McChord Water Report 2019 - JBLM

2018 WATER QUALITY REPORT JBLM-McChord Field Public Water System 52200 / Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA

Conservation and Sustainability Approach As JBLM and surrounding communities continue to grow, the demand for water increases along with the need for conservation. Water conservation levels ensure a sustainable water supply exists for present and future training needs at JBLM (FL Regulation 11-5). In 2017, irrigation conservation measures were developed according to specific soil conditions, plant needs, and historic water demand. By determining soils’ water loss through evaporation and balancing that with plant needs, effective irrigation methods were identified to ensure optimum water uptake by the root systems during times of drought or diminished water supply.

Water Conservation Levels At certain times of the year, JBLM may be subjected to drought conditions or periods of diminished water supplies. This can affect water production capabilities for meeting water supply demands. To meet water needs, individuals in the JBLM community are required to reduce outdoor water use as outlined by water conservation levels. JBLM strives to meet Executive Order water conservation goals, Army Net Zero Water goals, apply water conservation. best practices, and sustain our quality of life in the Pacific Northwest.

The number of days between irrigation change based on conservation levels as shown in weekly schedules below.

Level I (Green)

 

Areas

Secure water supplies for mission support while maintaining Water Efficiency requirements Irrigation replaces plant watering for optimum growth (GREEN GRASS)

SUN

McChord Field-Even Housing #

MON

TUES

X X X

 

SUN

MON

TUES

McChord Field-Even Housing #

Reduced irrigation still ensures plant growth under these conditions (the grass will still be green)

McChord Field-Odd Housing #

Use car washes with recycled water

Lewis Main

SAT

X

X

Areas

Occurs during drought conditions or diminished water supply

FRI X

X

Lewis North



THU

X

McChord Field-Odd Housing # Lewis Main

Level II (Amber)

WED

X X

X WED

THU

X FRI

SAT

X

X

X

X

X

Lewis North

X

X X

Level III (Red) 

Outdoor water use not allowed.



Washing limited to commercial car wash facilities using recycled water.

Water use is restricted to that required for human health, fire protection, permitted landscape areas and mission support operations. Some irrigation exemptions are permitted with written permission from the JBLM Water Program.

Irrigation

 Irrigation allowed from 0700-0900 OR 1700-2000

 Do not water if raining

 10 minutes in front yard and 10 minutes back yard

 Private vehicle washing not permitted - Use commercial car

 Do not allow water to run into storm drains

wash

Keep in mind these levels must be followed during current critical conditions; however, it’s recommended to practice using less water.

Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) 2018 WATER QUALITY REPORT Public Water System 52200 / Joint Base Lewis‐McChord, WA

Is My Water Safe?

The Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) Directorate of Public Works (DPW) produces and distributes drinking water from systems permitted by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). The McChord Field drinking water system designation is Public Water System Identification Number (PWSID) 52200 J. The JBLM Annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) are prepared and distributed every summer, in accordance with DOH requirements (Washington Administrative Code WAC 246-29072001 thru 720012) and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act (40 CFR 141.155[a]). This water report applies to consumers on McChord Field. A separate and similar water report for JBLM-Lewis drinking water consumers is made available as well.

During 2018, over 300 water quality samples were collected from the JBLM McChord Field water system and analyzed at state certified labs using EPA approved methods. As in years past, our drinking water system met EPA and State drinking water health standards.

Do I need 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 infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

EPA/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate

means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Water Drinking Hotline (800-426-4791).

Where does my water come from?

The source of water supply for McChord Field consists of 10 groundwater wells located on base in various locations which are broken down into three interconnected subsystems: Military Family Housing, SAGE (Semi-Automatic Ground Equipment), and Main Base. These sources pull groundwater from the Vashon and Salmon Springs Aquifers which was first appropriated in the 1930s and 1940s when the Base’s subsystem wells were first constructed. These aquifers were selected due to their natural and physical conditions that allow them to undergo natural filtration and that they’re less susceptible to surface sources of contamination. Replenishing (recharge) of these aquifers comes from local rainfall.

Spanish (Espanol) Este informe contiene informacion muy importante sobre la calidad de su agua beber. Traduscalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.

French (Francais) Ce rapport contient des informations importantes sur votre eau potable. Traduisez-le ou parlez en avec quequ'un qui le comprend bien.

JBLM‐LEWIS (PWS 52200) Community Water System Source Informa on DOH Source ID#

JBLM Well Name

Source Type Source Use

S01

South Well

Base

Emergency

S02

North Well

Base

Permanent

S03

East Well

Base

Permanent

S04

Sage Well 1

Sage

Permanent

S06

Housing Well 3

Housing

Permanent

S07

Housing Well 2

Housing

Permanent

S08

Housing Well 1

Housing

Permanent

S11

Replacement Well 1

Base

Permanent

Water Treatment Process The water treatment for JBLM McChord requires that all individual wells are treated at the source prior to entering the distribution system. All the wells are treated.

1. Chlorination Sodium hypochlorite solution is generated and then added to the water before it enters the distribution system to provide disinfection and maintain a chlorine residual within the system. WA Department of Health requires each production well in all three subsystems to maintain disinfection at the source to provide virus inactivation.

3. Fluoridation Fluorosilicic acid is added to the water distributed from Family Housing wells to help prevent tooth decay. Drinking fluoridated water keeps teeth strong and reduces cavities (also called tooth decay) by about 25% in children and adults. For more information please visit the following links: http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/ DrinkingWater/FluorideinDrinkingWater https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/index.html This treatment process helps improve the quality of water, and insure safe consumption for customers as regulated by WA Department of Health.

Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) The SWAP evaluates potential threats to the safety of our water supplies by assessing sources of contamination. Additional information is provided in the form of assessment reports and GIS coverage and can be found at: http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/ DrinkingWater/SourceWater/SourceWaterProtection.aspx Interactive Map: https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/eh/maps/SWAP/index.html JBLM McChord Field primary and seasonal drinking water sources have susceptibility ratings ranging from low to high. Historically the higher susceptibility is associated with wells in closer proximity to trichloroethylene (TCE) contaminated groundwater.

In the past, TCE a colorless solvent, was used primarily in industrial processes to remove grease from metal parts and in dry cleaning operations. In order to reduce TCE groundwater contamination in these areas, JBLM operates a groundwater remediation pump and treat system. There has been great success in containing the TCE plume(s) over time and reducing the threat of TCE contamination to the drinking water supplies.

Arsenic While your drinking water meets EPA's standard for arsenic, it does contain low levels of arsenic. EPA's standard balances the current understanding of arsenic's possible health effects against the costs of removing arsenic from drinking water. EPA continues to research the health effects of low levels of arsenic which is a mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linked to other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems.

Nitrate Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 ppm is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If you are caring for an infant, you should ask for advice from your health care provider. More Source Water Assessment Program information While your drinking water meets EPA's standard for arsenic, it does contain low levels of arsenic. EPA's standard balances the current understanding of arsenic's possible health effects against the costs of removing arsenic from drinking water. EPA continues to research the health effects of low levels of arsenic which is a mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linked to other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems.

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. Joint Base Lewis McChord 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 thirty seconds to two 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 or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Remember This Tip! If You Are Disposing Household Chemicals? Bring Them to Our Recycling Center! http://www.lewis-mcchord.army.mil/publicworks/docs/services/RefuseRecycle RecyclingInfoBrochureCurrent.pdf

Why are contaminants in my 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 Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 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, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity: microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, that 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 stormwater 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 agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses; organic 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 stormwater runoff, and septic systems; and 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, EPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

What Causes Brown Water “Brown� or discolored water is usually caused by deposits, sediment, or rust that may have accumulated in the water mains over time (see secondary contaminants section). Any activity that disturbs the pipes or results in a rapid change in water pressure can cause a temporary discoloration of the water. Such activities include water main repairs, construction, power outages, and opening or closing a fire hydrant or valve. Hydrants are routinely opened to flush a water main after repair, address a water quality problem, fill a street sweeper or other mobile tank, or to exercise the valves to ensure fire protection. JBLM crews try to flush water mains on a regular basis as part of our preventive maintenance program. The schedule for any planned flushing program is publicized in advance to alert residents to possible water quality effects in their neighborhood. Some parts of JBLM, especially older areas, are served by iron water mains that have become rusty over time. To correct this problem, corrosion-resistant pipes are now used in the distribution system when possible and older water mains will be upgraded as they are replaced.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) PFAS Testing results in 2017 confirmed the presence of PFOA/ PFOS, in concentrations exceeding the EPA Health Advisory Level (HAL) of 70 Parts-Per-Trillion (ppt) in five drinking water wells on JBLM. Three wells on McChord Field (MF) (North, South, Housing Well #2) were isolated from the system. Well #17 on JBLM-Lewis Main (LM) was a seasonal well and remains off-line. Golf Course Well #22 is the sole well on that water system. On 31 May 17, point-of-use filtration devices were installed at the Golf Course Clubhouse and Well#22 was turned back on feeding only the clubhouse. Recurring well testing program continues w/quarterly testing, currently, per DA guidance. Notifications were made on/about 2 Mar 17.

JBLM is being supported by a USACE contract to treat well water at JBLM involving four wells; three at McChord Field (MF) - East/North/Housing Well #2 and one for Lewis Main(LM) - Eagles Pride Golf Course Well #22, treatment is designed to comprise of Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) treatment systems. Current construction schedule for all contracted wells currently shows overall contract targeted for completion end-May 20, with the wells being turned over in sequence MF-North, East, Housing #2, and LM-EPGC Well #22 as they are completed.

Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

Potential Contaminants

Microbial Contaminants

Inorganic Chemical

Organic Chemical (Pesticides & Herbicides)

Organic Chemical (Synthetic & Volatile)

Radioactive

Type

Viruses & Bacteria

Salts & Metals

Pesticides & Herbicides

Synthetic & Volatile

Natural & Man Made Deposits

Sources

Viruses, bacteria and other microbes that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.

Naturally occurring or result rom urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.

Chemical substances resulting from a variety of sources, such as agricultural and urban storm water runoff, and residential uses.

Substances including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and also may come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems.

Substances that can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production, and mining activities.

Water Quality Data Table In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The table below lists all of the drinking water contaminants that we detected during the calendar year of this report.

Although many more contaminants were tested, only those substances listed below were found in your water. All sources of drinking water contain some naturally occurring contaminants. At low levels, these substances are generally not harmful in our drinking water. Removing all contaminants would be extremely expensive, and in most cases, would not provide increased protection of public health. A few naturally occurring minerals may actually improve the taste of drinking water and have nutritional value at low levels. Unless otherwise noted, the data presented in this table is from testing done in the calendar year of the report. The EPA or the State requires us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not vary significantly from year to year, or the system is not considered vulnerable to this type of contamination. As such, some of our data, though representative, may be more than one year old. In this table you will find terms and abbreviations that might not be familiar to you. To help you better understand these terms, we have provided the definitions below the table.

Contaminants

MCLG or MRDLG

MCL, TT, or MRDL

Detect In Your Water

Range Low

High

Sample Date Violation

Typical Source

Disinfectants & Disinfection By-Products (There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants) Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) (ppb)

NA

60

7.2

NA

7.2

2018

No

By-product of drinking water chlorination

TTHMs [Total Trihalomethanes] (ppb)

NA

80

12.7

1.2

12.7

2018

No

By-product of drinking water disinfection

Inorganic Contaminants

Asbestos (MFL)

7

7

.123

NA

NA

2018

No

Decay of asbestos cement water mains; Erosion of natural deposits

Nitrate [measured as Nitrogen] (ppm)

10

10

.603

NA

.603

2018

No

Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits

5

NA

NA

NA

2018

No

Radioactive Contaminants Radium (combined 226/228) (pCi/L)

Contaminants

0

MCLG

AL

Your Water

Sample Date

# Samples Exceeding AL

Exceeds AL

Typical Source

Inorganic Contaminants Lead - action level at consumer taps (ppb)

0

15

1

2016

0

No

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits

MCLG or MRDLG

MCL, TT, or MRDL

Your Water

Violation

1,1,1-Trichloroethane (ppb)

200

200

ND

No

Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories

1,1,2-Trichloroethane (ppb)

3

5

ND

No

Discharge from industrial chemical factories

1,1-Dichloroethylene (ppb)

7

7

ND

No

Discharge from industrial chemical factories

1,2,4Trichlorobenzene (ppb)

70

70

ND

No

Discharge from textile-finishing factories

1,2-Dichloroethane (ppb)

0

5

ND

No

Discharge from industrial chemical factories

1,2-Dichloropropane (ppb)

0

5

ND

No

Discharge from industrial chemical factories

Benzene (ppb)

0

5

ND

No

Discharge from factories; Leaching from gas storage tanks and landfills

Carbon Tetrachloride (ppb)

0

5

ND

No

Discharge from chemical plants and other industrial activities

Chlorobenzene (monochlorobenzene) (ppb)

100

100

ND

No

Discharge from chemical and agricultural chemical factories

Dibromochloropropane (DBCP) (ppt)

0

200

ND

No

Dichloromethane (ppb)

0

5

ND

No

Discharge from pharmaceutical and chemical factories

Ethylbenzene (ppb)

700

700

ND

No

Discharge from petroleum refineries

Styrene (ppb)

100

100

ND

No

Discharge from rubber and plastic factories; Leaching from landfills

Tetrachloroethylene (ppb)

0

5

ND

No

Discharge from factories and dry cleaners

Toluene (ppm)

1

1

ND

No

Discharge from petroleum factories

Trichloroethylene (ppb)

0

5

ND

No

Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories

Vinyl Chloride (ppb)

0

2

ND

No

Leaching from PVC piping; Discharge from plastics factories

Xylenes (ppm)

10

10

ND

No

Discharge from petroleum factories; Discharge from chemical factories

cis-1,2Dichloroethylene (ppb)

70

70

ND

No

Discharge from industrial chemical factories

o-Dichlorobenzene (ppb)

600

600

ND

No

Discharge from industrial chemical factories

p-Dichlorobenzene (ppb)

75

75

ND

No

Discharge from industrial chemical factories

perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) (ppb)

2

ND

No

ND

No

Contaminants

trans-1,2Dichloroethylene (ppb)

100

100

Typical Source

Discharge from industrial chemical factories

Additional Monitoring As part of an on-going evaluation program the EPA has required us to monitor some additional contaminants/chemicals. Information collected through the monitoring of these contaminants/chemicals will help to ensure that future decisions on drinking water standards are based on sound science.

Results of voluntary monitoring JBLM conducted voluntary monitoring of a PFAS chemicals that were unregulated contaminants during 2018. While these chemicals are unregulated, EPA issued a health advisory for Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) in 2016. JBLM You can find out more about PFAS chemicals @ https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/drinking-water-health-advisories-pfoaand-pfos.

Range Name

Reported Level

Low

High

chromium-6 (hexavalent chromium) (ppb)

3.41

ND

7.2

perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) (ppb)

1.5

ND

3.2

15.45

5

26

ND

ND

ND

18.7

2.7

33

2

ND

4.1

perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) (ppb) perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) (ppb) perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) (ppb) perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) (ppb)

Unit Descriptions and Definitions: ppm: par ts per million, or milligr ams per liter (mg/L) ppb: par ts per billion, or micr ogr ams per liter (µg/L) ppt: parts per trillion, or nanograms per liter pCi/L: picocuries per liter (a measure of radioactivity) MFL: million fiber s per liter , used to measur e asbestos concentr ation NTU: Nephelometr ic Tur bidity Units. Tur bidity is a measur e of the cloudiness of the water. We monitor it because it is a good indicator of the effectiveness of our filtration system.

Positive Samples: % positive samples/month: Percent of samples taken monthly that were positive NA: not applicable ND: Not detected NR: Monitoring not required, but recommended.

Positive Samples/YR: The number of positive samples taken that year 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.

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.

TT: Treatment Technique: A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

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

Variances and Exemptions: State or EPA permission not to meet an MCL or a treatment technique under certain conditions.

MRDLG: Maximum residual disinfection 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.

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.

MNR: Monitor ed Not Regulated MPL: State Assigned Maximum Per missible Level

Questions about your water? Contact us for answers.

Environmental Compliance JBLM Public Works 253‐966‐1770

JBLM Public Works Water Systems Manager 253‐966‐1692

Madigan Environmental Health Service 253‐968‐4331

EPA Region 10 1‐800‐424‐4372 1‐800‐426‐4791 (Safe Drinking Water Hotline) h ps://www.epa.gov

WA Department of Health 1‐800‐525‐0127 h p://www.doh.wa.gov/

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD 2018 DRINKING WATER REPORTS AVAILABLE ONLINE 1 JULY 2019 DPW is no longer distributing the annual Drinking Water Reports in bulk mailing to residents of JBLM. Customers will be able to view the JBLM-Lewis Main and McChord Field water quality reports online.

For the JBLM Lewis Main and North report: https://homeadmin.army.mil/lewis-mcchord/application/ files/2015/6106/2504/CC R_2018_Lewis_DIGI_FINAL.pdf

For the JBLM McChord Field report: https://homeadmin.army.mil/lewis-mcchord/application/ files/6315/6106/2504/CC R_2018_McChord_DIGI_FINAL.pdf