2001 DRINKING WATER REPORT
University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut
JUNE 2002

WATER QUALITY

In 2001, as in years past, University water met EPA and State drinking water standards. Our water is tested regularly by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Some trace contaminants were detected and are listed in the table. All of them were much lower than the Maximum Contaminant Level, which is the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water.  None required action to provide high quality water,with the exception of the finding of coliform bacteria in October 2001.
OWNERSHIP
The University of Connecticut owns and operates the water supply system for the Main Campus (ID # CT0780021) and the Depot Campus, formerly the  Mansfield Training School, (ID#CT0780011), at Storrs. The system also serves a number of adjacent private residences, apartments, commercial, town
and state governmental facilities.
SOURCES
Water pumped from two large wellfields, each containing four wells, provides water for the University and adjacent users. One wellfield is located on the
east bank of the Willimantic River on Spring Manor Farm, about a mile west of the Depot Campus and about three miles west of the Main Campus. The other
wellfield is located on the west bank of the Fenton River, about a mile northeast of the Main Campus.
TREATMENT
Water distributed to the Main Campus and most of the non-University users in Mansfield is treated with chlorine, fluoride and adjusted for pH. Water distributed
to the Depot Campus and residences along Route 32 is treated with chlorine and adjusted for pH but does not have added fluoride.

To report a water problem or ask for repair: 486-3113

WATER QUALITY TABLE
CONTAMINANT MCL MCLG UCONN
WATER		 RANGE OF
DETECTIONS		 VIOLATION TYPICAL SOURCE OF CONTAMINANT
Inorganic Contaminants
Copper (ppm)


Main Campus(1999)
Depot Campus(2001)

 AL=1.3 AL=1.3  


0.044
0.354

  

n/a

 

  

No

No

 Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits.
Fluoride(ppm) 4 4 1.4 0.0 - 1.4 No Water additive which promotes strong teeth, erosion of natural deposits
Lead(ppb)

Main Campus(1999)
Depot Campus(2001)

 AL=15 0

4
11

n/a

  

No

No

 Corrosion of household plumbing systems;
erosion of natural deposits.
Nitrate(ppm)
 10
 10
 0.3
 0.1-0.3
 No Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks; erosion of natural deposits.
Microbiological Contaminants in the entire system
Total Coliform Bacteria* 1 0 3 0 - 3 Yes Naturally present in the environment.
Radioactive Contaminants      (1999)
Gross Alpha Emitters(pCi/L) 15 0 0.57 0.2-0.57 No Erosion of natural deposits.
Disinfection By-Products
Total Trihalomethanes(ppb) 100 n/a 4 3-5 No By-product of drinking water chlorination.
ppb: parts per billion ppm: parts per million pCi/L: picoCuries per liter
*Coliform                        
                       
Routine water tests in October 2001 showed the presence of total coliform bacteria in 3 out of 24 sites on the Main Campus.  The Depot Campus was not affected. Total coliform is a common bacteria that can appear randomly in both public and private water supply systems. Total coliform bacteria only were found and not other bacteria that present health risks, such as E. coli or fecal coliform bacteria. Retesting showed no total coliform bacteria. The Connecticut Department of Public Health determined that the University's water remained safe during these occurrences. Public notice was issued per Department of Public Health regulations. The lines were flushed and the problem was corrected.                        
                       
Generally total coliforms are not harmful to health and can appear randomly in water supplies. The University continues to monitor water quality and conduct routine water tests as required by the Department of Public Health. It was determined that the problem occurred because the treatment equipment did not release adequate amounts of chlorine to keep the water bacteria free. The problem was resolved within days.                         
                       
Health Effects: Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other,  potentially harmful, bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems.        

 

Water Quality Standards

When contaminants occur in low levels, the State does not require annual testing. Therefore some of the data are more than one year old.


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 feasible using the best treatment technology.

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

 

GENERAL CONTAMINANT INFORMATION

The sources of drinking 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 human activity.
Contaminants that may be present in sources of drinking water include:

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 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 run-off 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 run-off and septic systems;

Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

 

What can I do to conserve water?
*If you live on campus:

1. Turn off faucets and showers when not in use.

2.  Take shorter showers.

3.  Wash full loads in washing machines and dishwashers.

4. If you live in a dorm, report water leaks, dripping faucets
and showers and malfunctioning toilets to your Resident Advisor.

5. Report water leaks and running water in other
buildings on campus to the Facilities Department
(486-3113).

 *In your personal residence:

1.  Repair water leaks;  check toilets for silent leaks.

2. Turn off faucets and showers when not in use.

3.  Take shorter showers.

4.  Wash full loads in washing machines and dishwashers.

5.  Limit running water in food preparation.

6.  Defrost foods in the refrigerator or microwave rather than under running water. 

7.  Weed around shrubs and flowers to reduce water demand.

8.  Mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and weed growth. 

9. Install low-flow fixtures, faucets, & showerheads.

10. Limit outdoor watering.  If watering, water in the early morning or evening.   Do not water on windy days.
*If you work on campus:
1. Turn off faucets when not in use.

2. Report water leaks and running water in buildings
on campus to the Facilities Department (486-3113).

3. Select water efficient equipment.

 *In your business:
1. Turn off faucets and equipment when not in use.

2. Repair leaks.

3. Install water efficient fixtures and equipment.

Additional information is available from other sources, including the Environmental Protection Agency's website: www.epa.gov/owm/resitips.htm

 

Why should I conserve water?

Effective water conservation is the combination of individual actions. Reduction in water use has multiple benefits: 1) reduces the impact on the environment by reducing surface and groundwater withdrawals, 2) helps maintain water quality via lesser withdrawals, and 3) reduces the need to seek additional sources
of water.

 

EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION ON THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF LEAD AND COPPER

Major Sources of Lead and Copper in Drinking Water

Sources of both lead and copper are corrosion of household plumbing systems and erosion of natural deposits. Another major source of         
copper is leaching from wood preservatives.       
       
It is possible that lead levels at your home may be higher than at other homes in the community as a result of the materials used in your        
home's plumbing. If you are concerned about elevated lead or copper levels in your home's water, you may wish to have your water        
tested and flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using tap water.         
Additional information is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).         
       
Lead   

Infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the action level could experience delays in their physical or mental        
development. Children exposed to high levels of lead could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. Adults who drink         
water containing lead in excess of the action level over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.       

Copper       
       
Copper is an essential nutrient, but some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over a relatively short        
amount of time could experience gastrointestinal distress. Some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action       
level over many years could suffer liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson's Disease should consult their personal doctor.       

 

Water Source Protection

The University continues to protect the sources of University water. Both the University and the Town of Mansfield have procedures in place to protect the wells, which are located in stratified drift aquifers next to the Fenton and Willimantic Rivers. Protected areas are determined by wellfield mapping. Preliminary boundaries were established by Level B Mapping, which has been approved by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CTDEP). More precise boundaries are determined by Level A Mapping. Level A Mapping for the Willimantic aquifer is completed and is under review by the CTDEP.

The University is cooperating with the Windham Water Department in a watershed inspection program that will assure continued protection for both the University's Fenton Aquifer and the Windham watershed. Portions of the Storrs Main Campus, including the Fenton Welfield, are located within theWindham Watershed.

 

 

DID YOU KNOW?

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 benefits can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (1-800-426-4791).

 

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

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 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. Environmental Protection Agency/Center for Disease Control guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (1-800-426-4791).

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain 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.

The source of the educational information for:
General Contaminant Information, Did you Know? and For Your Information, is:

EPA, Preparing Your Drinking Water Consumer Confidence Report,
Guidance for Water Suppliers
March 1999.

 

For more information or to make a public comment, contact:
Eugene Roberts
Director of Facilities Operations
University of Connecticut
25 LeDoyt Road Unit 3038
Storrs, CT 06269-3038
Telephone: 486-3185