City of Terrell
2003 Report to Consumers on Water Quality
 
 

The City of Terrell is proud of the fine drinking water it provides. This annual water quality report shows the source of our water, lists the results of our tests, and contains much important information about water and health. City of Terrell will notify you immediately if there is any reason for concern about our water.

SPECIAL INFORMATION FOR THE WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEM

You may be more vulnerable than the general population to certain microbial contaminants, such as Cryptosporidium, in drinking water. Infants, some elderly, or Immuno-compromised persons such as those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer; those who have undergone organ transplants; those who are undergoing treatment with steroids; and people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders can be particularly at risk from infections. You should seek advice about drinking water from your physician or health care provider. Additional guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

The bottom line: Is the water safe to drink? Absolutely.

Call us for information about the next opportunity for public participation in decisions about our drinking water.


Overview

YOUR DRINKING WATER IS SAFE

Providing safe and reliable drinking water is the highest priority for the City of Terrell water department. Our employees take pride in providing and delivering water to your home or business.

The information in this report is based on tests conducted through 2003.

It is important to us that you have information about your Drinking Water so you can have confidence in the product we deliver.

Water Source
The City of Terrell is supplied by surface water from the New City Lake at Elmo. During drought conditions water is pumped from Lake Tawakoni into the New City Lake at Elmo.

What Do The Tables Mean?
The tables show the results of our water-quality analyses. Every regulated contaminant that we detected in the water, even in the most minute traces, is listed here. The table contains the name of each substance, the highest level allowed by regulation (MCL), the ideal goals for public health, the amount detected, the usual sources of such contamination, footnotes explaining our findings, and a key to units of measurement. Definitions of MCL and MCLG are important.

Maximum Contaminant Level or 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 or MCLG: The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to Health.

Key To Table

AL = Action Level
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level
MCLG = Maximum Contaminant Level Goal
NTU = Nephelometric Turbidity Units
pCi/l = picocuries per liter (a measure of radioactivity)
ppm = parts per million, or milligrams per liter (mg/l)
ppt = parts per trillion, or nanograms per liter
ppb = parts per billion, or micrograms per liter (µg/l)
ppq = parts per quadrillion, or picograms per liter
TT = Treatment Technique

En Espanol
Este reporte incluye informacion importante sobre el agua para tomar. Para obtener una copia de esta informacion traducida al Espanol, favor de llamar al telefone 972 551-6635.
 

Inorganic Contaminants
Contaminant
Date Tested
Unit
MCL
MCLG
Detected Level
Range
Possible Sources
Violation
Antimony
2/13/02
ppb
6
6
4.00
4.00
Discharge from petroleum refineries; fire retardants; ceramics; electronics; solder
NO
Arsenic
2/13/02
ppb
50
0
<2.00
<2.00
Erosion of natural deposits; Runoff from orchards; Runoff from glass and electronics production wastes
NO
Cadmium
2/13/02
ppb
5
5
1.20
<1.20
Corrosion of galvanized pipes; Erosion of natural deposits; Discharge from metal refineries; Runoff from waste batteries and paints
NO
Barium
2/13/02
ppm
2
2
0.024
0.024
Discharge of drilling wastes; Discharge from metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits
NO
Beryllium
2/13/02
ppb
4
4
<1.0
<1.0
Discharge from metal refineries and coal-burning factories; Discharge from electrical aerospace and defense industries
NO
Chromium
2/13/02
ppb
100
100
<10
<10
Discharge from steel and pulp mills; Erosion of natural deposits
NO
Selenium
2/13/02
ppb
50
50
4.4
4.4
Discharge from petroleum and metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits; Discharge from mines
NO
Nitrate
2/13/02
ppm
10
10
0.36
0.36
Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage
NO
Thallium
2/13/02
ppb
2
0.5
<1.0
<1.0
Leaching from ore-processing sites; Discharge from electronics glass and drug factories
NO

 

Chlorine by-products     

Contaminant

Range of Detections

Terrell Water

Maximum Contaminant Level

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal

Possible Source of Contaminant

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)

7.30-82.40 ppb

38.92 ppb

60 ppb

0

Chlorine by-products

Total THMs

2.40-73.60 ppb

34.47 ppb

80 ppb

0

Chlorine by-products

Total Organic Carbon (TOC)

0.77-1.62

1.15

TOC removal ratio must be greater than one (1) on an annual running average to be in compliance.

TT

Chlorine by-products


Title 30, Section 290.112 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) established new requirements for the removal of total organic carbon from public drinking water which became effective on January 1, 2002. However, 30 TAC Section 290.39 also allows the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) staff to extend the compliance date for public water systems that must make capital improvements in order to comply. The City of Terrell (PWS ID No. 1290006) and the TCEQ staff entered an agreement that allows the City of Terrell an extension to the compliance date.

 

Regulated at the Customer's Tap

Contaminant
90th Percentile Values
# of Sites Exceeding Action Level
Maximum Contaminant Level
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal
 Possible Source of Substance
Lead (ppb)
3.1
0
Action Level=15
15
Corrosion of customer plumbing service connection
Copper (ppm)
0.096
0
Action Level =1.3
1.3

 
Regulated in the Distribution System
Contaminant
Range of Detections
Terrell Water
Maximum Contaminant Level
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal
Possible Source of Contaminant
Total Coliforms
0
0
Presence in 5% of monthly samples
0
Human & Animal Fecal waste


Regulated at the Treatment Plant

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

Constituent
Year
Highest Single Measurement
Lowest monthly % of samples Meeting Limits
Turbidity Limits
Unit of Measure
Source of Constituent
Turbidity
2003
0.18
100
0.3
NTU
Soil runoff

Synthetic Organic Contaminants Including Pesticides and Herbicides

Contaminant

Date Tested

Unit

MCL

MCLG

Detected Level

Range

Possible Source

Violation

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate

12/9/03

ppb

6.0

0

<2.04

<2.04

Discharge from rubber and chemical factories

NO

Alachlor

12/9/03

ppb

2.0

0

<0.20

<0.20

Runoff from herbicide used on row crops

NO

Atrazine

12/9/03

ppb

3.0

3.0

<0.20

<0.20

Runoff from herbicide used on row crops

NO

Benzo (a) pyrene [PAH]

12/9/03

ppt

200

0

<200

<200

Leaching from linings of water storage tanks and distribution lines

NO

Chlordane

12/9/03

ppb

2.0

0

<0.20

<0.20

Residue of banned termiticide

NO

Dalapon

12/9/03

ppb

200

200

<10

<10

Runoff from herbicide used on rights of way

NO

Di (2-ethylhexyl) adipate

12/9/03

ppb

400

400

<2.04

<2.04

Discharge from chemical factories

NO

Endrin

12/9/03

ppb

2.0

2.0

<0.20

<0.20

Residue of banned insecticide

NO

Heptachlor

12/9/03

ppt

400

0

<200

<200

Residue of banned termiticide

NO

Heptachlor epoxide

12/9/03

ppt

200

0

<200

<200

Breakdown of heptachlor

NO

Hexachlorobenzene

12/9/03

ppb

1.0

0

<0.20

<0.20

Discharge from metal refineries and agricultural chemical factories

NO

Hexachlorocyclopentadiene

12/9/03

ppb

50

50

<1.02

<1.02

Discharge from chemical factories

NO

Methoxychlor

12/9/03

ppb

40

40

<0.20

<0.20

Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on fruits, vegetables, alfalfa, livestock

NO

Pentachlorophenol

12/9/03

ppb

1.0

0

<1.02

<1.02

Discharge from wood preserving factories

NO

Lindane

12/9/03

ppb

0.2

0.2

<0.20

<0.20

Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cattle, lumber, gardens

NO

Simazine

12/9/03

ppb

4.0

4.0

<0.20

0.20

Herbicide runoff

NO

 

Radioactive Contaminants
Contaminant
Date Tested
Unit
MCL
MCLG
Detected Level
Range
Possible Source
Violation
Gross Alpha
2/13/02
pCi/l
15
0
<2.0
<2.0
Erosion of natural deposits
NO
Radium 228
2/13/02
pCi/l
5
0
<1.0
<1.0
Erosion of natural deposits
NO
Gross Beta
2/13/02
pCi/l
50
0
<4.0
<4.0
Decay of natural and man-made deposit
NO

 

The following are other substances that may be found in the drinking water. Many customers commonly have questions about these items.
Contaminant
Date Tested
Unit
MCL
MCLG
Detected Level
Range
Possible Source
Violation
Fluoride
2003
ppm
4.0
2.0
0.79
0.53-1.06
Found naturally in the water.
NO
Sodium
2/13/02
ppm
None
None
4.61
4.61
Found naturally in the water.
NO

Volatile Organic Contaminants

Contaminant Date Tested Unit MCL MCLG Detected Level Range Possible Source Violation

Benzene

12/9/03

ppb

5.0

0

<0.50

<0.50

Discharge from factories; Leaching from gas storage tanks and landfills

NO

Carbon Tetrachloride

12/9/03

ppb

5.0

0

<0.50

<0.50

Discharge from chemical plants and other industrial activities

NO

Chlorobenzene

12/9/03

ppb

100

100

<0.50

<0.50

Discharge from chemical and agricultural chemical factories

NO

1,1-Dichloroethyene

12/9/03

ppb

7.0

7.0

<0.50

<0.50

Discharge from industrial chemical factories

NO

cis-1,2-Dichloroethyene

12/9/03

ppb

70

70

<0.50

<0.50

Discharge from industrial chemical factories

NO

1,2-Dichloropropane

12/9/03

ppb

5.0

0

<0.50

<0.50

Discharge from industrial chemical factories

NO

Ethylbenzene

12/9/03

ppb

700

700

<0.50

<0.50

Discharge from petroleum refineries

NO

Styrene

12/9/03

ppb

100

100

<0.50

<0.50

Discharge from rubber and plastic factories; Leaching from landfills

NO

1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene

12/9/03

ppb

70

70

<0.50

<0.50

Discharge from textile-finishing factories

NO

1,1,2-Trichloroethane

12/9/03

ppb

5.0

3.0

<0.50

<0.50

Discharge from industrial chemical factories

NO

Toluene

12/9/03

ppm

1

1

<0.0005

<0.0005

Discharge from petroleum factories

NO

Vinyl Chloride

12/9/03

ppb

2.0

0

<0.50

<0.50

Leaching from PVC piping; Discharge from plastics factories

NO

Xylenes

12/9/03

ppm

10

10

<0.001

<0.001

Discharge from petroleum factories; Discharge from chemical factories

NO

 1,2-Dichloroethane

12/9/03

ppb

5.0

0

<0.50

<0.50

Discharge from industrial chemical factories

NO


 Unregulated Contaminants

City of Terrell did not test for Cryptosporidium or for Radon.

Required Additional Health Information

To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes limits on the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems.

FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water.

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of Contaminant does not necessarily indicate that 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 (800-426-4791).

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 radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

 (A) Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.

 (B) Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.

 (C) Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, storm water runoff, and residential uses.

 (D) Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organics, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff and septic systems.

 (E) Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health.

 

National Primary Drinking Water Regulation Compliance

Contaminants may be found in drinking water that may cause taste, color, or odor problems.  These types of problems are not necessarily causes for health concerns.    For more information on taste, odor, or color of drinking water, please contact the system’s business office.

 For more information, call the City of Terrell Water Treatment Plant at 972-551-6635

2002 Water Quality Report

2001 Water Quality Report

2000 Water Quality Report

1999 Water Quality Report

1998 Water Quality Report


 

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City of Terrell
201 East Nash St.
Terrell, Texas 75160
972-551-6604
Metro 972-524-3332
Fax 972-551-6682
E-mail: information@cityofterrell.org
 

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City of Terrell
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