2021 Annual Water Quality Report
Annual Drinking Water Quality Report Addendum for 2021
Town of Pomfret Water Districts
Public Water Supply ID
Berry Road Water District NY0600369
Chestnut Road Water District NY0600395
North End Water District NY0630121
** For a printed report, please contact the Pomfret Clerk's Office, 716-672-7496
INTRODUCTION
The information contained in this report is a supplement to the report that you received from the Village of Fredonia. To comply with State regulations the Town of Pomfret will be annually issuing a report describing additional water quality information of your drinking water. The purpose of this report is to raise your understanding of drinking water and awareness of the need to protect our drinking water sources. Last year, your tap water met most State drinking water health standards. In 2021, we had one instance of a failing bacteria sample in our system. Further information on this can be found in the “What does this information mean?” section of this report. If you did not receive information from Fredonia please feel free to contact the Village at (716) 679-2302.
WHERE DOES OUR WATER COME FROM?
Water Customers residing in all three water districts receive water from the Village of Fredonia. The Town of Pomfret does not provide any additional treatment to the water.
ARE THERE CONTAMINANTS IN OUR DRINKING WATER?
As the State regulations require, we routinely test your drinking water for numerous contaminants. These contaminants include: total coliform, total trihalomethanes, Haloacetic acids and Lead and Copper. The table presented below depicts which compounds were detected in your drinking water.
It should be noted that all drinking water, including bottled drinking water, may be reasonably 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 EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) or the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Service at 716-753-4481.
Table of Detected Contaminants - Berry Road Water District
Contaminant
Violation
Date of Sample
Level Detected
Unit
Measure-ment
Regulatory Limit
MCL/AL
MCLG
Likely Source of Contamination
DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS
Haloacetic Acids
No
8/3/21
1.76
ug/l
60 (MCL)
N/A
By-products of drinking water chlorination.
Total Trihalomethanes
No
8/3/21
77.14
ug/l
80 (MCL)
N/A
By-products of drinking water chlorination. TTHM's are formed when source water contains large amounts of organic matter.
INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS
Lead (1)
No
8/14/19
5.2;
Range=
ND-9.1
ug/l
15 (AL)
0
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural Deposits
Copper (2)
No
8/14/19
0.260;
Range=
0.031-0.292
mg/l
1.3(AL)
1.3
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching from wood preservatives
Chlorine
Residual
No
Monthly
(2021)
Avg.= 0.42
Range= 0.02 – 1.15
mg/l
4.0 (MCL)
N/A
Water additive used to control microbes.
Table of Detected Contaminants - Chestnut Road Water District
Contaminant
Violation
Date of Sample
Level Detected
Unit Measure-ment
Regulatory Limit MCL/AL
MCLG
Likely Source of Contamination
DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS
Haloacetic Acids
No
(Quarterly)
2021
Avg.= 16.03
Range= 4.9 - 22
ug/l
60 (MCL)
N/A
By-products of drinking water chlorination.
Total
Trihalomethanes
No
(Quarterly)
2021
Avg.= 68.77
Range= 31.65 – 92.81
ug/l
80 (MCL)
N/A
By-products of drinking water chlorination. TTHM's are formed when source water contains large amounts of organic matter.
INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS
Lead (3)
No
8/14/19
5.84;
Range=
0.30-11.0
ug/l
15 (AL)
0
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural Deposits
Copper (4)
No
8/14/19
0.151;
Range=
0.033-0.162
mg/l
1.3(AL)
1.3
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching from wood preservatives
Chlorine
Residual
No
Monthly
(2021)
Avg.= 0.28
Range= 0.01-0.8
mg/l
4.0 (MCL)
N/A
Water additive used to control microbes.
Table of Detected Contaminants - North End Water District
Contaminant
Violation
Date of Sample
Level Detected
Unit Measure-ment
Regulatory Limit MCL/AL
MCLG
Likely Source of Contamination
MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS
Total Coliform
No
9/7/21
1 positive sample
N/A
TT = 2 or more positive samples
N/A
Naturally present in the environment
DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS
Haloacetic Acids
No
(Quarterly)
2021
Avg.= 11.60
Range= 3.2 – 15.8
ug/l
60 (MCL)
N/A
By-products of drinking water chlorination.
Total Trihalomethanes
No
(Quarterly)
2021
Avg.= 78.98
Range= 59.64 – 87.55
ug/l
80 (MCL)
N/A
By-products of drinking water chlorination. TTHM's are formed when source water contains large amounts of organic matter.
INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS
Lead (5)
No
8/14/19
8.6;
Range=
ND-10.2
ug/l
15 (AL)
0
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural Deposits
Copper (6)
No
8/14/19
0.345;
Range=
0.002-0.623
mg/l
1.3(AL)
1.3
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching from wood preservatives
Chlorine
Residual
No
Monthly
(2021)
Avg.= 0.33
Range= 0.01-2.0
mg/l
4.0 (MCL)
N/A
Water additive used to control microbes.
Notes:
1 – The level presented represents the 90th percentile of the 5 sites tested. A percentile is a value on a scale of 100 that indicates the percent of a distribution that is equal to or below it. The 90th percentile is equal to or greater than 90% of the Lead values detected at your water system. In this case 5 samples were collected at Berry Road Water District and the 90th percentile value was calculated by averaging the two highest results found (9.1 ug/l & 1.3 ug/l). The action level for lead was not exceeded at any of the sites tested.
2 – The level presented represents the 90th percentile of the 5 sites tested. The 90th percentile is equal to or greater than 90% of the Copper values detected at your water system. In this case 5 samples were collected at Berry Road Water District and the 90th percentile value was calculated by averaging the two highest results found (292 mg/l & 227 mg/l). The action level for copper was not exceeded at any of the sites tested.
3 – The level presented represents the 90th percentile of the 5 samples collected. In this case 5 samples were collected at Chestnut Road Water District and the 90th percentile value was calculated by averaging the two highest results found (11.0 ug/l & 0.68 ug/l). The action level for lead was not exceeded at any of the sites tested.
4 – The level presented represents the 90th percentile of the 5 samples collected. In this case 5 samples were collected at Chestnut Road Water District and the 90th percentile value was calculated by averaging the two highest results found (162 mg/l & 139 mg/l). The action level for copper was not exceeded at any of the sites tested.
5 – The level presented represents the 90th percentile of the 5 samples collected. In this case 5 samples were collected at North End Water District and the 90th percentile value was calculated by averaging the two highest results found (10.2 ug/l & 7.0 ug/l). The action level for lead was not exceeded at any of the sites tested.
6 – The level presented represents the 90th percentile of the 5 samples collected. In this case 5 samples were collected at North End Water District and the 90th percentile value was calculated by averaging the two highest results found (623 mg/l & 66.1 mg/l). The action level for copper was not exceeded at any of the sites tested.
Definitions:
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.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): 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 that is 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 a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contamination.
Non-Detects (ND): Laboratory analysis indicates that the constituent is not present.
Milligrams per liter (mg/l): Corresponds to one part of liquid in one million parts of liquid (parts per million - ppm).
WHAT DOES THIS INFORMATION MEAN?
As you can see by the table, our system had one positive bacteria sample in 2021. On September 10, we were notified that a water sample that was collected in our North End District on September 7 had tested positive for total coliform bacteria. Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful waterborne pathogens may be present or that a potential pathway exists through which contamination may enter the drinking water distribution system. We found coliforms indicating the need to look for potential problems in water treatment or distribution. Subsequent resamples were collected at appropriate sampling locations and Coliform bacteria was NOT detected in any of the repeat samples. It should be noted that E. coli, associated with human and animal fecal waste, was not detected in any of the samples collected.
We have learned through our testing that some contaminants have been detected; however, these contaminants were detected below the level allowed by the State. Lead and copper were detected within the system but of 15 samples collected, none were found exceeding the action levels. We are however required to present the following information on Lead in drinking water:
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women, infants, and young children. It is possible that lead levels at your home may be higher than at other homes in the community as a result of materials used in your home’s plumbing. The Town of Pomfret 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 (1-800-426-4791) or at http:www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
The NYSDOH has a free lead testing program – for more information go to:
https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/lead/free_lead_testing_pilot_program
IS OUR WATER SYSTEM MEETING OTHER RULES THAT GOVERN OPERATIONS?
We are required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not your drinking water meets health standards. During 2021, our system was in compliance with all applicable State drinking water operating, monitoring, and reporting requirements.
DO I NEED TO TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS?
Some people may be more vulnerable to disease causing microorganisms or pathogens 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 from their health care provider about their drinking water. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium, Giardia and other microbial pathogens are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).
INFORMATION FOR NON-ENGLISH-SPEAKING RESIDENTS
Spanish
Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua beber. Tradúzcalo ó hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.
French
Ce rapport contient des informations importantes sur votre eau potable. Traduisez‑le ou parlez en avec quelqu’un qui le comprend bien.
WHY SAVE WATER AND HOW TO AVOID WASTING IT?
The Town of Pomfret encourages water conservation. A few simple steps will help preserve our resources and save you money. You can play a role in conserving water by becoming conscious of the amount of water your household is using, and by looking for ways to use less whenever you can. It is not hard to conserve water. Conservation tips include:
Thank you for allowing us to continue to provide your family with quality drinking water this year. In order to maintain a safe and dependable water supply we sometimes need to make improvements that will benefit all of our customers. The costs of these improvements may be reflected in the rate structure. Rate adjustments may be necessary in order to address these improvements. We ask that all our customers help us protect our water sources, which are the heart of our community. Please call our office if you have questions.
Town of Pomfret Water Districts
Public Water Supply ID
Berry Road Water District NY0600369
Chestnut Road Water District NY0600395
North End Water District NY0630121
** For a printed report, please contact the Pomfret Clerk's Office, 716-672-7496
INTRODUCTION
The information contained in this report is a supplement to the report that you received from the Village of Fredonia. To comply with State regulations the Town of Pomfret will be annually issuing a report describing additional water quality information of your drinking water. The purpose of this report is to raise your understanding of drinking water and awareness of the need to protect our drinking water sources. Last year, your tap water met most State drinking water health standards. In 2021, we had one instance of a failing bacteria sample in our system. Further information on this can be found in the “What does this information mean?” section of this report. If you did not receive information from Fredonia please feel free to contact the Village at (716) 679-2302.
WHERE DOES OUR WATER COME FROM?
Water Customers residing in all three water districts receive water from the Village of Fredonia. The Town of Pomfret does not provide any additional treatment to the water.
ARE THERE CONTAMINANTS IN OUR DRINKING WATER?
As the State regulations require, we routinely test your drinking water for numerous contaminants. These contaminants include: total coliform, total trihalomethanes, Haloacetic acids and Lead and Copper. The table presented below depicts which compounds were detected in your drinking water.
It should be noted that all drinking water, including bottled drinking water, may be reasonably 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 EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) or the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Service at 716-753-4481.
Table of Detected Contaminants - Berry Road Water District
Contaminant
Violation
Date of Sample
Level Detected
Unit
Measure-ment
Regulatory Limit
MCL/AL
MCLG
Likely Source of Contamination
DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS
Haloacetic Acids
No
8/3/21
1.76
ug/l
60 (MCL)
N/A
By-products of drinking water chlorination.
Total Trihalomethanes
No
8/3/21
77.14
ug/l
80 (MCL)
N/A
By-products of drinking water chlorination. TTHM's are formed when source water contains large amounts of organic matter.
INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS
Lead (1)
No
8/14/19
5.2;
Range=
ND-9.1
ug/l
15 (AL)
0
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural Deposits
Copper (2)
No
8/14/19
0.260;
Range=
0.031-0.292
mg/l
1.3(AL)
1.3
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching from wood preservatives
Chlorine
Residual
No
Monthly
(2021)
Avg.= 0.42
Range= 0.02 – 1.15
mg/l
4.0 (MCL)
N/A
Water additive used to control microbes.
Table of Detected Contaminants - Chestnut Road Water District
Contaminant
Violation
Date of Sample
Level Detected
Unit Measure-ment
Regulatory Limit MCL/AL
MCLG
Likely Source of Contamination
DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS
Haloacetic Acids
No
(Quarterly)
2021
Avg.= 16.03
Range= 4.9 - 22
ug/l
60 (MCL)
N/A
By-products of drinking water chlorination.
Total
Trihalomethanes
No
(Quarterly)
2021
Avg.= 68.77
Range= 31.65 – 92.81
ug/l
80 (MCL)
N/A
By-products of drinking water chlorination. TTHM's are formed when source water contains large amounts of organic matter.
INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS
Lead (3)
No
8/14/19
5.84;
Range=
0.30-11.0
ug/l
15 (AL)
0
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural Deposits
Copper (4)
No
8/14/19
0.151;
Range=
0.033-0.162
mg/l
1.3(AL)
1.3
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching from wood preservatives
Chlorine
Residual
No
Monthly
(2021)
Avg.= 0.28
Range= 0.01-0.8
mg/l
4.0 (MCL)
N/A
Water additive used to control microbes.
Table of Detected Contaminants - North End Water District
Contaminant
Violation
Date of Sample
Level Detected
Unit Measure-ment
Regulatory Limit MCL/AL
MCLG
Likely Source of Contamination
MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS
Total Coliform
No
9/7/21
1 positive sample
N/A
TT = 2 or more positive samples
N/A
Naturally present in the environment
DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS
Haloacetic Acids
No
(Quarterly)
2021
Avg.= 11.60
Range= 3.2 – 15.8
ug/l
60 (MCL)
N/A
By-products of drinking water chlorination.
Total Trihalomethanes
No
(Quarterly)
2021
Avg.= 78.98
Range= 59.64 – 87.55
ug/l
80 (MCL)
N/A
By-products of drinking water chlorination. TTHM's are formed when source water contains large amounts of organic matter.
INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS
Lead (5)
No
8/14/19
8.6;
Range=
ND-10.2
ug/l
15 (AL)
0
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural Deposits
Copper (6)
No
8/14/19
0.345;
Range=
0.002-0.623
mg/l
1.3(AL)
1.3
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching from wood preservatives
Chlorine
Residual
No
Monthly
(2021)
Avg.= 0.33
Range= 0.01-2.0
mg/l
4.0 (MCL)
N/A
Water additive used to control microbes.
Notes:
1 – The level presented represents the 90th percentile of the 5 sites tested. A percentile is a value on a scale of 100 that indicates the percent of a distribution that is equal to or below it. The 90th percentile is equal to or greater than 90% of the Lead values detected at your water system. In this case 5 samples were collected at Berry Road Water District and the 90th percentile value was calculated by averaging the two highest results found (9.1 ug/l & 1.3 ug/l). The action level for lead was not exceeded at any of the sites tested.
2 – The level presented represents the 90th percentile of the 5 sites tested. The 90th percentile is equal to or greater than 90% of the Copper values detected at your water system. In this case 5 samples were collected at Berry Road Water District and the 90th percentile value was calculated by averaging the two highest results found (292 mg/l & 227 mg/l). The action level for copper was not exceeded at any of the sites tested.
3 – The level presented represents the 90th percentile of the 5 samples collected. In this case 5 samples were collected at Chestnut Road Water District and the 90th percentile value was calculated by averaging the two highest results found (11.0 ug/l & 0.68 ug/l). The action level for lead was not exceeded at any of the sites tested.
4 – The level presented represents the 90th percentile of the 5 samples collected. In this case 5 samples were collected at Chestnut Road Water District and the 90th percentile value was calculated by averaging the two highest results found (162 mg/l & 139 mg/l). The action level for copper was not exceeded at any of the sites tested.
5 – The level presented represents the 90th percentile of the 5 samples collected. In this case 5 samples were collected at North End Water District and the 90th percentile value was calculated by averaging the two highest results found (10.2 ug/l & 7.0 ug/l). The action level for lead was not exceeded at any of the sites tested.
6 – The level presented represents the 90th percentile of the 5 samples collected. In this case 5 samples were collected at North End Water District and the 90th percentile value was calculated by averaging the two highest results found (623 mg/l & 66.1 mg/l). The action level for copper was not exceeded at any of the sites tested.
Definitions:
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.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): 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 that is 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 a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contamination.
Non-Detects (ND): Laboratory analysis indicates that the constituent is not present.
Milligrams per liter (mg/l): Corresponds to one part of liquid in one million parts of liquid (parts per million - ppm).
WHAT DOES THIS INFORMATION MEAN?
As you can see by the table, our system had one positive bacteria sample in 2021. On September 10, we were notified that a water sample that was collected in our North End District on September 7 had tested positive for total coliform bacteria. Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful waterborne pathogens may be present or that a potential pathway exists through which contamination may enter the drinking water distribution system. We found coliforms indicating the need to look for potential problems in water treatment or distribution. Subsequent resamples were collected at appropriate sampling locations and Coliform bacteria was NOT detected in any of the repeat samples. It should be noted that E. coli, associated with human and animal fecal waste, was not detected in any of the samples collected.
We have learned through our testing that some contaminants have been detected; however, these contaminants were detected below the level allowed by the State. Lead and copper were detected within the system but of 15 samples collected, none were found exceeding the action levels. We are however required to present the following information on Lead in drinking water:
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women, infants, and young children. It is possible that lead levels at your home may be higher than at other homes in the community as a result of materials used in your home’s plumbing. The Town of Pomfret 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 (1-800-426-4791) or at http:www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
The NYSDOH has a free lead testing program – for more information go to:
https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/lead/free_lead_testing_pilot_program
IS OUR WATER SYSTEM MEETING OTHER RULES THAT GOVERN OPERATIONS?
We are required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not your drinking water meets health standards. During 2021, our system was in compliance with all applicable State drinking water operating, monitoring, and reporting requirements.
DO I NEED TO TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS?
Some people may be more vulnerable to disease causing microorganisms or pathogens 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 from their health care provider about their drinking water. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium, Giardia and other microbial pathogens are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).
INFORMATION FOR NON-ENGLISH-SPEAKING RESIDENTS
Spanish
Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua beber. Tradúzcalo ó hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.
French
Ce rapport contient des informations importantes sur votre eau potable. Traduisez‑le ou parlez en avec quelqu’un qui le comprend bien.
WHY SAVE WATER AND HOW TO AVOID WASTING IT?
The Town of Pomfret encourages water conservation. A few simple steps will help preserve our resources and save you money. You can play a role in conserving water by becoming conscious of the amount of water your household is using, and by looking for ways to use less whenever you can. It is not hard to conserve water. Conservation tips include:
- Automatic dishwashers use 15 gallons for every cycle, regardless of how many dishes are loaded. So get a run for your money and load it to capacity.
- Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.
- Check every faucet in your home for leaks. Just a slow drip can waste 15 to 20 gallons a day. Fix it up and you can save almost 6,000 gallons per year.
- Check your toilets for leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank, watch for a few minutes to see if the color shows up in the bowl. It is not uncommon to lose up to 100 gallons a day from one of these otherwise invisible toilet leaks. Fix it and you save more than 30,000 gallons a year.
- Install water saving toilets, low flow shower heads and faucets.
Thank you for allowing us to continue to provide your family with quality drinking water this year. In order to maintain a safe and dependable water supply we sometimes need to make improvements that will benefit all of our customers. The costs of these improvements may be reflected in the rate structure. Rate adjustments may be necessary in order to address these improvements. We ask that all our customers help us protect our water sources, which are the heart of our community. Please call our office if you have questions.