4.1. SR 06-17-2002MEMORANDUM
Item # 4.1.
TO:
Mayor and City Council
FROM:
Pat Klaers, City Administrator
DATE: June 17, 2002
SUBJECT: Utilities Commission Update
Councilmember John Dietz is the City Council representative on the Elk River Municipal
Utilities Commission. At this June 17, 2002 City Council meeting, John is scheduled to
provide the Council with an update on Utilities activities. Attached for your review is the
draft minutes from the June 4, 2002, Utilities Commission meeting.
:~UIl 1 0
ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES COMMISSION
June 4, 2002
Members Present: James Tralle, President; John Dietz, Vice Chair; George Zabee, Trustee
Staff Present: Bryan Adams, General Manager; Glenn Sundeen, Line Superintendent; David
Berg, Water Superintendent; Patricia Hemza, Office Manager
Others Present: Kurt Kragness, and Pat Dwyer, of the Heritage Committee
1. Call meeting to order
President James Tralle called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM on June 4, 2002.
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
James Tralle moved to approve the Utilities Agenda for June 4, 2002, moving
Item #5.1 to be discussed after 5.4. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
George Zabee moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
May 2002 Check Register
May 14, 2002 Minutes
Financial Reports
5.2 Review MMUA Safety Program
A letter of information of the results of the annual Audit of the ERMU Safety Program
through MMUA was reviewed. It was noted that the Overall Rating is Very Good.
5.3 Review and Consider Street Light Alternative
Connexus Energy has requested that ERMU offer many different styles ofpoies and
fixtures for street lighting. Presently Connexus offers the same Traditionaire fixtures on
Fiberglass poles, with Cobra Heads on Fiberglass poles at major intersections, that the
ERMU offers. After checking with several developers, Glenn Sundeen concluded that the
present fixtures and poles are very appropriate, and xvell received. John Dietz asked why
Connexus would like to offer a larger choice. Staff responded that the marketing campaign
by Connexus would be a revenue generating venture for them. Staff further added that
increasing the choices would mean increasing inventory of poles, fixtures, and parts, causing
a problem with the stocking of parts, as well as all the choices. Glenn Sundeen advised that
Connexus may be contacting the Elk River City Council with the request.
Page 2
Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
June 4, 2002
James Tralle moved to continue the present policy for Street Lighting. John Dietz
seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.4 Review Need for Policy on Street Banners
In response to a request for installation of banners on street light poles on H~vy 10,
by St. Andrew's Catholic Church, Commission and Staff reviewed the present informal
policy. The ERMU has installed banners for national holidays, and community sponsored
events. The opinions of John Dietz, and James Tralle, are to stay with community-wide
events, and Federal Holidays. George Zabee asked if charging for the services could be an
option. John Dietz replied that he thought it would be easier to limit the installations, rather
than charging.
Staff was directed to return with a formal policy limiting installation of banners on
street light poles to City, and Community events, and to Federal Holidays.
5.1 Update Jackson Street Water Tower
Pat Dwyer, and Kurt Kragness of the Heritage Preservation Commission spoke on their
request to preserve the Jackson Street Water Tower. The meeting between the ERMU
General Manager, the Heritage Preservation Commission, and Doug Derr, representing
Vertical Partners was reported on. It appears that revenue could be generated by using the
tower as a future antenna site. Discussion then moved to the question of the last possible
date for a decision on demolition, and tower maintenance schedules of painting. Bryan
Adams advised that fall would be a final date, and that the tower would need painting every
ten to twelve years.
John Dietz moved to delay a decision on demolition of the Jackson Street Water
Tower until the October, 2002 regular meeting of the Elk River Utilities Commission.
George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.5 Update North Substation Bonding
The Commission was advised that the interest rate for the $500,000 issue of equipment
Certificates will be 4.9%, rather than the initial estimate of 3.75%. John Dietz explained that
the reason for the increase is because the bonding requirements of the City will exceed
$10,000,000.00.
Page 3
Regular meeting ofthe Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
June 4,2002
5.6 Review Water Main - Grace Addition
Grace Assembly of God is building their church adjacent to County Road 13. The
ERMU is obtaining a utility easement through this lot to construct a water main for 190th
Street to County Road 13. Staff is advising that ERMU construct the water main now, while
the church is under construction. The estimated cost of $38,000.00 is not budgeted in 2002,
but there is the possibility of some cost sharing with the church, if construction could be
done.
George Zabee moved to proceed with the construction of a water main for 190th
Street to County Road 13. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
James Tralle left the meeting at 4:55 PM.
5.7 Tour of Large Projects
The meeting continued with a road trip to the large projects underway by the ERMU
Commission.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities
Commission will be July 9, 2002 at 4:00 PM in the Utilities offices.
Vice Chair, John Dietz adjourned the meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities
Commission at 6:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Hemza
Office Manager
Municip al Utilities
Eik River, ~IN 5533¢)
I ~em
# 4.lA
phone: 763.441.2020
Fax: 7(53.44 !.8099
June 5,2002
To: Elk: River City Council
From: Bryan C. Adams
Sklbject:
Future Water Production Facilities
The Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) Commission has had a number of discussions
recently concerning our communities gro,,v-th and the need fbr more water production
facilities. The ERMU currently operates 5 water production facilities and an additional
facility will be completed in June, 2002. This represents a daily pumping capacity of 6.4
million gallons per day with the new facility. 2001 maximum daily pumping
requirement was 5.3 million gallons. This is a lot o£ water for a community our size.
Elk River's water use patterns have changed in the last few years, mainly due to lawn
sprinkling. One water production facility could serve 1000 water meters in 1996 but
only 632 meters in 2001. The time betv,'een constructing new facilities has decreased
from 5 years to 3.5 years, while the cost of these facilities has increased from
approximately $1,000,000 to approximately $1,400,000 each.
Elk River currently has approximately 1500 lots in development or in the active plarming
stages. This equates to 2.3 water production facilities. To ensure we have locations to
construct future water production facilities, the EP~MU Commission has authorized the
purchase of the necessary land. The attached sketch reflects possible locations for future
water production facilities for eastern Elk River. When locating municipal well, the
Minnesota Department of bIealth has criteria to be followed. The first is the isolation
distance which is reflected on the attached sheet titled "isolation Distances from a Water
Supply Welt". This criteria is to protect the welt head from possible contamination. The
other criteria is avoiding contamination in the aquifer. This is achieved by identifying
the wellhead protection area dictated by the distance water in the aquifer ,,,,'ii1 travel in 10
years to the ,,veil. See the attached drawing titled "Time of Travel". We are required to
consider existing or potential aquifer contamination issues in the wellhead protection
area when siting a municipal well. Betbre the property is purchased, generally we install
a test well to help identil-y geology, water quantity and water quality characteristics.
When we purchase this property, ,,ye must make it absolutely clear that we not
guaranteeing if and when municipal water service will be available to the surrounding
property. This is ultimately determined by the City Council. Also, the water distribution
system must grow from the existing system and not ~leap frog" areas.
We ask that you be cognizant of the above facts when considering future developments.
Are there any other issues from your perspective we should consider in moving forward
with land purchase.
I
I
I
pARK
~ 7B'nt
ONING MAP
River
1 '76'~4
175TH
172ND
1715T
170'~4
189'nH
168TH
167"n-I
164~
I
I
I
I
I
180TH
il
I
I
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
WELL MANAGEMENT SECTION
121 EAST SEVENTH PLACE, SUITE 220
P.O. BOX 64975
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 55164-0975
(651) 215-0811 or 1-800-383-9808
ISOLATION DISTANCES FROM A WATER SUPPLY WELL
CHAPTER 4725
RULES RELATING TO WELLS AND BORINGS
MAY 10, 1993
THIS LIST OF ISOLATION DISTANCES IS SUMMARIZED FROM MINNESOTA RULES, CHAPTER 4725.
FOR COMPLETE REGULATIONS, CONSULT THESE RULES AND MINNESOTA STATUTES,
CHAPTER 103I. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND EXPLANATION CAN BE OBTAINED BY
CONSULTING THE RULES HANDBOOK A GUIDE TO THE RULES RELAThVG TO WELLS AND BORINGS,
OR BY CONTACTING THE WELL MANAGEMENT SECTION, MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL STORAGE OR PREPARATION AREA,
MORE THAN 25 GALLONS OR 100 POUNDS DRY WEIGHT ....................... 150 FEET
AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL STORAGE OR PREPARATION AREA WITH SAFEGUARDS . . I00 FEET
AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL STORAGE OR PREPARATION AREA WITH SAFEGUARDS
AND ROOFED ............................................................... 50 FEET
AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL SUPPLY TANK ......................................... 20 FEET~
ANIMAL FEEDLOT ................................................................ 50 FEET:
ANIMAL OR POULTRY BUILDING .................................................. 50 FEET2
BUILDING ..................................................................... 3 FEET
BUILDING PROJECTION, OVERHANG, DECK ........................................ 3 FEET
CESSPOOL ....................................................................... 75 FEET2
DRY WELL (SEWAGE) ............................................................. 75 FEET:
DUMP ........................................................................... 150 FEET
ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINE ................................................... 5 FEET~
ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINE IN EXCESS OF 50 KV ................................ 25 FEET
FEEDING OR WATERING AREA WITHIN A PASTURE ................................. 50 FEET~
FROST-PROOF YARD HYDRANT ................................................... 10 FEET
GAS PIPE ........................................................................ 5 FEET~
GRAVE .......................................................................... 50 FEET
H.-kZARDOUS SUBSTANCE STORAGE OR PREPARATION AREA,
MORE THAN 25 GALLONS OR I00 POUNDS DRY WEIGHT ....................... 150 FEET
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE STORAGE TANK WITH SAFEGUARDS ..................... 100 FEET
HOLDING TANK (SEWAGE) ........................................................ 50 FEET
INTERCEPTOR (WASTE) ........................................................... 50 FEET
I.EACHING PIT ................................................................... 75 FEET2
I.P TANK ......................................................................... 5 FEET~
MANURE STORAGE AREA ......................................................... 100 FEET~
ORDINARY HIGH WATER LEVEL OF A STREAM. RIVER, POND OR LAKE .............. 50 FEET
PETROLEUM STORAGE OR PREPARATION AREA,
MORE THAN 25 GALLONS OR 100 POUNDS DRY WEIGHT ....................... 150 FEET
PETROLEUM STORAGE TANK WITH SAFEGUARDS .................................. 100 FEET
PETROLEUM STORAGE TANK, UNDERGROUND, LESS THAN 1100 GALLONS ........... 50 FEET
PETROLEUM STORAGE TANK, ABOVE GROUND, LESS THAN 1100 GALLONS .......... 20 FEET
PIT .............................................................................. 20 FEET
POLLUTANT, CONTAMINANT OR HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE ......................... 50 FEET
PRIVY ................................................................. : ......... 50 FEET2
SANITARY LANDFILL ............................................................. 150 FEET
SEEPAGE PIT ..................................................................... 75 FEET2
SEPTIC TANK .................................................................... 50 FEET
SEWAGE LIFT STATION ........................................................... 50 FEET
SEWAGE SUMP, WATERTIGHT ..................................................... 20 FEET
SEWAGE SUNIP, NONWATERTIGHT ................................................ 50 FEET
SEWER, BURIED, GRAVITY, APPROVED, AIR-TESTED ................................ 20 FEET
SEWER, BURIED, PRESSURE, APPROVED, AIR-TESTED,
SERVING A SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE ...................................... 20 FEET
SEWER, BURIED, COLLECTOR OR MUNICIPAL, PRESSURIZED, OPEN-JOINTED,
OR UNAPPROVED MATERIALS ............................................... 50 FEET
STOPuM WATER DRAIN PIPE, 12 INCHES OR GREATER IN DIAMETER .................. 20 FEET
SUBSURFACE DISPOSAL FIELD (DKAINFIELD) ...................................... 50 FEET'
SWIMMING POOL, IN-GROUND .................................................... 20 FEET
UNFILLED SPACE ................................................................. 20 FEET
UNUSED, UNSEALED WELL OR BORING ............................................ 50 FEET
WASTE STABILIZATION POND ..................................................... 150 FEET
A.DDITIONAL ISOLATION DISTANCES FOR
COMMUNITY PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY WELLS
FIRE OR FLUSHING HYDRANT ..................................................... 10 FEET
GRAVEL POCKET RECEIVING CLEAR WATER DRAINAGE ............................ 30 FEET
HIGHEST WATER OR FLOOD LEVEL ................................................ 50 FEET
MINIMUM DISTANCE FROM ANY CONTAMINATION SOURCE ........................ 50 FEETa
PROPERTY LINE OR EASEMENT ................................................... 50 FEET
~ THE 20-FOOT DISTANCE APPLIES ONLY TO AN IRRIGATION WELL AND AN AGRICULTURAL
CHEMICAL SUPPLY TANK (CHEMIGATION TANK) PROTECTED WITH SAFEGUARDS.
2 A WATER SUPPLY WELL WITH LESS THAN 50 FEET OF WATERTIGHT CASING, OR WHICH IS NOT
CASED BELOW A CONFINING LAYER OF AT LEAST 10 FEET IN THICKNESS, MUST BE LOCATED AT
LEAST TWICE THE INDICATED DISTANCE.
~ A W[..'I_L OR BORING BETWEEN 5 AND 10 FEET OF AN ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINE, GAS PIPE
OR LP TANK MUST BE PLACARDED AND WORK NIUST NOT BE PERFORNIED ON THE WELL OR
BORING UNLESS THE ELECTRIC LINE IS DEENERGIZED AND GROUNDED OR SHIELDED, AND THE
GAS PIPE OR LP TANK DOES NOT CONTAIN FLAMMABLE GAS.
4 A CO*IMUNITY PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY WELL MUST BE A MINIMUM OF 50 FEET FROM ANY
CONT:\MINATION SOURCE. THE 20-FOOT CONTAMINATION DISTANCES (SEWER, PIT, STORM
WATER DRAIN PIPE. ETC.) ARE INCREASED TO 50 FEET FOR COMMUNITY PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY
",V ['~LI..S.
To rcquot thi,~ document in another format, call (651 ) 215-081 I, T.D. (651 ) 215-0707, or for greater Minnesota
through thc Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529 and ask for (651) 215-081 I.
O:\w¢ll*ngmP,or=g~\~solatc Jc, c 3~99R
¢Vell 6
Well 3
Park"'¥'~,.. ·
Well 2
Well 5-
TIME-OF-TRAVEL
WELLHEAD PROTECTION AREAS
March 2000
EXPLANATION
· Elk River City Wells
Time-of-Travel Zones
2-5
6-10
~ 11 -20
0.3 0 0.3 0.6 Miles
Elk River
Municipal Utilities
2001 Annual
Drinking Water
Quality Report
This report is snbmilted
in response to federal regulalion
Elk River Municipal Utilities is issuing tile results of
monitoring done on its drinking water for the period
from Jauuary I to December 31,2001. The purpose
of this report is to advance consumers' understand-
ins of drinking water and heighten awareness of the
need to protect precious water resources. Our con-
slant goal is to provide you with a safe and depend-
ahlc supply of drinking water. This report explains
tile efforts we make to continually improve tile
water treatment process and protect our water
resonrces. We are committed to ensuring the quality
of your water. Our mnnicipal water source is
grot,ndwater from five (5) wells ranging from 225 to
313 feet deep, that draw fi;om tile Eau Claire-Mt.
Simon-tlinckley aquifer. We bare 4 Minnesota
licensed water operators who manage/operate the
Elk River water system. The Elk Rive,' water system
has over 50 miles of water mains, serve over 9,000
populalion and has been m operation for over ?0
years.
ERMU is pleased to report that our drinking
water is safe and meets federal and state require-
inelllS,
If you have any questions about this report or con-
cerning your water utility,
~Ve want oar valued customers to be informed about
their water nldity. If you want to learn more, please
atlend any of our regnlarly scheduled meetings.
They are held on the second Tuesday of every
month tit 4:00 p.m. at the ntility office.
Elk River Municipal Utilities routinely monitors
for contaminates ill your drinking water accordiug
to Federal and State laws.
The following table shows the results of our mon-
itoring for tile period of January l to December
31, 2001. No contaminants were detected at levels
tim, violated federal drinking water staudards.
llowever, stone contaminants were detected in
trace amouuts tim, were below legal limits. The
table that follows shows the contaminants that
were detected in trace amounts last yeah Some
contaminants are sampled less frequently than
once a year; as a result, not all contaminants were
sampled for iu 2001. If any of these contaminants
were detected the last time they were sampled fi}r,
they ,'ire inchnled in the lame.
2
In this table you will find many terms and abbre-
viations you might not be familiar with. To help you
better understand these terms we've provided tile
following definitions:
Non-Detects (ND) - laboratory analysis indicates
that the constituent was not detected.
N/A - Not applicable (does nol apply)
Parts per million (ppm) or Milligrams per liter
(mg/l) - one part per million con'esponds tn one
minnie in two y'ears or a single penny in $10,001).
Parts per billion (ppb) or Micrograms per liter
tug/l) - one part per billion corresl)onds to one
minnie in 2,000 years, or a single penny itl
$10,000,000.
Parts per trillion (PPO or Nanograms per liter
(nanograms/l) - one part l)cr trillion corresponds to
one minute in 2,000,000 years, or a siugle penny
in $10,000,000,000.
Parts per quadrillion (ppq) or Picograms per
liter (picogramsll) - one part per quadrillion corre-
sponds to one minute in 2,000,000,000,000 years or
one penny in $10,000,000,000,000.
Action Level (AL) - the coucentration of a con-
taminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or
other requirements which a water system must fol-
low.
Treatment Technique (?Ti - A lreatment tech-
nique is a required process intended to reduce tile
level of a contaminant in drinking waler.
Maximunt Contaminant Level - (MCL) is the
highest level of a coutaminanl that is allowed itl
drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCI .(is
as feasible nsing thc best available u-eatment lech-
nology.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal - (MCLG)
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below
which there is no known or expected risk to heallh
MCI~Gs allow for a margin of safely.
90th Percentile Level -This is tile value oblained
after disregarding 10 percent of thc salnples taken
that had the highest levels. (For example, in a situa-
tion in which 10 samples were taken, tile 90th per-
cea,lie level is determined by disregm-ding tile high-
est result, which represents 10 percent of the sam-
ples.) Note: In situations in which only 5 samples
are taken, the average of the two with the highest
levels is taken to determine the 90th percentile level.
3
TEST RESULTS
Contaminant Violation Level Unit MCLG MI~L
Y/N Detected Measure
ment
Microbiological Contaminants
1. Total N O/100 mi 0 presence
Coliform of coliform
Bacteria bacteria in
5% of
monthly
samples
Likely Source of
Contamination
Naturally present
in the environmeut
2. Fecal N O/100 mi
coliform and
Ecoli
3. Turbidity N/A
Radioactive Contaminants
4. Alpha N 2.4 pCi/I 0
emitters
5. Combined N <2 pCi/I 0
radium
Inorganic Contaminants
6. Antimony N ND ppb 6
7. Arseuic N 1.6 ppb N/
8. Barium N 0.05 PPM 2
9. BeryliomN ND ppb 4
10. Cadmium N ND' ppb 5
N/A
a murine Human and animal
sample fecal waste
and
repeat sample
are total
coliform
positive,
and one is
also fecal
coliform or
E. coil
positive
Soil runoff
15 Erosion of natural
deposits
5 Erosion of natural
deposits
6 Discharge from
petroleum refineries;
fire retardant,
ceramics; electronics;
solder
50 Erosion of natural
deposits; runnff froln
orchards; runoff from
glass and electronics
production wastes
2 Discharge of drilling
wastes; discharge
from metal
refinehes; erosion of
natural deposits
4 Discharge fiom metal
refineries and coal-
burning factories;
discharge froin
electrical, aerospace,
and defense indus-
tries
5 Con'osion of
galvanized pipes;
erosion of natural
deposits; discharge
fi'om metal refineries;
runoff l'rom waste
batteries and paints
4
Contaminant Violation Level Unit MCLG MCL Likely Source of
Y/N Detected Measure Contamination
ment
11. Chromium N ND ppb 100 100 Discharge from steel
and pulp mills;
erosion of
natural deposits
13. CyanideN ND ppb 200 200 Discharge from steel/
metal factories;
discharge from
plastic and fertilizer
factories
14. Fluoride N 1.2 PPM 4 4 Erosion of natural
deposits; water
additive which
promotes strong
teeth; discharge
from tkrtifizer and
aluminum factories
16. Mercury N ND ppb 2 2 Erosion of natural
deposits; discharge
from refineries and
factories; runoff from
landfills, runoff rom
cropland
17. Nitrate N 1.3 PPM 10 10 Runoff frmn I~rtilizer
(as Nitrogen) use; leaching from
septic tanks, sewage;
erosion of natural
deposits
18. Nitrite N ND PPM l 1 Runoff frmn fertilizer
(as Nitrogen) use; leaching from
septic tanks, sewage;
erosion of natural
deposits
19. Selenium N ND ppb 50 50 Discharge from
petroleum and metal
refineries; erosion of
natural deposits;
discharge from mines
20. Thallium N ND ppb 0.5 2 Leaching fi'om ore-
processing sites;
discharge from
electronics, glass,
and drug factories
Synthetic Organic Contaminants including
Pesticides and Herbicides
21.2,4-D N ND ppb 70 70 Runofffrom berbi
cide used on row
crops
22.2, 4, 5- N ND ppb 50 50 Residue of banned
TP (Silvex) herbicide
23. Acrylamide N ND 0 TI' Added to water
during
sewage/wastewater
treatment
24. Alachlor N ND ppb 0 2 Runoff fi-om
herbicide
used on row crops
25. Atrazine N ND ppb 3 3 Runoff flown
herbicide
used on row crops
5
Contaminant Violation Level
Y/N Detected Measure
meat
26. Benzo(a) N ND
pyrene (PAll)
27. Carbofuran N ND
28. Chlordane N
29. DalaponN ND
30. Di(2-ethyI-N ND
hexyl) adipate
31. DJ(2 ethyl N ND
hexyl) phtMate
32. Dihromo-N <0.5
chloropmpane
33. DinosebN ND
34. Diquat N ND
35. Dioxin N ND
(2,3,7,8
TCDD)
36. Endolhalt N ND
37. Endrin N ND
38. Epichlo-N ND
rohydrin
39. Ethylene N ND
dibmmide
40. Glyphosate N ND
41. llel)tachlor N ND
42. Heptachlor N ND
epoxide
43. llexachlo- N ND
robenzene
Unit MCLG MCL
nano- 0 200
gram
s/l
ppb 40 40
ND ppb 0 2
ppb 200 204)
ppb 400 400
ppb 0 6
nano- 0 200
gratn
s/I
ppb 7 7
ppb 20 20
pico- 0 30
gram
s/I
ppb t04) 10B
ppb 2 2
0 TT
nauo- 0 50
gram
s/l
ppb 700 700
nano- 0 40t)
gram
s/l
nano- 0 200
gram s/l
ppb 0 1
Likely Source of
Contamination
Leaching from
linings of water
storage tanks and
distribution lines
Leaching of soil
fumigant used on rice
and alfalfa
Residue of banned
termiticide
Runoff from
herbicide
used on fights of way
Discharge from
chemical factories
Discharge from
rubber and chemical
factories
Runoff/leaching from
soil fmnigaut used on
soybeans, cotton,
pineapples, and
orchards
Runoff from
herbicide
used on soybeans and
vegetables
Runoff from
herbicide use
Emissions fi'om waste
incineration and other
combustion;
discharge
from chemical
factories
Runoff frmn
herbicide use
Residue of banned
iusecticide
Discharge from
indusu iai chemical
factories; an
impurity of some
water treatment
chemicals
Discharge from
petrolemn refineries
Ruuoff rom
herbicide use
Residue of banned
termiticide
Breakdown of
beptachlor
Discharge from metal
refineries and
agricultural chemical
factories
Contaminant Violation Level
YRq Detected bleasure
44. Hexachlo- N ND
rocyclopen-
tadiene
45. Lindane N ND
Unil MCLG MCL
ppb 50 50
nano-200 200
grams/
1
46. Metho- N ND ppb 40
xychlor
47. OxamylN ND ppb 200
(Vydate)
48. PCBs N ND nano- 0
(Polychlo grains/
rinated 1
biphenyls)
49. Pentach-N ND ppb 0
lorophenol
50. Picloram N ND ppb 500
51. Simazine N ND ppb 4
52. Toxapheuelq ND ppb 0
Volatile Organic Contaminants
53. Benzene N <0.2 ppb 0
54. Carbon N <0.2 ppb 0
tetrachloride
55. Chic, to N <0.2 ppb 100
benzene
56. n-Dich- N <0.2 ppb 600
[orobenzene
57. p-Dich- N <0.2 ppb 75
Iorobenzene
58. 1,2- N <0.2 ppb 0
Dichloro
ethane
59. l,l- N <0.2 ppb 7
Dichloro-
ethyleue
60. cis 1,2- N <0.2 ppb 70
chloro
ethylene
61. t~ans- N <0.1 ppb 100
1,2 ich
lomethytene
62, Dich N ND ppb 0
Iorome-
[hlule
7
Likely Sourceof
Contamination
Discharge from
chemical factories
Runoff/leaching from
insecticide used on
cattle, lumber,
gardens
40 Runoff/leaching from
insecticide used on
fruits, vegetables,
alfalfa, livestock
200 RunoflTleaching from
insecticide used on
apples, potatoes and
tomatoes
500 Runoff from landfills,
dischm'ge of waste
chemicals
l Discharge fi'om wood
preserving factories
51.)0 lterbicide runoff
4 llerbicide runoff
3 Runoff/leach. lng from
insecticide used on
cotton and cattle
5 Discharge from
factories; leachiug
from gas storage
tauks and landfills
5 Discharge from
chemical plants and
other indust~Sal
activities
100 Discharge from
chemical and
agricultural chemical
factories
600 Discharge fi'om
industrial chemical
factmSes
75 Discharge fi-om
industrial chemical
factories
5 Discharge from
industrial
chemical factories
7 Discharge front
industrial chemical
factories
70 Discharge from
industrial chemical
factories
100 Discharge from
industrial chemical
factories
5 Discharge from phar-
maceutical and
chemical factories
Contaminant Violation Level
Y/N Detected Measure
ment
Unit MCLG MCL
63. 1,2- N <0.2 ppb 0
Dichlor-
opropane
64. Ethyl- N 7.25 ppb 700
benzene
65. Styrene N <0.5 ppb 100
66. Tetra- N <0.2 ppb 0
chloroe-
thylene
67. 1,2,4- N <0.5 ppb 70
Tfichtor-
obenzene
68. 1,1,1- N <0.2 ppb 200
Tiichtor-
oethane
69. 1,1,2- N <0.2 ppb 3
Trichlor-
oethane
70. Trich- N <0.l ppb 0
Ioroethylene
71.'['FILM N ND ppb 0
(Total
trihalome-
thanes)
'72. Toluene N .00022 PPM 1
73. Vinyl N <0.5 ppb 0
Chloride
74. Xylenes N .115 PPM
Contaminant 90%
Units MCLG AL Ee,,d
Lead (ppb) N/A 15 3.0
Cop~r (ppm) N/A 1.3 0.295
Likely Source 0f
Contamination
5 Discharge from
industrial chemical
factories
700 Discharge from
petroleum refinelSes
100 Discharge from rub-
bet and plastic
factories, leaching
from landfills
5 Leaching from PVC
pipes; discharge from
factories and dry
cleaners
70 Discharge fi'om tex-
tile finishing factories ·
200 Discharge from metal
degreasing sites and
other factories
5 Discharge from
industrial chemical
factories
5 Discfiarge from metal
degreasing sites and
other factories
100 By-product of drink-
lug water
chlorination
I Discfiarge from
petroleum factories
2 L~aching from PVC
piping; discharge
from plastics factories
10 10 Discharge horn
petrolemn factories;
discharge fi'om
chcruical factories
Typical
# sites Source of
o,,er AL Contaminant
0out of Cono~ion of household plumbing
20 systems; Erosion of natural deposits.
0 out of Conosion of Hoosehold plumbing
20 systems; £rosion of natural de,sas
Some contaminants do not have Maximum
Contaminant Levels established l~r them. These
"unregulated contaminants" are assessed using
state standards known as health risk limits to deter-
mine if they pose a threat to human health. If unac-
ceptable Levels of an unregulated contaminant are
found, the response is the same as if MCL has been
exceeded; lhe water system must inform ils cus-
tomers and take other corrective actions.
Vital facts about
a vit,al resource
Water is such a vital part of our daily
lives it's easy to take for granted ho~v
much we depend on it, Did you know:
About 80% of the earth's surface is
covered by water, but only about 1%
is suitable for drinking.
A person needs about 2-1/2 quarts c
water per da), from food and liquid
sources to maintain good health.
A person can live without food mor~
than a month, but can survive a wee
or less without water~
A five minute shower draws betweei
13 and 50 gallons of water, dependir
on showerhead design.
If you let the faucet run, you'll use
two gallons of water in the time it
takes to brush your teeth.
The average household consumes
107,000 gallons of water per year.
The average person uses 100 gallons
of water per day~
Elk River use§ ab6ut 1.1 million
gallons of water p~ day, with a peak
of 5.5 million gaii°n$ per day. This
increase is caused by- customers wale
ing lawns on hot summer days.
In the table that follows are'the unregulated con-
taminants that are detected.
ContaminantLevel Found Typical Source of contaminant
Range Avg./
Result
Sulfate 5.0-16.0 PPM Erosion of natural deposits.
Sodium 2.7-3.7 PPM Erosion of nalural deposits.
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 lev-
els.
The sources of drinking water (both tap water
and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams,
ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water trav-
els 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 froln human activity.
Contaminants that may be present in source water
include:
Mictvbial contaminants, such as viruses and
bacteria, which may come fi'om sewage treatmen!
plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock opera-
lions, and wildlife.
Ittot'g~ltlic contaminants, snch as salts and nle[-
als, which can be naturally-occurring or result from
urban stormwaler runoff', industrial or domestic
wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, lniu-
tug, or farming.
Pesticides and herbicides, which may colne
fi'Oln a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban
stormwater runoff', and residential uses.
Organic chemical contaminants, including syn-
thetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-
products of industrial processes and petroleum pro-
duction, and can also come from gas stations, urban
stormwater runoff, and septic systems.
Radioaetive contaminants, which can be natural-
ly-occurring or be the result of oil and gas produc-
tion and mining activities.
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink,
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
prescribes regulations which limit the amount of
9
certain contaminants in water provided by public
water systems. Food and Drug Administration regu-
lations 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
contaminants 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 at 800-426-
4791.
Thank you for allowing us to continue providing
your family with clean, quality water this year. In
order to mmntain a safe and dependable water sup-
ply we sometimes need to make ilnprovements that
will benefit all of our customers. These improve-
ments are someti~nes rellected as rate structure
adjustments. Thank you for understanding.
Some people may be more vnlnerable to con-
taminants in drinking water than the general popula-
tion. Imnmno-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).
Please call our office if you have questions.
10
Help protect Elk River's
most valuable natural resource
Elk R/vet is fortunate to have plenty of
fresh, clean water. Our community uses
1,100,000 gallons of this precious resource
each day. It enhances our health, our
lifestyles and our economic well being. On
a hot summer day this quantity increases
to almost 5,500,000 gallons due to
increased use for lawn sprinkling.
At Elk River Municipal Utilities, it's our
business to provide for your water needs.
We take our responsibility seriously, but
it's really a responsibility we all share.
Although water is easily accessible - as
easy as turning on a faucet - it is still a
finite resource that shouldn't be wasted.
You can help us take good care of Elk
River's water supply by conscientiously
managing your own water usage. In doing
so, you'll contribute to a higher quality of
life in Elk River - for your family and for
future generations.
Saving water saves energy
Dvserving long-term water quality is just
one reason to conserve. Saving energy is
another. It takes a lot of power to pump
water from the ground and transport it
safely to your home. The water that flows
freely through your pipes is actually a
carefully processed product - and you pay
for every drop, whether you use it wisely
or not. Conserving water not only puts
more money in your own pocketbook, it
lowers demand throughout the communi-
ty which helps keep the cost of producing
water rnore affordable for everyone.
Water your lawn wisely
Lawn watering places a huge demand on
the water supply in the summer. You can
maintain a healthy;
~ green lawn witln
minimal watering.
by following
these ~fidelines:
Water early in the morning - between
4 a.rrL and 10 a.m. is best! Avoid watering
later in the evening to prevent turfgrass
diseases. Do not water during restricted
times (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
Watch the weather forecast to avoid
watering in windy weather or before a
rainfall.
Adjust watering schedule to the season.
Established lawns need little or no water-
ing in the spring and fall. Requirements
typically peak in June or July and begin
tapering off in late August.
Rule-of-thumb: I to 1.5 inches per
week minus rainfall and keep intelYals
between watering as long as possible to
encourage deeper root growth.
For sandy soils, apply 1/2"to 3/4"two
times per week minus rainfall. Stop when
soil is moist down to 5" depth, or use a
rain gauge to measure the amount to
add. Typical sprinklers wilt add one
quarter h~ch per hour. Additional
watering will simply drain below
the root zone and leach minerals out of
reach of the roots.
Leave grass longer during hot weather
(2.5 to 3.5 inches). It promotes deeper
roots, shades growth crowns, and helps
protect them from do'lng winds.
For more information,
go to www. extension.umn.edu
More simple tips
for saving water
Don't run water continuously for
food preparation and dish
washing.
%ke showers rathg~r
than baths, and
keep them short.
Replace old
shower heads with ,~,~
the new low-flow ones.
Don't mn the water
continuously while
brushing your teeth
or shaving.
Fix leaky faucets and
toilets - the smallest
drip can waste 20 gallons
per day.
Use tine dishwasher and clothes washer
only with full loads. And when purchas-
ing new ones, specie, those that are
specially designed to use less water.
· Don't hose off driveways, walks and
patios! Use a broom instead.
· Use a sponge and bucket of water to
wash the car.
· Don't run tile tap to get cold water. Keep
a bottle in the refl'igerator instead.