information is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

OTHER VIOLATIONS

None.

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

The Primghar water supply obtains its water from the Cretaceous (Dakota Sandstone) aquifer. The Cretaceous (Dakota Sandstone) aquifer was determined to be not susceptible to contamination because the characteristics of the aquifer and overlying materials limit the rate at which contaminants can move through 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 Dennis Logan, Water Department at 712-957-2435.

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 [Insert water system phone number] or the local police/sheriff department. We appreciate your assistance in protecting the water system.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions regarding this information, please contact Dennis Logan at 712-957-2435 during the following hours: 8:00 to 4:00. Fax # is 712-957-5300 or email is primghar@tcaexpress.net.

Decisions regarding the water system are made at the City Council meetings held on the 2nd Monday at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall and are open to the public.

2007 DATA

2006 DATA

See City for complete report.

2005 DATA

See City for complete report.

2004 DATA

See City for complete report.

2003 DATA

See City for complete report.