2020 Drinking Water Quality Results

The table below shows the results of the Toledo Water Treatment Plant’s water quality tests for 2020. The EPA requires regular sampling to ensure drinking water safety. Samples were collected for dozens of different contaminants, most of which were not detected in Toledo’s water supply. Those that were detected are included in the table below. The Ohio EPA requires us to monitor for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these con- taminants do not frequently change. The data presented are from the most recent testing done in accordance with the regulations.

Regulated Contaminants in Drinking Water

1. TTHM stands for Total Trihalomethanes. HAA5 stands for Haloacetic Acids. MCL compliance for both TTHM and HAA5 is based on the highest locational running annual average (shown as level found). The range shows the highest and lowest single detects from quarterly compliance monitoring at twelve different sites in the distribution system.
2. Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water. We monitor it daily because it is a good indication of the effectiveness of our filtration system. The turbidity limit set by the EPA states that all samples must be below 1 ntu and that 95% of the daily samples must be lower than 0.3 ntu. In 2020, 99.5% of our samples were below 0.3 ntu.
3. TOC stands for Total Organic Carbon. The value reported under “Level Found” for TOC is the running annual average ratio between the percentage of TOC actually removed to the percentage of TOC required to be removed. A value of greater than one (1.0) indicates that the water system is in compliance with TOC removal requirements. A value of less than one indicates a violation of

the TOC removal requirements. The value reported under the “Range” for TOC is the lowest monthly ratio to the highest monthly ratio. Toledo remained in compliance with TOC removal requirements.

The tables below show the results from 2020 Unregulated Contaminants Monitoring Rule 4 (UCMR4) Results. These test results will assist USEPA in developing new regulatory requirements to protect the public health and safety. Any contami- nant found in the UCMR4 quarterly sampling will not have an MCLG or MCL and will be listed below. For more on the UCMR4 go to www.epa.gov/dwucmr/fourth-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule.

Unregulated Contaminants in Drinking Water

1. This information is provided for those concerned with sodium in their diet; 22.8 mg/l of sodium equates to 5.4 milligrams of sodium per 8 ounce glass of water.

2. Microcystin is a toxin produced by harmful algal blooms. The following thresholds were developed by the USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) based on a 10-day exposure. The 0.3 ppb Do Not Drink Advisory threshold is for children 6 and under. The 1.6 ppb Do Not Drink Advisory threshold is for anyone 6 and older. For information on Harmful Algal Bloom Response Strategy go to http://epa.ohio.gov/Portals/28/documents/HABs/PWS_HAB_Response_Strategy_2020.pdf.

Unregulated Contaminants in the Distribution System

For more information on UCMR4 go to: https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr/fourth-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule.

In 2020, our PWS was sampled as part of the State of Ohio’s Drinking Water Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Sam- pling Initiative. Six PFAS compounds were sampled, and none were detected in our finished drinking water. For more infor- mation about PFAS, please visit pfas.ohio.gov.

Water Quality Terminology

Parts per million (ppm) and parts per billion (ppb) – One ppm can be equated to 4 teaspoons of salt in a standard 24-foot backyard pool. One ppb is like 1 teaspoon of salt in an Olympic-sized pool.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) – The 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. MCLs are set at very stringent levels by State and Federal governments.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) – The 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.

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.

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

Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (ntu) – A measure of water clarity.

Action Level (AL) – The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.

Treatment Technique (TT) – A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in the drinking water. Contact Time (CT) – Time required to deactivate microbes with chlorine.

Picocuries per liter (piC/l) – Common measurement of radioactivity. nd – Not detectable. N/A - not applicable.

Source Water Assessment Report

Toledo Water Meets or Exceeds All Drinking Water Quality Standards

The Ohio EPA has completed a Source Water Assessment for the City of Toledo, which uses surface water drawn from Lake Erie. By their nature, all surface waters are considered to be susceptible to contamination from chemicals and pathogens. The time it would take for a contaminant to travel from our source water to our drinking water intake is relatively short. Although the water system’s main intake is located offshore, susceptibility of the source water to contamination may be increased by its proximity to the following: municipal sewage treatment plants; industrial wastewater; combined sewer overflows; septic system discharges; open water dredge disposal operations; runoff from agricultural and urban areas; oil and gas production; mining operations; and accidental releases and spills, especially from commercial shipping operations and recreational boating.

The City of Toledo treats its water to meet and even surpass drinking water quality standards, but no single treatment protocol can address all potential contaminants. The potential for water quality impacts can be further decreased by implementing measures to protect Lake Erie. More detailed information is provided in the City of Toledo’s Drinking Water Source Assessment Report, which can be obtained by calling 419-936-3021 or at www.toledo.oh.gov/residents/ water/quality.

In 2020 Toledo had an unconditional license to operate its water system.

Toledo’s Water Treatment Plant has an outstanding record of success, consistently maintaining compliance

with drinking water quality regulations. Its outstanding performance in 2020 was achieved

through a proactive commitment by its staff to produce a

higher level of drinking water safety and reliability than is currently required by law.

What are sources of contamination to drinking water?

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.

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) Inor- ganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm water 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, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses; (D) Or- ganic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic sys- tems; (E) Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and min- ing activities.

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In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, USEPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain con- taminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled wa- ter 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 con- taminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More infor- mation about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Federal Environmental Protec- tion Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

Who needs to take special precautions?

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 infection. 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 microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

Cryptosporidium

The City of Toledo Water Department has completed the second round of source water monitoring required by the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule. Forty-eight (48) samples were collected and tested for Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Only one cell of Cryptosporidium was detected in raw water during the testing period from April 2015 to March 2020. In 2005, 21 samples were taken from Toledo’s raw water supply. Cryptosporidium was not de- tected in any of these samples. Cryptosporidium is a microbial pathogen found in surface water throughout the U.S. Although filtration removes cryptosporidium, the most commonly used filtration methods cannot guarantee 100% re- moval. Monitoring of source water indicates the presence of these organisms. Current test methods do not enable us to determine if the organisms are dead or if they are capable of causing disease. Symptoms of infection include nau- sea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Most healthy individuals can overcome the disease. However, immuno- compromised people are at greater risk of developing life-threatening illness. We encourage immune-compromised individuals to consult their doctor regarding appropriate precautions to take to avoid infection. Cryptosporidium must be ingested to cause disease and it may be spread through means other than drinking water.

For information on what residents can do to protect our source water, please visit

www.toledolakeerie.clearchoicescleanwater.org.

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Lead Educational Information

Even legally “lead-free” plumbing may contain up to eight percent lead, so it makes good sense to adopt and follow these practices: Run the cold water before use – If present, lead levels are likely at their highest when water has been sitting in the pipe for several hours. Clear this water from pipes by running the cold water before use. Running the cold faucet until water feels colder allows you to draw fresh water from the main. Start with cold water for cooking and drinking – Always cook and prepare baby formula with fresh cold water, because hot water dissolves lead more quickly, resulting in higher levels in water. Clean aerators – Aerators are small attachments at the tips of faucets which regulate the flow of water. In locations where lead pipes or fixtures are present, small particles of lead can accumulate in aera- tor screens. It’s a good idea to remove your aerators at least monthly and clean them out.

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 Toledo 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 drink- ing water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hot- line at 800-426-4791or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Public Participation Information

Public participation and comment are encouraged at Toledo City Council which meets regularly every other Tuesday at 4 pm at One Government Center. Please visit www.toledo.oh.gov/ government/city-council for its calendar, meeting notices, legislation and audio minutes or call 419-245-1050. For more information on your drinking water contact Jeff Calmes at 419-936-3020.

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