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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023 Annual Water Quality ReportSUMMER2024 EDITION The City of Tigard provides clean, safe, dependable drinking water to the residents of Durham, King City, two-thirds of Tigard, and Tigard Water District. Inside:  Tigard Water Source Information ..2  Tigard Water Service Area Map ....2  Learn More About Your Water .......2  The Purpose of this Report ............3   Information on Detected Substances .....................3   Water Quality Analysis Results ..4-5   Lead… Are You at Risk?..................6  Source Water Assessment .............6  Definitions .......................................6  Drinking Water Contaminants .......7  Immuno-Compromised Notice .....7  Cryptosporidium ............................7  Frequently Asked Questions .........8 Your Water Bill? Utility Billing ..........503-718-2460 Water Quality? Jennifer Joe...........503-718-2599 jennifer@tigard-or.gov Water Conservation? Jennifer Joe...........503-718-2599 jennifer@tigard-or.gov Backflow Prevention? Hung Nguyen ........503-718-2603 hung@tigard-or.gov Water Emergencies? Public Works ..........503-718-2591 After-Hours Water Emergencies? On-Call Service ......503-639-1554 General Inquiries? Public Works ...........503-718-2591 Questions? 2023 ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT The Reservoir 18 and Pump Station project is moving along smoothly. This ambitious project encompasses the design and construction of a water reservoir, alongside the installation of new waterlines and the replacement of a temporary pump station. Set against the scenic backdrop of Bull Mountain on the west side, Reservoir 18 is strategically located to serve the city’s 560-foot service area, ensuring a reliable supply of water for years to come. The project remains on track, adhering closely to the original schedule. Concrete construction of the reservoir has been successfully completed, marking a significant milestone in the project’s timeline. DN Tanks have wrapped the tank and executed pre- stressing activities throughout the month of May. Simultaneously, work continues apace on both the Pump Station and the East Piping Upgrades, with completion anticipated by the end of June. The final touches, including surface restoration along the piping upgrades route, are slated for July. Start-up and testing both the reservoir and pump station should begin in July with both assets being placed online by the end of August. Once the reservoir is online, Emery & Sons will begin backfilling the tank and completing final site grading. To facilitate these critical activities, Sunrise Park will undergo temporary closure to the public until construction reaches its conclusion. To stay up to date on the project, please check out the project webpage on the City of Tigard website. https://www.tigard-or.gov/Home/Components/ FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/33/ LET’STalk New! 2 | 2023 Water Quality Report • City of Tigard Water Division S O U R C E I N F O R M A T I O N Where Does Tigard’s Water Come From? In 2023, Tigard’s drinking water system delivered water from the Lake Oswego-Tigard Water Treatment Plant with a supplemental supply from groundwater wells. Lake Oswego-Tigard Water Treatment Plant The Lake Oswego–Tigard Treatment Plant withdraws water from the Clackamas River Basin which encompasses nearly 940 square miles. Drawn from the Clackamas River, the pumped water moves through a pipeline buried beneath the Willamette River to the Lake Oswego – Tigard Water Treatment Plant located in West Linn. Who are our other partners? In addition to our partnership with Lake Oswego, Tigard is also a member of the Regional Water Providers Consortium and the Clackamas River Water Providers. The Regional Water Providers Consortium provides leadership in the planning, management, stewardship, and resiliency of drinking water in the Portland, OR metropolitan region. They are comprised of 26 members which are located in the Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington, and Yamhill Counties. Find out more about the Consortium and its work in water conservation, emergency preparedness, and regional coordination at regionalh2o.org. The Clackamas River Water Providers is a coalition of the municipal water providers that get their drinking water from the Clackamas River who are working together on water resource issues. The purpose of the organization is to fund and coordinate efforts regarding source water protection and public outreach and education around watershed issues, drinking water, and water conservation, so that we can preserve the Clackamas River as a high-quality drinking water source and minimize future drinking water treatment costs while being good stewards of the river. For more information, visit clackamasproviders.org. How is your drinking water treated? The Lake Oswego-Tigard Treatment Plant uses a conventional treatment process which includes ballasted flocculation, intermediate ozone, and biological filtration. Ballasted Flocculation uses micro-sand and a coagulant to settle dirt, sediment and contaminants out of the water. Ozone is then added to remove unpleasant taste and odor compounds and to provide advanced treatment. Biological Filtration through a deep bed of granular activated carbon and silica sand removes any remaining tiny microbes and contaminants, such as cryptosporidium. Beneficial biological activity removes organic molecules that can produce disinfection byproducts. Filtered water is then disinfected using small amounts of chlorine and the pH is adjusted with caustic soda to prevent corrosion of household plumbing. Groundwater During periods of high water demand, Tigard supplements its supply with water from two city-owned aquifer storage and recovery wells, and a native groundwater well. All groundwater sources are disinfected using small amounts of chlorine. Want to learn more about your water? If so, the Water Advisory Board invites you to attend the second Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. on even number months. Meetings are held at the Tigard Public Works Building located at 8777 SW Burnham St. Tigard. The Partnership Committee is a four- person advisory group with members from the City of Tigard and City of Lake Oswego City Councils. The Committee provides oversight on issues and topics of Partnership water operations, budgets and requests. Individual members will deliver information and recommendations to their respective City Councils as necessary. Meetings are held every quarter, on Monday at 5:30 pm. Visit lotigardwater.org for more information. 2023 Water Quality Report • City of Tigard Water Division | 3 The following list of chemicals and compounds are what we test for on a regular basis. Most chemicals are measured in parts per billion (ppb) or parts per million (ppm). Volatile Organic Compound: (21 compounds) manmade chemical compounds such as cleaning fluids, degreasers and plastics. Information on Detected Substances In 2023, water delivered to the TWSA met all regulatory requirements. More than 90 contaminants are regularly sampled, both before and after the water is treated, to ensure it meets the more than 120 water quality standards for drinking water set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of Oregon. If a known health-related contaminant is not listed in this report, it was not detected in the drinking water. Barium is a naturally occurring element that can dissolve in the groundwater supply. Chlorine is added to maintain disinfection requirements throughout the water distribution system. Chromium is found in discharge from steel and pulp mills and is a naturally occurring element. Chronic exposure to chromium, in excess of the MCL, can cause allergic dermatitis. Disinfection Byproducts - Haloacetic Acids (HAA) and Total Trihalomethanes (THM) form through chemical reactions between chlorine and naturally occurring organic matter in the water. The careful control of the disinfection process keeps byproduct levels to a minimum, while maintaining the required levels of chlorine. Nitrate and Nitrite form through the erosion of natural deposits, agricultural activity and leaching of septic tanks. Total Coliform Bacteria are naturally present in the environment and may indicate other potentially harmful bacteria may be present. Chlorine is added to the drinking water supply to kill these bacteria. Turbidity is a measure of the amount of sediment suspended in the water. This sediment can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Large storm events can result in increased turbidity. Unregulated water quality standards are established as guidelines to assist public water systems in managing drinking water for aesthetic considerations such as taste, color, and odor. These contaminants do not present a risk to human health. Calcium, Chloride, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Silica, Sodium and Sulfate are formed through the erosion of natural deposits and may be added to water during treatment. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled. Radon can be detected at very low levels in the groundwater supply. Based on the historical levels of radon in groundwater combined with the limited amount of groundwater used, it is unlikely to have negative health effects from radon in the water. Find more information about radon from the EPA at epa.gov/radon. The City of Tigard is responsible for providing a clean, safe, dependable supply of drinking water to over 60,000 residents in the Tigard Water Service Area (TWSA). This service area includes the cities of Durham, King City, two-thirds of Tigard and the Tigard Water District. Each entity has representation on the Water Advisory Board. The board offers expert guidance to the Tigard City Council on water-related matters. This report summarizes Tigard’s 2023 water quality data. Additional information is included to inform, educate and update consumers on water issues affecting the community. Have a question about this report? Contact Environmental Program Coordinator Jennifer Joe at 503-718-2599 or jennifer@tigard-or.gov. Habla Espanol? Este informe contiene información importante acerca de su agua potable. Haga que alguien lo traduzca para usted, o hable con alguien que lo entienda. WATER SYSTEM INFORMATION The Purpose of This Report To learn about the health effects of contaminants, visit the Oregon Health Authority website at: bit.ly/DrinkingWaterContaminants Regulated Contaminants Detected Unregulated (Secondary) Contaminants Synthetic Organic Compounds: (30 compounds) manmade chemicals, including insecticides and herbicides. Inorganic Compounds: (16 compounds) naturally occurring minerals and chemicals that are released into water through erosion and leaching of mineral deposits. What Else Do We Look For In Our Water? 2023 WATER QUALITY ANALYSIS RESULTS Federal standards regulate contaminants to protect drinking water quality.Tigard and its water supply partners test for more than 200 regulated and unregulated contaminants. Contaminant MCL MCLG TWSA Results LOW  Range HIGH Violation? Yes / No Major Sources in Drinking Water MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS Fecal Coliform and E.Coli Bacteria A routine sample and a repeat sample are total coliform positive and one is also E. coli positive 0 0% of samples with detectable E. coli or fecal coliform bacteria No Human and animal fecal waste Total Coliform Bacteria Must not detect coliform bacteria in more than 5% of samples per month 0 0% of samples with detectable total coliform bacteria No Naturally present in the environment Turbidity (NTU)5 N/A 0.03 0.15 No Erosion of natural deposits DISINFECTION RESIDUAL Total Chlorine Residual Run- ning Annual Average (ppm)4 4 0.92 1.06 No Additive used to disinfect waterTotal Chlorine Residual at Any One Site (ppm)NA NA 0.41 1.25 No DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS - HALOACETIC ACIDS Haloacetic Acids Running Annual Average (ppm)0.060 NA 0.0056 0.0074 No Byproduct of drinking water disinfectionHaloacetic Acids at Any One Site (ppm)NA NA 0.0032 0.0110 No DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS - TOTAL TRIHALOMETHANES Total Trihalomethanes Run- ning Annual Average (ppm)0.080 NA 0.0077 0.0113 No Byproduct of drinking water disinfectionTotal Trihalomethanes at Any One Site (ppm)NA NA 0.0035 0.0220 No The definitions for the vocabulary listed above are available on page 6. 4 | 2023 Water Quality Report • City of Tigard Water Division Contaminant MCL MCLG TWSA Results LOW  Range HIGH Violation? Yes / No Major Sources in Drinking Water INORGANICS CONTAMINANTS Barium (ppb)2,000 2,000 2.2 3.2 No Erosion of natural deposits Chromium - total (ppb)100 100 ND 2.3 No Nitrate as Nitrogen (ppm)10 10 0.25 0.25 No Nitrite as Nitrogen (ppm)1 1 0.25 0.25 No RADIONUCLIDES Radon (pCi/L)No Standard No Standard 163 189 No Erosion of natural deposits UNREGULATED AND SECONDARY (REGULATIONS PROVIDE ADVISORY LIMITS ONLY) Calcium (ppm)No Standard No Standard 6.2 7.1 No Erosion of natural deposits Chloride (ppm)250 250 2.8 3.0 No Iron (ppm)0.30 0.30 0.04 0.13 No Magnesium (ppm)No Standard No Standard 2.0 2.3 No Manganese (ppm)0.05 0.05 0.0028 0.0041 No Silica (ppm)No Standard No Standard 19 22 No Sodium (ppm)No Standard No Standard 6.9 7.2 No Sulfate (ppm)250 250 5.7 8.6 No Contaminant 90th Percentile Number of Sites Exceeding the Action Level MCLG Lead and Copper Rule Exceedance Action Level Reached Typical Source Copper (ppm) 0.03 0 samples (out of 34) exceed- ed the copper action level of 1.3 ppm 1.3 More than 10% of the homes tested have levels above 1.3 ppm No Corrosion of household and commercial plumbingLead (ppb)0.9 0 samples (out of 34) ex- ceeded the lead action level of 15 ppb 15 More than 10% of the homes tested have levels above 15 ppb No 2023 Water Quality Report • City of Tigard Water Division | 5 2023 WATER QUALITY ANALYSIS RESULTS 6 | 2023 Water Quality Report • City of Tigard Water Division Action Level (AL) The concentration of a contaminant, which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow. 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 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) 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. Non-Detected (ND) Not detected at or above the MDL. Not Applicable (NA) Not applicable for the specified contaminant. Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTUs) Turbidity is a measure of how clear the water looks. Turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Parts per Million (ppm) or Milligrams per Liter (mg/L) A unit measurement describing the level of detected contaminants that is one part by weight of analyte to one million parts by weight of the water sample. One part per million corresponds to one penny in $10,000 or approximately one minute in two years. One part per million is equal to 1,000 parts per billion. Parts per Billion (ppb) or Mircograms per Liter (µg/L) A unit measurement describing the level of detected contaminants that is one part by weight of analyte to one billion parts by weight of the water sample. One part per billion corresponds to one penny in $10,000,000 or approximately one minute in 2,000 years Picocurie per Liter (pCi/L) Picocurie is a measurement of radioactivity. Treatment Technique (TT) A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water. Lead in the Drinking Water…Are You at Risk? 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 Tigard 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 (800-426-4791) or www.epa.gov/safewater/lead. DEFINITIONS In 2005, the Oregon Health Authority and the Department of Environmental Quality conducted a source water assessment for the aquifer storage and recovery wells and the native groundwater well serving the Tigard Waster Service Area (TWSA). In 2019, the report was evaluated and updated in conjunction with other Clackamas River water providers. The purpose of the assessment was to identify potential sources of direct and indirect contamination in areas surrounding our wells. To view the reports, contact Environmental Program Coordinator Jennifer Joe at 503-718-2599 or jennifer@tigard-or.gov TWSA 2023 Water Quality Report • City of Tigard Water Division | 7 SPECIAL NOTICE FOR IMMUNO-COMPROMISED PERSONS 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. Environmental Protection Agency and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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). In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets regulatory limits on the amounts of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets limits on contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health. The sources of drinking water (both tap water 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, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Drinking water, including bottled water, may contain small amounts of some contaminants. However, the presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. Contaminants that may be present in source water include: Is a micro-organism (protozoan) naturally present in surface water supplies throughout the world. Surface water supplies are particularly vulnerable if they receive runoff or pollution from human or animal wastes. Since wildlife inhabit the Clackamas River Watersheds, managing agencies regularly monitor for Cryptosporidium. Occasionally, this monitoring detects low levels of Cryptosporidium. New national standards further reduce the risks of illness from Cryptosporidium. Symptoms of infection include nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Most healthy individuals are able to overcome the disease within a few weeks. However, immuno- compromised people have more difficulty and are at greater risk of developing severe, life threatening illnesses. Immuno- compromised individuals are encouraged to consult their doctor regarding appropriate precautions to avoid infection. Cryptosporidium must be ingested for it to cause disease and may be spread through means other than drinking water. CRYPTOSPORIDIUM Microbial Contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from wildlife or septic systems. Inorganic Contaminants, such as salts and metals. Can occur naturally or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges or farming. Pesticides and Herbicides, May come from a variety of sources such as farming, urban stormwater runoff and home or business use. Organic Chemical Contaminants, such as synthetic and volatile organic chemicals. These are byproducts of industrial processes, and may come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff and septic systems. Radioactive Contaminants, which can occur naturally. More information about contaminants and potential health effects is available from the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline 800-426-4791. What the EPA Says About Drinking Water Contaminants * * * * * * ECRWSS POSTAL CUSTOMER PRESRT STD U.S. POSTAGE P A I D PORTLAND, OR PERMIT # 1350 City of Tigard PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 13125 SW Hall Blvd. Tigard, OR 97223 This report was printed on recycled paper with environmentally friendly inks. Please remember to recycle. 8 | 2023 Water Quality Report • City of Tigard Water Division Is fluoride added to our drinking water? No. The Lake Oswego-Tigard Treatment Plant does not add fluoride to the water, but naturally occurring trace amounts may be present when serving water from seasonal groundwater sources (see the Water Quality Analysis Results table for more information about the current year). You may want to consult with your dentist about fluoride treatment to help prevent tooth decay, especially for young children. Is our water soft or hard? Our water is very soft. Most of the year the hardness ranges from 3-8 parts per million (ppm), or approximately ¼ to ½ a grain of hardness per gallon. During the summer and in times of emergency, some customers receive a blend of groundwater from our aquifer storage and recovery wells and native groundwater well. The water from these wells has a hardness of approximately 60 ppm (about 5 grains per gallon), which is deemed moderately hard. H2O FrequentlyAsked Questions How can I get my water tested? Contact Tigard Public Works at 503-718-2591 for information about a free lead-in-water testing kit. For more extensive testing, private laboratories can test your tap water for a fee. Not all labs are accredited to test for all contaminants. For information about accredited labs, call the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program at 503-693-4122.