Personville Water Treatment Plant
Ground water – Wells
2004 Test Results Table

Inorganic Contaminants

          Not every contaminant must be tested annually.  Those tested in previous years have been tested according to regulations.

Volatile Organic Contaminants

Trihalomethanes (THMS) are a family of chemicals that are disinfection by-products.  Currently, the regulations are based on the sum of the concentration of all four THMs (chloroform, dichlorobromomethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform).  The detected disinfection by-products are listed in the Unregulated Contaminants table.

HEALTH EFFECTS:  Some people who drink water containing Trihalomethanes (THM) in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous systems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

More information on the health effects of disinfection by-products (DBPs) is available from EPA’s safe drinking water hotline by phone at 800-426-4791, or on the World Wide Web at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/drinklink.html.

Effective January 1, 2004 we were required to control THM levels in our drinking water.  We voluntarily began monitoring for THM several years ago.  This allowed us to study changes to our disinfection process, allowing us to reduce THM levels further prior to January 2004.  THM’s are formed when organic matter, which is naturally present in water, combines with chlorine that is used to kill bacteria and viruses.  Since organic matter is found in greater quantities in surface water than ground water, we have decided to use our surface water only when absolutely necessary, until we have perfected our new treatment system.  In 2004, we did not use water from Lake Mexia due to the extensive renovations at the plant.

To reduce THM levels has required extensive planning on the part of the District.   The District has used alternate chemicals for disinfection.  Trials were conducted in 2000 and 2002.  The required changes in the disinfection process led the District to under take a major capitol project.  The District opened bids in December 2003 on a $ 1.5 million dollar improvement project.  The planning and implementation process did not happen overnight.    

A recent study has linked high THM levels to problems during pregnancy.  Although this study is not definitive, you may want to consider boiling your drinking water then storing it in the refrigerator if you are pregnant.  Keep in mind that fluid intake is very important during pregnancy.  DO NOT reduce your fluid intake!  For additional information, call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Unregulated Contaminants

            Unregulated contaminants are those for which EPA has not established drinking water standards.  The purpose of unregulated contaminant monitoring is to assist EPA in determining the occurrence of unregulated contaminants in drinking water and whether future regulation is warranted.