Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre el agua que usted toma. Para obtener una versión de este documento en español, visite: www.colaccr-esp.com.
CITY OF COLUMBIA 2021 WATER QUALITY REPORT
PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM 4010001 • COLUMBIA, SC • CITY OF COLUMBIA WATER WORKS A Publication of the City of Columbia’s Department of Utility Operations
The Customer Meter Upgrade Project Almost Complete - Hits 150,000 Installations! Columbia Water’s new advanced meter upgrade project hit a milestone when it surpassed 150,000 new meter installations in early spring 2022. This project is nearing completion and should be finished by summer 2022. This project will provide customers with fewer estimated bills, real-time alerts about possible leaks, and the ability to better manage water use. If you have a new meter, please download our Eye on Water app that allows you to track your water usage in real time and set up leak notifications. Go to columbiascwater.eyeonwater.com/signin for more details.
Both Clearwells at Canal Plant Completed Columbia Water’s Canal Plant has been undergoing a series of upgrades to infrastructure and equipment over the past few years. One of the most visible is the construction of two new finished water storage tanks, commonly called clearwell tanks. The first of the two was completed in late 2019 and was put into service in 2020. The second tank was completed in 2020 and placed into service in 2021. The clearwell tanks will each hold five million gallons of water, enough to fill nearly eight Olympic-sized swimming pools. The total construction cost of the project is $44.4 million.
DCCA Provides Help to Customers The Deborah Christie Customer Assistance Program (previously known as the ChangeUp program) is available to Columbia Water customers in critical financial need to help pay their past-due water and sewer bills. Deborah was the long-time Community Development Director for the City who not only was dedicated to assisting citizens in need, but also designed innovative programs to do so including the Change-Up Program. For more information, please visit our website at columbiascwater.net/billing-assistance or contact Customer Care at (803) 545-3300 or by email at customercare@columbiasc.gov.
INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER 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 US EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791). 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 radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.
Columbia Water regularly flushes fire hydrants to keep water moving through the system and to improve water quality. Want to receive boil water alerts and advisories from Columbia Water? Residents can sign up to receive notices for their area at: publicsafety.columbiasc.gov/citizens-alerts/.
For additional information: City of Columbia Water Quality Complaints, Billing, & Customer Care Center 803-545-3300 customercare@columbiasc.gov columbiascwater.net/customer-care SC DHEC - Bureau of Water 803-898-4300 National Lead Information Clearinghouse 800-424-LEAD Consumer Product Safety Commission 800-638-2772
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CITY OF COLUMBIA 2021 WATER QUALITY REPORT What is in Columbia’s Drinking Water? The City of Columbia’s drinking water is considered safe to drink. The City’s SC DHEC-certified laboratory performs more than 200,000 analyses each year to ensure that the water the City supplies to its customers meets all US EPA and SC DHEC standards. Additional analyses are performed by SC DHEC, the state agency that regulates and oversees public water systems. Samples are tested at every stage of the treatment process and at hundreds of points throughout more than 2,400 miles of pipeline that make up the City’s distribution system. The City also conducts additional testing in response to customer complaints. The sources of Columbia’s drinking water are two surface waters, the Broad River (via the Columbia Canal) and Lake Murray. The regulated substances listed below were detected in the City’s water supply during 2021. Sampling results: Substance
Highest Level Allowed (MCL)
Highest Level Detected
Range of Levels Detected
Goal (MCLG)
Violations
Last Year Sampled
Source of Contaminant
0-56 ppb
0
None
2020
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits (1)
0-0.423 ppm
1.3 ppm
None
2020
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits
INORGANIC COMPOUNDS Lead (1)
15 ppb (90th%)
7 ppb (90th%)
Copper
1.3 ppm (90th%)
0.11 ppm (90th%)
(Action Level)
(Action Level)
(3 of 50 sites sampled exceeded the action level)
(0 of 50 sites sampled exceeded the action level)
Fluoride
4 ppm
0.88 ppm
0.11-0.88 ppm
4 ppm
None
2021
Erosion of natural deposits; water additive which promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories
Nitrate/Nitrite
10 ppm
0.33 ppm
0-0.33 ppm
10 ppm
None
2021
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits
Chlorite
1 ppm
0.490 ppm
0-0.490 ppm
0.8 ppm
None
2021
By-product of drinking water disinfection
Chlorite
1 ppm
0.999 ppm
0-0.999 ppm
0.8 ppm
None
2021
By-product of drinking water disinfection
80 ppb
25 ppb
14-57 ppb
0
None
2021
By-product of drinking water chlorination; formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter
9-31 ppb
0
None
2021
By-product of drinking water chlorination; formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter
N/A
None
2021
Naturally present in the environment
(as Nitrogen)
(Lake Plant)
(Canal Plant)
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Total Organic Carbon (TOC)
(LRAA - Locational Running Annual Average)
60 ppb (LRAA)
TT (35% or 45% removal, depending on source water TOC)
(LRAA)
21 ppb (LRAA)
The TT requirement for TOC requires the running annual average of the TOC removal percentage achieved to be at least as great as the TOC removal percentage required. Compliance is judged quarterly, and the City met the requirement for all four quarters in 2021.
DISINFECTANTS 2.8 ppm
0.05-4.1 ppm
4 ppm
None
2021
(RAA)
(Highest quarterly RAA)
Water additive to control microbial growth
800 ppb
476 ppb
0-476 ppb
800 ppb
None
2021
Water additive to control microbial growth
561 ppb
0-561 ppb
800 ppb
None
2021
Water additive to control microbial growth
50 pCi/L (2)
5.36 pCi/L
4.73-5.36 pCi/L
0
None
2021
Decay of natural and man-made deposits
Combined Radium
5 pCi/L
0.735 pCi/L
0-0.735 pCi/L
0
None
2021
Erosion of natural deposits
Gross Alpha Excluding Radon and Uranium
15 pCi/L
0.872 pCi/L
0-0.872 pCi/L
0
None
2021
Erosion of natural deposits
Chloramines Chlorine Dioxide (Lake Plant)
Chlorine Dioxide (Canal Plant)
4 ppm
(MRDL)
800 ppb (MRDL)
RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES Beta/Photon Emitters
(1) 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 Columbia 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 in your pipes 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 at (800) 426-4791 or online at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead. City of Columbia water customers can call (803) 545-3300 to find out about free lead testing. (2) The MCL for beta particles is 4 mrem/year. EPA considers 50 pCi/L of beta particles to be the level of concern associated with this MCL.
Substance
Highest Level Allowed (MCL)
Highest Level Detected
Range of Levels Detected
Goal (MCLG)
Violations
Last Year Sampled
Source of Contaminant
MICROORGANISMS Turbidity
<0.3 NTU TT
0.08 NTU - Highest single measurement
N/A
None
2021
Naturally occurring in the environment
Turbidity
<0.3 NTU TT
0.18 NTU - Highest single measurement
N/A
None
2021
Naturally occurring in the environment
(Lake Plant)
(Canal Plant)
Total Coliform Bacteria
100%-Lowest monthly percentage meeting standard
100%-Lowest monthly percentage meeting standard
5% of monthly samples are positive
E. coli Bacteria
0 E. coli-positive repeat samples following a total coliform-positive routine sample
2.5%
0-2.5%
0
None
2021
Naturally occurring in the environment
1
N/A
0
1
2021
Human and animal fecal waste
(Highest monthly percentage positive)
E. coli-positive repeat sample following a total coliform-positive routine sample
VIOLATIONS Violation Type
Violation Began
Violation Ended
MCL, E. coli bacteria (Revised Total Coliform Rule) 4/1/2021 4/30/2021
Violation Explanation E. coli bacteria were found in our drinking water during the period indicated, in violation of a standard. We had an E. coli-positive repeat sample following a total coliform-positive routine sample.
E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Human pathogens in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. We found E. coli bacteria in one of the 198 bacteria samples we collected from our distribution system in the month of April 2021, indicating the need to look for potential problems in water treatment or distribution. When the positive samples occurred, we were required to conduct an assessment to identify problems, and to correct any problems that were found during the assessment. We were required to complete a Level 2 assessment (see Definitions of Terms section below) because we found E. coli in our water system. In addition, we were required to take five corrective actions and we completed all five of these actions. In conducting the Level 2 assessment, the City of Columbia did not find a definitive cause for coliform bacteria to have been in our water system. Therefore, the City suspected that the coliform-positive samples may have been contaminated during their collection, transportation, or analyses. Thus, our corrective actions were focused on those activities, and included the following: 1) Providing the sample collector with a refresher on proper sampling procedures; 2) Meeting with the entire laboratory staff to discuss the City’s Revised Total Coliform Rule Compliance Plan and SOP; 3) Updating the City’s Revised Total Coliform Rule Compliance Plan and SOP to put a greater emphasis on proper bacteria sampling and analytical protocols; and 4) Conducting a training session with the laboratory staff on the City’s updated Revised Total Coliform Rule Compliance Plan and SOP. The fifth corrective action was developing a written SOP for water line break repairs. Although there was no water line break associated with the coliform positive samples, the City noted during our Level 2 assessment that we did not have a written line repair SOP, so we included writing one as one of our corrective actions.
DEFINITIONS OF TERMS IN TABLE Action Level — The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system shall follow. Detected Level — The concentration of a substance detected in a water sample. The detected levels specified in the table to the left are the highest levels detected if multiple samples were collected, except for Total Organic Carbon (TOC) or unless specified otherwise. For TOC, the specified removal rate is the rate required by SC DHEC based on data reported by the City. Level 2 Assessment – A comprehensive investigation to identify the possible presence of sanitary defects, defects in distribution system coliform monitoring practices, and, when possible, the likely reason that the water system triggered the requirement for the assessment. LRAA (Locational Running Annual Average) — An average at each sample point for four quarters in the calendar year.
MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level) — 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. MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level Goal) — 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. mrem — milli Roentgen equivalent man (unit of radiation dosage) MRDL (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level) – 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. MRDLG (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal) - 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 contaminants. N/A (Not Applicable) — Does not apply. NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit) — Units of measure for amount of particles in water. pCi/L – picocuries/Liter (a measure of radioactivity) ppb (parts per billion) — One part in a billion parts (equivalent to one penny in $10,000,000). ppm (parts per million) — One part in a million parts (equivalent to one penny in $10,000). TT (Treatment Technique) — A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water. 90th% (90th Percentile) — The Action Level for lead and copper for a water system that serves more than 100,000 people. < Less than > Greater than
SC DHEC has completed a comprehensive water assessment report on the Broad River Diversion Canal (also referred to as the Columbia Canal) and Lake Murray. These Source Water Assessment reports are available and can be viewed at 1136 Washington Street or by contacting 803-545-3300.
CITY OF COLUMBIA 2021 WATER QUALITY REPORT Contaminants that may be present in source water include: n Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife. n Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming. n Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, stormwater runoff, and residential uses. n Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organics, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems. n Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the US EPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain
Secondary Drinking Water Parameters
contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health. Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised 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 are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791). Testing since 1994 has revealed no signs of Cryptosporidium in Columbia’s treated water. City of Columbia water customers can call 803-545-3300 for more information about water testing or to have your home water tested by our laboratory staff.
US EPA REGULATED SECONDARY DRINKING WATER PARAMETERS
Some substances in water, listed in the table to the right, affect the taste, odor, and hardness of our drinking water. Because these substances do not impact a person’s health, the US EPA has established secondary parameters that are non-enforceable, recommended guidelines.The City meets these guidelines in addition to the regulations set forth by the US EPA. See US EPA Regulated Secondary Drinking Water Standards for details.
Non-Regulated Parameters The City also collects information about additional parameters that are not regulated by the US EPA. While these parameters do not impact a person’s health, they may be useful for those using water for specialized purposes like brewing, or maintaining equipment like chillers and boilers. See the NonRegulated Parameters table below for details.
Parameter Units SMCL Range Average Chloride Color
Noticeable effects above the MCL
ppm
250
8.5-17.3
11.3
salty taste
Color units*
15
0-0
0
visible tint
0-0 0 rusty color; sediment; Iron (Total) ppb 300 metallic taste; reddish or orange staining Manganese ppb 50 0-22.0 3.3 black to brown color; black staining; bitter metallic taste
7.0-9.0 8.0 low pH: bitter Standard TT Units** metallic taste; corrosion (SU) high pH: slippery feel; soda taste; deposits pH
Sulfate
ppm
250
15.2-23.6
18.8
salty taste
Total Dissolved ppm 500 25-109 63 hardness; deposits; Solids (TDS) colored water; staining; salty taste * A standard unit for measuring color intensity **pH is measured on a logarithmic scale from 0 to 14 SU, with 7 SU being neutral pH
For More Information Customers who need additional
2021 NON-REGULATED PARAMETERS
water quality information can
Parameter
Units
Range
Average
contact Alejandra Beier, Water
Sodium
ppm
5.3-9.7
7.3
Works Laboratory Manager, at
Calcium
ppm
9.0-14.0
11.8
Alejandra.Beier@columbiasc.gov
Magnesium
ppm
0-2.3
1.7
Total Hardness (CaCO3)
ppm
26-39
33
Total Alkalinity
ppm
13-29
23
Total Phosphate
ppm
0.8-1.4
1.1
or (803) 733-8211.
PROBLEMS with your water or sewer lines? Contact the City at 803-545-3300, and we will address it.