2008 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report

City of Brandon

PWS ID#: 610003

June, 2009

The Mayor, Board of Aldermen and the City of Brandon Public Works Department are pleased to present to you this year's Annual Water Quality Report. This report is designed to inform you about the quality water and services we deliver to you every day. Our constant goal is to provide you with a safe and dependable supply of drinking water. We want you to understand the efforts we make to continually improve the water treatment process and protect our water resources. We are committed to ensuring the quality of your water. Our wells draw from the Sparta and Cockfield formation aquifers.

The City of Brandon received a “5” on our recent yearly inspection conducted by the Mississippi State Department of Health, Water Supply Division. This is the highest score possible and covers technical, managerial and financial aspects of our system. Our system is required to adhere to all rules and regulations as set by the State and Federal officials. This includes, but is not limited to, monthly bacteriological samples, routine inorganic sampling, continuous educational classes and certifications, and billing and collection.

The city currently has eight operating wells, four tanks, and one standpipe.

We are pleased to report that our drinking water meets all federal and state requirements.

If you have any questions about this report or concerning your water utility, please contact Cathy Goolsby at 601-824-4579. We want our valued customers to be informed about their water utility. If you want to learn more, please attend any of our regularly scheduled meetings. They are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Brandon City Hall Board Room.

The City of Brandon routinely monitors for up to 154 constituents in your drinking water according to Federal and State laws. This table shows the results of our monitoring for the period of January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008. As water travels over the land or underground, it can pick up substances or contaminants such as microbes, inorganic and organic chemicals, and radioactive substances. All drinking water, including bottled drinking water, may be reasonably expected to contain at least small amounts of some constituents. It's important to remember that the presence of these constituents does not necessarily pose a health risk.

In this table you will find many terms and abbreviations which might not be familiar to you. To help better understand these terms we've provided the following definitions:

Action Level - the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.

Treatment Technique (TT) - A treatment technique is a required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

Maximum Contaminant Level - The “Maximum Allowed” (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.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal - The “Goal” (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.

TEST RESULTS

Contaminant

Violation

Y/N

Date

Collected

Level

Detected

Range of Detects or

# of Samples Exceeding

MCL/ACL

Unit

Measurement

MCLG

MCL

Likely Source of Contamination

Inorganic Compounds

Antimony	N	2008	<0.0005 *	ppm	0.006	Discharge from petroleum refineries, fire retardants, ceramics, electronics
Arsenic	N	2008	<0.0005*	ppm	0.10	Erosion from natural deposits
Barium	N	2008	<0.001371*	ppm	2	Erosion of natural deposits
Beryllium	N	2008	<0.0001*	ppm	0.004	Discharge from metal refineries
Cadmium	N	2008	<0.0001*	ppm	0.005	Corrosion of galvanized pipes
Cyanide	N	2008	<0.015	ppm	0.2
Chromium	N	2008	0.004424	ppm	0.1
Fluoride	N	2008	0.129	ppm	4
Mercury	N	2008	<0.0002*	ppm	0.002	Erosion of natural deposits
Selenium	N	2008	<0.0005*	ppm	0.05	Erosion of Natural deposits
Thallium	N	2008	<0.0005*	ppm	0.002	Discharge from ore-processing sites

*average from all well sites

Disinfection By-Products

TTHM	N	2008	17.40	0	ppb
HAA5	N	2008	12	0	ppb

*last required sample

Nitrates

Nitrate (as N)	N	2008	<0.008	ppm	10
Nitrite (as N)	N	2008	<0.02	ppm	1
Nitrate+Nitrite (as N)	N	2008	<0.1	ppm	10

Radiological Contaminants

14. Copper

2004

0.4

ppm

AL=1.3

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives

2007

0.5

ppm

17. Lead

2004

0.002

ppm

AL=0.015

Corrosion of household plumbing systems, erosion of natural deposits

2007

0.003

ppm

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Report

Chlorine

Average 2008

0.76

mg/L

Treatment of water

The City of Brandon is proud that your drinking water meets or exceeds Federal and State requirements. We have learned through our monitoring and testing that some constituents have been detected; however the EPA has determined that your water is safe at these levels.

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 the water poses a health risk. Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immune-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).

Additional Information for Lead

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 Brandon 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 take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead. The Mississippi State Department of Health Public Health Laboratory offers lead testing for $10 per sample. Please contact 601-576-7582 if you wish to have your water tested.

*****A Message form MSDH Concerning Radiological Sampling*****

In accordance with the Radionuclides Rule, all community public water supplies were required to sample quarterly for radionuclides beginning January 2007-December 2007. Your public water supply completed sampling by the scheduled deadline; however, during an audit of the Mississippi State Department of Health Radiological Health laboratory, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suspended analyses and reporting of radiological compliance sample and results until further notice. Although this was not the result of inaction by the public water supply, MSDH was required to issue a violation. The Bureau of Public Water Supply is taking action to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Parker, Deputy Director, Bureau of Public Water Supply, at 601-576-7518.

Monitoring and Reporting of Compliance Data Violations

We are required to monitor your drinking water for specific constituents on a monthly basis. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not our drinking water meets health standards. Beginning January 1, 2004, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH required public water systems that use chlorine as a primary disinfectant to monitor/test for chlorine residuals as required by the State 1 Disinfection By-Products Rule. Our system has completed all of these monitoring requirements and has received no compliance violations.

Other Information:

Water Bills are due on the 28^th of each month. Bank Draft service is available.

Should you have any questions about the information in this report please do not hesitate to contact the City of Brandon at 601-824-4579 or visit www.cityofbrandon.net

Non-Point Source Pollution and How You Can Help Keep Your Community Clean and Safe

Stormwater Management for Homeowners and Businesses

Non-Point Source Pollution is pollution that does not come from a single point or location; this type of pollution is carried into lakes, rivers and streams by storm water runoff. When it rains, the runoff collects pollutants from streets, lawns and parking lots (such as oil, gasoline, fertilizer, pesticides, litter and animal wastes) and carries pollutants into the water body.

Brandon is one of the 31 designated municipalities in the State required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop and follow a set of guidelines aimed at reducing non-point source pollution in local waters. By developing these guidelines, called a Storm Water Management Plan, Brandon has set goals for addressing six measures as set forth by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and the EPA. These six measures include 1) Public Education and Outreach; 2) Public Involvement/Participation; 3) Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination; 4) Construction Site Runoff Control; 5) Post-construction Runoff Control; and 6) Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Municipal Facilities.

How You Can Help Minimize Non-Point Source Pollution

1) Don’t dispose of any materials (including grass clippings, motor oil, detergents, etc.) down storm drains

2) Properly maintain storm drains – make sure they are free from trash and other debris

3) When washing vehicles at home, make sure water and detergents flow into the grass, not the street

4) Use fertilizers/pesticides sparingly; dispose of empty containers properly

5) Pick up your animal’s waste

6) Recycle when possible and properly dispose of used household and office equipment and materials

7) Install and maintain erosion control devices such as silt fencing and hay bales when grading land

Remember - Storm water runoff does not flow into a treatment plant – it flows directly into our streams, creeks, and lakes. Please do your part to keep our waterways clean and safe for all of us to enjoy!

FIGHT THE BITE – MOSQUITO AWARENESS

The Mississippi Department of Health urges all Mississippians to avoid mosquito bites whenever possible. The risk of a healthy person getting West Nile virus from a mosquito bite is very low, but protection remains important for all Mississippians. West Nile virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. However, there have been isolated cases occurring in blood transfusion and organ donation recipients, from mother to baby during pregnancy, and through breast milk. People cannot become infected through ordinary contact with an infected bird, horse or human.

PROTECTION

- Avoid mosquitoes whenever possible. Stay indoors or take personal protective measures, especially between dusk and dawn which are peak mosquito biting times.

- Use mosquito repellent with DEET.

- Wear long-sleeved, long-legged clothing with socks and shoes when practical.

- Individuals should wear gloves when handling any dead bird or mammal because of the possibility of other diseases.

PROTECT YOUR HOME

- Dispose of tin cans plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water holding containers.

- Remove all discarded tires on the property. Used tires have become the most common mosquito-breeding site in the country.

- Remove all leaf debris.

- Close garbage can lids. Be sure that water does not collect in the bottom of the can.

- Make sure roof gutters drain properly and are not clogged.

- Turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not is use.

- Change the water in birdbaths frequently.

- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs.

- Eliminate any drainage problem

PROTECT YOUR COMMUNITY

- Remind or help neighbors to eliminate mosquito breeding sites on their property.

Solid Waste Collection, Rubbish Removal and Leaf Collection

Waste Management currently provides for our solid waste collection and disposal. The city provides solid waste collection twice a week. Containers must be placed at the curb or end of driveway by 7:00 a.m. on your pick-up day. Brush and grass clippings need to be bagged and placed alongside your other trash. Limbs must be no longer than five-feet long, eight-inches in diameter and stacked neatly at the curb. The city provides curbside leaf pick-up service in the fall and winter.

Please see the following information on two ordinances pertaining to the disposal of building debris and limb removal:

Sec. 66-44. Building debris, responsibility for removal.

Building debris such as scrap lumber, plaster, roofing, concrete, brick bats, and sand and dust resulting from the construction, repair, remodeling or demolition of any building or appurtenances on private property will not be removed and the owner must cause such materials and waste to be privately removed

Sec. 66-45. Yard rubbish.

Every nurseryman or other person who cuts trees or trims shrubs or grass as an independent contractor and not as an employee of the occupancy of the premises shall remove or cause to be removed all such rubbish from the premises serviced by him.

Should you have any questions for or concerns with Waste Management, please call their call center at 1-800-272-5539 or the City of Brandon Public Works Department at 601-824-4579.