Once again we proudly present our annual water quality report. This report describes the City of Sylvania’s water sources and quality. Our tap water, provided by Sylvania’s Water Department, is regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) to ensure that public health and safety is protected in drinking water supplies. This report is a summary of the quality of water provided to customers in 2009. Included are details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to water standards set by the state and federal regulatory agencies. We are pleased to tell you that our compliance with all state and federal drinking water laws remains exemplary. As in the past, we are committed to delivering the best quality drinking water. To that end, we remain vigilant in meeting the challenges of source water protection, water conservation, and community education while continuing to serve the needs of all of our water users.

If you are interested in learning more about the water department or have questions about the quality of water in Sylvania, please call Tony Thompson or Shane Warren at (912) 564-7491 or City Hall at (912) 564-7411.

Important Health Information

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised 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 may be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. The U.S. EPD/CDC (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 at (800) 426-4791.

The raw water supply of Sylvania’s drinking water is the Floridan Aquifer, which is a limestone formation running under the entire county and extending south.

Raw water from this aquifer is of a very high quality. Water is withdrawn from the Floridan Aquifer utilizing three active deep wells. Water treatment consists of chlorination (disinfection), fluoridation (to help prevent tooth decay in children’s teeth), and phosphate (for iron and corrosion control). This treatment takes place at each well site and is sampled and monitored daily by certified operators to ensure that quality drinking water is delivered to our customers.

Substances That Might Be in Drinking Water

To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. EPD prescribes regulations limiting the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of these contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk.

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 though the ground, it can acquire naturally occurring minerals, in some cases, radioactive material, and substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Substances that may be present in source water include:

Microbial Contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, or wildlife;

Inorganic Contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or may result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming;

Pesticides and Herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses;

Organic Chemical Contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and may also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems;

Radioactive Contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or may be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the U.S. EPD's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.   

Water Conservation Tips

Water conservation measures are an important first step in protecting our water supply. Such measures not only save the supply of our source water but can also save you money by reducing your water bill. Here are a few suggestions:

Conservation measures you can use inside your home include:

• Fix leaking faucets, pipes, toilets, etc.
• Replace old fixtures; install water saving devices in faucets, and appliances.
• Wash only full loads of laundry.
• Do not use the toilet for trash disposal.
• Take shorter showers.
• Do not let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth.
• Soak dishes before washing.
• Run the dishwasher only when full.

You can conserve outdoors as well:

• Water the lawn and garden in the early morning or evening.
• Use mulch around plants and shrubs.
• Repair leaks in faucets and hoses.
• Use water saving nozzles.
• Use water from a bucket to wash your car, and save the hose for rinsing.

Information on other ways you can help conserve water can be found at www.epa/safewater/publicoutreach/index.html.

Water Disinfection

Any water supply can naturally be exposed to disease causing microbes. Sylvania follows state and federal regulations to prevent disease by disinfection with chlorine. Regulations require a detectable amount of chlorine throughout the water distribution system to ensure public safety. Certain by products are formed during disinfection as a result of chemical reactions between chlorine and naturally occurring organic matter in the water. The addition of chlorine is carefully controlled so the levels of by products are kept low, while disinfection remains effective.

The state Environmental Protection Division has enacted water restrictions that are mandatory for the entire state. If your address is an odd number you may water on odd days. If address is an even number you may water on even days. Anyone found violating the restrictions is subject to citations. If more severe restrictions are warranted all consumers will be notified. Please check with the water department if you have any questions. Contact number: 912 564-7491.

Sampling Results

During the past year we have taken hundreds of water samples in order  to determine the presence of any radioactive, biological, inorganic, volatile organic, or synthetic organic contaminants. The table below shows only those contaminants that were detected in the water. Although all of the substances listed here are under the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), we feel it is important that you know exactly what was detected and how much of the substance was present in the water. The state requires us to monitor for certain substances less than once per year because the concentrations of these substances do not change frequently. In these cases, the most recent sample data are included, along with the year in which the sample was taken.

Table Definitions

AL (Action Level): The concentration of a contaminant or other requirements which a water system must follow.

 MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level):  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.

MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level Goal): 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.

MRDL (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level): The highest level of disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.

MRDLG (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal): The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

NA: Not applicable

ND: Not detected

Ppb (parts per billon): One part substance per billon parts water (or micrograms per liter).

ppm (parts per million): One part substance per million parts water (or milligrams per liter).