Welcome to The Water Connection, an online newsletter for
the Crystal Springs Water District.

Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for 2007

This report is designed to inform customers about the quality of the water 
delivered by the District. Crystal Springs is committed to the goal of providing 
a safe and dependable supply of drinking water to over 2100 active accounts.

Why am I receiving this report?

In 1996, Congress passed amendments to the Safe Drinking Waterthat require drinking water 
systems to give consumers important information about their water, including where it comes from,
what is in the water, and how your water quality compares with federal standards. 
This report is in accordance with EPA's 40 Code of Federal Regulations, NPDWR 
Parts 141 and 142.
What if I have questions about my drinking water?

This report shows our water quality data and what it means. If you have any 
questions about this report or Crystal Springs Water District, please contact
Bob Duddles, at 541-354-1818.


Where does the water come from?

The water source is a glacier-fed groundwater spring which surfaces south of 
Parkdale in the Polallie Creek area off Highway 35. Flow at the spring varies 
from approximately 1500 gpm in the colder periods of the winter to approximately 
2700 gpm during August, due to increased summer snow and glacial melt on Mt Hood. 

The aquifer supplying drinking water to Crystal Springs is assumed to be within 
the Dalles Formation, specifically associated with old, and now buried, 
drainages that were subsequently filled with permeable alluvial and volcanic 
materials. CrystalSprings . 
It is likely that waters filter through various subsurface basalt 
and andesite formations and outcrop at Crystal Springs. As water travels through 
the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and radioactive material 
and can pick up substances resulting from human or animal activity. 
 


How is the water source protected?

The 1996 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act require Source Water Assessments for public 
water systems to provide the tools to develop a three part drinking water protection plan: 

-identify the land surface that directly overlies the aquifer that 
   supplies water to spring.
-identify practices in the area that might impact groundwater quality
-determine the threats to the water system drinking water quality 


The purpose of the assessment is to provide water systems with the information 
they need to develop a strategy to protect their drinking water resource if they 
choose. The respective Drinking Water Programs of the Departments of Human 
Services (DHHS) and Environmental Quality (DEQ) have completed the assessment for 
our system. A copy of the report is on file at the District office.

The certified DWPA/zoc for the Crystal Springs Water District is the area at 
the surface overlying the critical portion of the aquifer that supplies groundwater 
to the spring CrystalSprings . The size of the DWPA/zoc is designed 
to approximate the long-term groundwater supply for the Crystal Springs Water District.
 
Based on the assessment results, the aquifer is considered to be highly sensitive. 
Given that viral contaminant sources have been identified within the DWPA/zoc, we 
also consider the drinking water supply to be susceptible to viral contamination. (DHHS)

The District has participated in HR County and Planning Commission hearings to 
vigorously oppose plans that threaten water quality within the certified zone of 
contribution. US Senators Ron Wyden and Gordon Smith have proposed the Lewis and 
Clark Mt Hood Wilderness Act of 2007 (S647) which would designate a special resources
management unit consisting of all US Forest lands located within 200 yards from 
any point on the perimeter of the District zoc. US Representatives from OR are 
awaiting Senate action before introducing their own bill.

 
 What are the potential sources of contamination?

The aquifer is considered highly sensitive due to the shallow unconfined nature 
of the aquifer, the highly permeable character of the aquifer, the presence of 
fractured bedrock at the spring outflow, the low total dissolved solids in the 
water, the short travel time from the surface to the aquifer, and the availability 
of water to transport potential contaminants to the aquifer. The presence of highly 
permeable soils within the Drinking Water Protection Area (DWPA) or zone of contribution 
(zoc) contribute to the overall sensitivity of the drinking water supply. No wells 
are presently known to exist within 500 feet of the spring inside the DWPA/zoc and 
therefore can not contribute to overall aquifer sensitivity.

An inventory of potential contamination sources was performed within Crystal Springs 
Water District zoc. The primary intent of this inventory was to identify and locate 
significant potential sources of contaminants of concern. The inventory was conducted 
by reviewing applicable state and federal regulatory databases and land use maps, 
interviewing persons knowledgeable of the area, and conducting a ‘windshield survey’ 
by driving through the drinking water protection area to field locate and verify as 
many of the potential contaminant source activities as possible. It is important to 
remember the sites and areas identified are only potential sources of contamination 
to the drinking water. Environmental contamination is not likely to occur when 
contaminants are used and managed properly.

The OR Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has identified nine potential 
contaminant sources within the certified DWPA/zoc, including rural homes, clearcuts, 
two unused wells, an area with potential for development, a campground, a subdivision, 
a quarry, and landslides. Potential sources such as the residential areas extend 
throughout the DWPA/zoc. With the exception of the rural homes, campground, and 
landslides, which pose a lower risk, the remaining potential sources pose a relatively 
higher to moderate risk to the drinking water supply. In addition, two inns, located 
just outside of the DWPA/zoc, are included in this inventory because they pose a 
moderate degree of potential contamination risk. (DHHS)

 

What contaminants might be in water?

Contaminants that may be present in raw or source water before it is 
treated are microbial contaminants, inorganic contaminants, pesticides 
and herbicides, radioactive contaminants, and organic chemical 
contaminants.

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

· Inorganic 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.

· Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources, 
   such as agricultural and residential uses.

· Radioactive contaminants, which are naturally occurring.

· Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile 
   organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and 
   petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban 
   storm water runoff, and septic systems.


Is the Crystal Springs water supply treated?

Chlorine disinfection of the Crystal Springs water supply began as a result of 
massive flooding and extensive damage to the spring house area in early 
February,1996. Heavy precipitation and unusually warm temperatures 
caused an early, rapid snowpack melt and subsequent flooding through 
the canyon above the spring. Due to the possibility that surface water 
runoff may have seeped into the system, District customers were required to 
boil water prior to use until a temporary chlorinating unit was installed. 
After reconstruction of the collection system, occasional total coliform (soil 
borne) bacteria were detected at the spring indicating continued surface 
water infiltration into the system, possibly from areas adjacent to the 
original collection area. State Health officials have indicated that if the 
adjacent slopes are sealed (gunnite) to prevent surface water penetration 
into the collection system, the chlorination order would be lifted.
 

What are coliforms?

Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are 
used as an indicator that other, potentially-harmful, bacterial may be present. 
Samples are taken at representative points throughout the system every month and 
sent to a laboratory for analysis. The number of samples taken is determined by 
the population the water system serves. Crystal Springs currently submits 7 
random samples per month for bacteria testing. The lab notifies us immediately 
if a sample tests positive for a specific bacteria (total coliform) that shows 
possible soil or fecal contamination. If total coliform is found, indicating that
illness-causing bacteria may be present, additional samples will be taken, you
will be notified, and the cause will be determined and eliminated.

Are there contaminants in Crystal Springs water supply?

Crystal Springs routinely monitors for more than 100 constituents in your 
drinking water according to Federal and State laws. If, for any reason any of
the tests does not show absolute safety, even at the very low levels tested for,
you will be notified of the test results, what they mean, and what to do until
corrections are made.
All sources of drinking water are subject to potential contamination by 
substances that are naturally occurring or man-made. These substances 
can be microbes, inorganic or organic chemicals and radioactive 
substances. All 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 EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline 
(800-426-4791).
In the following tables you may find some unfamiliar terms and abbreviations:

parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/l) - 1 ppm is one 
    minute in 2 years or a single penny in $10,000.
parts per billion (ppb) or micrograms per liter - 1 ppb is one minute 
    in 2,000 years, or a single penny in $10,000,000.
parts per trillion (ppt) or nanograms per liter - 1 ppt is one minute in
    2,000,000 years, or a single penny in $10,000,000,000.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) - the level of a 
    contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or 
    expected risk to health. MCLG's allow for a margin of safety.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) - the highest level of a 
    contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCL's are set as 
    close to the MCLG's as feasible using the best available treatment 
    technology. MCL's are set at very stringent levels. To understand the 
    possible health effects described for many regulated contaminants. 
    A person would have to drink 2 liters of water every day at the MCL 
    level for a lifetime to have a one-in-a-million chance of having the 
    described health effect



The results of the most recent samples* (taken above the first customer on Dog River 
Road) were well below the maximum allowable levels and, in most cases, 
the presence of a chemical was not detected. As you can see by the table, 
Crystal Springs had no violations. You can be satisfied that your drinking 
water meets or exceeds all Federal and State requirements. Although 
routine monitoring and testing has detected the presence of some 
constituents, the EPA has determined that your water is safe at these levels. 

All test results are available upon request at the District office.

Contaminant Violation   Analysis            MCLimit 	    Likely Source                                       Test Date
                         (Y/N)                                                        of Contamination
Barium  	      N            .0012 ppm           2.0 ppm     Erosion of natural deposits;
				   discharge of drilling wastes;
				   discharge from metal refineries            Dec, 2007 

Sodium	      N	5.00 ppm             ---												 						 			Dec, 2007 
Sulfate 	      N	3.3 ppm	        250 ppm			  June, 1999
Lead                   N             .005 ppm            .015 ppm  corrosion of household plumbing        Aug, 2005 
copper                N             .28 ppm             1.3 ppm    corrosion of household plumbing         Aug, 2005
tthm                  N              .0029 ppm          .1000 ppm  by-product of drinking water disinfection  Sep, 2005
(total trihalomethanes)

Some people may be more sensitive 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 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 EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791)
For more information:
The Board of Commissioners is committed to providing information to the 
community regarding issues which may affect the quality and quantity of 
Crystal Springs water. If you have questions, comments and/or issues which 
you would like to have addressed, please call the District office at 
541-354-1818 or contact any of the individuals listed below. You are welcome 
to attend Board meetings which are on the third Thursday of each month.


 
2008-09 BOARD/STAFF

Mick Swyers      Eastside Road   	     2011
Gorham Blaine  London Drive   	     2011
Mary Marker     Highway 35                      2009
Chuck Reed       Highway 35                      2009
Larry Brown        Berry Drive 	      2011


BDGT Janis Kaufman         Miller Road        352-6450              2009  
BDGT Barbara Peterson      Trout Creek Road   352-7849       2010
BDGT Tom Pencheon	   Eastside Road      386-7998         2010
BDGT Stephanie Pickering   Hutson Drive       352-6855           2009
BDGT Dave McCullough       Lauren Lane        352-5573         2011

  Supt   Bob Duddles            Foreman    Mike Muma
  Maint  Kerry Johnson          Mtr Rdr  Fred Schatz / Paul Shelton
  Office Brenda Graves / Shirley Cree						

LEGAL  Mark Womble PC                          
CPA    Onstott Broehl & Cyphers                    

FAX: 541.354.1821~PO Box 186~3006 Chevron Drive~Odell OR 97044~PHONE: 541.354.1818


 

Crystal Springs Water District continually strives to provide its customers 
with quality drinking water. The Board of Commissioners remains adamantly 
committed to the protection of the water source and preservation of water 
quality for current and future customers. Your assistance in protecting our 
water source and entire system from contamination is greatly appreciated.
 



 
This consumer confidence report has been prepared in accordance with the National Primary 
Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR). The information in this report is being provided in addition 
to other notices that may be required by law.