Annual Drinking Water Quality Report

B.M.R.P.O.A Water Department

For the Year 1998
We are pleased to present to you this year's Annual Drinking Water Quality 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 source is three wells that draw their water from a granite and limestone aquifer, over 300 feet deep. We're 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 (name the source and type, i.e., wells, OurwellsdrawfromtheDuncanAquifer, surface water, i.e., River Jordan or we purchase our water from the City of Waterville which is treated surface water from Lake Duncan.) (This is REQUIRED information). To date the Bureau of Safe Drinking Water has not completed an assessment for our sources of drinking water. Source water assessments will be completed for all sources of public drinking water by May 2003.

We have a source water protection plan available from our office that provides more information such as potential sources of contamination.

We are pleased to report that our drinking water meets federal and state requirements.

This report shows our water quality and what it means. If you have any questions about this report or concerning your water utility, please contact B.M.R.P.O.A. President, Tony Cerracchio, by calling our answering service at 908-850-7185 and requesting a return call. We want our valued customers to be informed about their water utility. If you want to learn more, please attend any of our regularly scheduled Association meetings at Byram Township Town Hall, located at 10 Mansfield Drive, Stanhope, NJ 07874. Meetings are held on the third Friday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

The B.M.R.P.O.A Water Department 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 1^st to December 31^st, 1998.

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.

Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su aqua beber. Tradúzcalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien. [translated: This report contains very important information about your drinking water. Translate it, or speak with someone who understands it well.]

DEFINITIONS

In the following 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/l) - one part per million corresponds to one minute in two years or 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) - A treatment technique is a required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

Maximum Contaminant Level - 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 -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.

Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level - (SMCL) Federal drinking water measurements for substances that do not have an impact on health. These reflect aesthetic qualities such as odor, taste or appearance. Secondary standards are recommendations, not mandates.

TEST RESULTS
Contaminant	Violation Y/N		Level Detected		Units of Measurement		MCLG	MCL	Likely Source of Contamination
Microbiological Contaminants
Total coliform Bacteria	N		ND		Organ-isms / 100 ml		0	presence of coliform bacteria in 5% of monthly samples	Naturally present in the environment
Fecal coliform and E.coli	N		ND				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
Turbidity	N						N/A	TT	Soil runoff
Radioactive Contaminants
Alpha emitters	N		3.1		pCi/1		0	15	Erosion of natural deposits
Inorganic Contaminants
Antimony	N		<MCL		ppb		6	6	Discharge from petroleum refineries; fire retardants; ceramics; electronics; solder
Arsenic	N		<MCL		ppb		N/A	50	Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; runoff from glass and electronics production wastes
Asbestos	N		<MCL		MFL		7	7	Decay of asbestos cement water mains; erosion of natural deposits
Barium	N		<MCL		ppm		2	2	Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits
Beryllium	N		<MCL		ppb		4	4	Discharge from metal refineries and coal-burning factories; discharge from electrical, aerospace, and defense industries
Cadmium	N		<MCL		ppb		5	5	Corrosion of galvanized pipes; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from metal refineries; runoff from waste batteries and paints
Chromium	N		<MCL		ppb		100	100	Discharge from steel and pulp mills; erosion of natural deposits
Copper	N		<MCL		ppm		1.3	AL=1.3	Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives
Cyanide	N		<MCL		ppb		200	200	Discharge from steel/metal factories; discharge from plastic and fertilizer factories
Fluoride	N		<MCL		ppm		4	4	Erosion of natural deposits; water additive which promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories
Lead	N		<MCL		ppb		0	AL=15	Corrosion of household plumbing systems, erosion of natural deposits
Mercury (inorganic)	N		<MCL		ppb		2	2	Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from refineries and factories; runoff from landfills; runoff from cropland
Nitrate (as Nitrogen)	N		<MCL		ppm		10	10	Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits
Nickel	N		<MCL		ppm
Nitrite (as Nitrogen)	N		<MCL		ppm		1	1	Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits
Selenium	N		<MCL		ppb		50	50	Discharge from petroleum and metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from mines
Thallium	N		<MCL		ppb		0.5	2	Leaching from ore-processing sites; discharge from electronics, glass, and drug factories
Synthetic Organic Contaminants including Pesticides and Herbicides
2,4-D	N		<MCL		ppb		70	70	Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
2,4,5-TP (Silvex)	N		<MCL		ppb		50	50	Residue of banned herbicide
Acrylamide	N		<MCL				0	TT	Added to water during sewage/wastewater treatment
Alachlor	N		<MCL		ppb		0	2	Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
Atrazine	N		<MCL		ppb		3	3	Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
Benzo(a)pyrene (PAH)	N		<MCL		Nano-grams/l		0	200	Leaching from linings of water storage tanks and distribution lines
Carbofuran	N		<MCL		ppb		40	40	Leaching of soil fumigant used on rice and alfalfa
Chlordane	N		<MCL		ppb		0	2	Residue of banned termiticide
Dalapon	N		<MCL		ppb		200	200	Runoff from herbicide used on rights of way
Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate	N		<MCL		ppb		400	400	Discharge from chemical factories
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate	N		<MCL		ppb		0	6	Discharge from rubber and chemical factories
Dibromochloro-propane	N		<MCL		Nano-grams/1		0	200	Runoff/leaching from soil fumigant used on soybeans, cotton, pineapples, and orchards
Dinoseb	N		<MCL		ppb		7	7	Runoff from herbicide used on soybeans and vegetables
Diquat	N		<MCL		ppb		20	20	Runoff from herbicide use
Dioxin [2,3,7,8-TCDD]	N		<MCL		picograms/l		0	30	Emissions from waste incineration and other combustion; discharge from chemical factories
Endothall	N		<MCL		ppb		100	100	Runoff from herbicide use
Endrin	N		<MCL		ppb		2	2	Residue of banned insecticide
Epichlorohydrin	N		<MCL				0	TT	Discharge from industrial chemical factories; an impurity of some water treatment chemicals
Ethylene dibromide	N		<MCL		nanograms/1		0	50	Discharge from petroleum refineries
Glyphosate	N		<MCL		ppb		700	700	Runoff from herbicide use
Heptachlor	N		<MCL		nanograms/1		0	400	Residue of banned termiticide
Heptachlor epoxide	N		<MCL		nanograms/1		0	200	Breakdown of heptachlor
Hexachlorobenzene	N		<MCL		ppb		0	1	Discharge from metal refineries and agricultural chemical factories
Hexachlorocyclo- pentadiene	N		<MCL		ppb		50	50	Discharge from chemical factories
Lindane	N		<MCL		nanograms/l		200	200	Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cattle, lumber, gardens
Methoxychlor	N		<MCL		ppb		40	40	Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on fruits, vegetables, alfalfa, livestock
Oxamyl [Vydate]	N		<MCL		ppb		200	200	Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on apples, potatoes and tomatoes
PCBs [Polychlorinated biphenyls]	N		<MCL		nanograms/1		0	500	Runoff from landfills; discharge of waste chemicals
Pentachlorophenol	N		<MCL		ppb		0	1	Discharge from wood preserving factories
Picloram	N		<MCL		ppb		500	500	Herbicide runoff
Simazine	N		<MCL		ppb		4	4	Herbicide runoff
Toxaphene	N		<MCL		ppb		0	3	Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cotton and cattle
Volatile Organic Contaminants
Benzene	N		<MCL		ppb		0	1	Discharge from factories; leaching from gas storage tanks and landfills
Carbon Tetrachloride	N		<MCL		ppb		0	2	Discharge from chemical plants and other industrial activities
Chlorobenzene (Monochloro-benzene)	N		<MCL		ppb		100	50	Discharge from chemical and agricultural chemical factories
o-Dichlorobenzene	N		<MCL		ppb		600	600	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
p-Dichlorobenzene	N		<MCL		ppb		75	75	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
1,2 - Dichloroethane	N		<MCL		ppb		0	2	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
1,1 - Dichloroethylene	N		<MCL		ppb		7	2	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
Cis-1,2-dichloroethylene	N		<MCL		ppb		70	70	Discharge from industrial chemical Factories
Trans - 1,2 -Dichloroethylene	N		<MCL		ppb		100	100	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
Dichloromethane (Methylene chloride)	N		<MCL		ppb		0	3	Discharge from pharmaceutical and chemical factories
1,2-Dichloropropane	N		<MCL		ppb		0	5	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
Ethylbenzene	N		<MCL		ppb		700	700	Discharge from petroleum refineries
Styrene	N		<MCL		ppb		100	100	Discharge from rubber and plastic factories; leaching from landfills
Tetrachloroethylene	N		<MCL		ppb		0	1	Leaching from PVC pipes; discharge from factories and dry cleaners
1,2,4 -Trichlorobenzene	N		<MCL		ppb		70	9	Discharge from textile-finishing factories
1,1,1 – Trichloroethane	N		<MCL		ppb		200	30	Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories
1,1,2 –Trichloroethane	N		<MCL		ppb		3	3	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
Trichloroethylene	N		<MCL		ppb		0	1	Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories
TTHM [Total trihalomethanes]	N		<MCL		ppb		0	100	By-product of drinking water chlorination
Toluene	N		<MCL		ppm		1	1	Discharge from petroleum factories
Vinyl Chloride	N		<MCL		ppb		0	2	Leaching from PVC piping; discharge from plastics factories
Xylenes	N		<MCL		ppm		1	1	Discharge from petroleum factories; discharge from chemical factories
meta-dichlorobenzene	N		<MCL		ppb		600	600	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
1,1-dichloroethane	N		<MCL		ppb		40	50	Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE)	N		<MCL		ppb		70	70	Leaking underground gasoline and fuel oil tanks. Gasoline and fuel oil spills.
Naphthalene	N		<MCL		ppb		300	300	Discharge from industrial factories, exposure to mothballs
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane	N		<MCL		ppb		1	1	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
Secondary Contaminants				Analysis Results
		SMCL mg/l		sign		mg/l
ABS/L.A.G.		0.5		<		0.01
Alkalinity						150
Aluminum		0.2		<		0.02
Chloride		250				89
Color		10CU		<		2
Copper		1.0		<		0.01
Corrosivity		+/- 1.0				0.34
Fluoride		1.2		<		0.10
Hardness as (CaCO2)		50 to 250				208
Iron		0.3		<		0.01
Manganese		0.05		<		0.01
Odor		3 TON		<		1
pH		6.5 to 8.5				7.26
Silver		0.01		<		0.01
Sulfate		250				24.5
Temperature (°C)						20
Total Dissolved Solids		500				386
Zinc		5				0.01

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Health effects language:

Microbiological Contaminants:

(1) Total Coliform. Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially-harmful, bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems.

(2) Fecal coliform/E.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.

(3) Turbidity. 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:

(4) Beta/photon emitters. 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.

(5) Alpha emitters. 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.

(6) 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.

Inorganic Contaminants:

(7) Antimony. 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.

(8) Arsenic. 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.

(9) Asbestos. 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.

(10) Barium. Some people who drink water containing barium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience an increase in their blood pressure.

(11) Beryllium. Some people who drink water containing beryllium well in excess of the MCL over many years could develop intestinal lesions.

(12) Cadmium. Some people who drink water containing cadmium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience kidney damage.

(13) Chromium. Some people who use water containing chromium well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience allergic dermatitis.

(14) Copper. 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.

(15) 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.

(16) Fluoride. 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.

(17) Lead. 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.

(18) Mercury (inorganic). Some people who drink water containing inorganic mercury well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience kidney damage.

(19) Nitrate. 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.

(20) 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 die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome.

(21) Selenium. 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.

(22) Thallium. 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:

(23) 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 glands.

(24) 2,4,5-TP (Silvex). Some people who drink water containing silvex in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver problems.

(25) 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 cancer.

(26) Alachlor. 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.

(27) Atrazine. 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.

(28) 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.

(29) Carbofuran. 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.

(30) Chlordane. 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.

(31) Dalapon. Some people who drink water containing dalapon well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience minor kidney changes.

(32) Di (2-ethylhexyl) adipate. 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.

(33) 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.

(34) 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 cancer.

(35) Dinoseb. Some people who drink water containing dinoseb well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience reproductive difficulties.

(36) 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.

(37) Diquat. Some people who drink water containing diquat in excess of the MCL over many years could get cataracts.

(38) Endothall. Some people who drink water containing endothall in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their stomach or intestines.

(39) Endrin. Some people who drink water containing endrin in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver problems.

(40) Epichlorohydrin. 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.

(41) Ethylene dibromide. 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.

(42) Glyphosate. Some people who drink water containing glyphosate in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their kidneys or reproductive difficulties.

(43) Heptachlor. 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.

(44) Heptachlor epoxide. 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.

(45) Hexachlorobenzene. 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.

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

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

(48) Methoxychlor. Some people who drink water containing methoxychlor in excess of the MCL over many years could experience reproductive difficulties.

(49) Oxamyl [Vydate]. Some people who drink water containing oxamyl in excess of the MCL over many years could experience slight nervous system effects.

(50) 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.

(51) Pentachlorophenol. 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.

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

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

(54) Toxaphene. 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:

(55) Benzene. 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.

(56) Carbon Tetrachloride. 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.

(57) Chlorobenzene. Some people who drink water containing chlorobenzene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or kidneys.

(58) 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 systems.

(59) 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.

(60) 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.

(61) 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 liver.

(62) 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.

(63) 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 liver.

(64) Dichloromethane. 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.

(65) 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.

(66) Ethylbenzene. Some people who drink water containing ethylbenzene well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or kidneys.

(67) Styrene. 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.

(68) Tetrachloroethylene. 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.

(69) 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 adrenal glands.

(70) 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 system.

(71) 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 systems.

(72) Trichloroethylene. 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.

(73) 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.

(74) Toluene. 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.

(75) Vinyl Chloride. Some people who drink water containing vinyl chloride in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

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

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.

We constantly monitor the water supply for various constituents. We have detected NO cryptosporidium in the source water. We believe it is important for you to know that cryptosporidum may cause serious illness in 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. These people should seek advice from their health care providers.

As you can see by the table, our system had no violations. We're proud that your drinking water meets or exceeds all Federal and State requirements. We have learned through our monitoring and testing that some constituents have been detected. The EPA has determined that your water IS SAFE at these levels.

We constantly monitor for various constituents in the water supply to meet all regulatory requirements. This past year we failed to submit microbiological analysis for two required samples for the monitoring periods of September 1998, October 1998, and November 1998. This does not pose a threat to the quality of our water supply.

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.

MCL's are set at very stringent levels. To understand the possible health effects described for many regulated constituents, a person would have to drink 2 liters of water every day at the MCL level for a lifetime to have a one-in-a-million chance of having the described health effect.

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 microbiological contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

We at B.M.R.P.O.A. work hard to provide top quality water to every tap. We ask that all our customers help us protect our water sources, which are the heart of our community, our way of life and our children's future.