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Consumer Confidence Report

 

Gallia County Rural Water Association Inc.

Drinking Water Consumer Confidence

Report For 2024

 

 

The Gallia County Rural Water Association Inc. has prepared the following report to provide information to you, the consumer, on the quality of our drinking water. Included within this report is general health information, water quality test results, how to participate in decisions concerning your drinking water and water system contacts.

Source Water Information

Our water source is groundwater from 10 wells located in Gallipolis and Addison Townships of Gallia County. The water is drawn from the Ohio River Valley Aquifer. The aquifer that supplies drinking water to the Gallia Rural Water Association’s, Inc. Wellfields.  This determination was made because of the following reasons:

Well Field #1 has (according to the OEPA) a high susceptibility to contamination

  • The sand and gravel aquifer has a depth to water of approximately 40 feet below the ground surface
  • There is approximately 15-25 feet of sandy clay overlying the sand and gravel. This may slow the migration of contaminants into the aquifer
  • Water quality evaluation indicates that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been detected in the raw water at one or more wells
  • Potential significant contaminant sources exist within the protection area.

Well Field #2 has (according to the OEPA) a moderate susceptibility to contamination

  • The sand and gravel aquifer has a depth to water of approximately 40 feet below the ground surface
  • There is approximately 15-25 feet of sandy clay overlying the sand and gravel. This may slow the migration of contaminants into the aquifer
  • Potential significant contaminant sources exist within the protection area.

More information is available in our Source Water Assessment report. For a copy of the report contact Gallia Rural Water at (740) 446-9221.

 

The Gallia County Rural Water Association Inc. also has an Emergency connection with the City of Gallipolis.  This report does not contain information on the water quality received from the City of Gallipolis but a copy of their consumer confidence report can be obtained by contacting City of Gallipolis at 740-441-6006.

What are sources of contamination to drinking water?

 

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.

 

Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

 

(A) Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations and wildlife;

 

(B) Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally- occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming;

 

(C) Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses;

 

(D) 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 storm water runoff, and septic systems;

 

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

 

To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, USEPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

 

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 Federal Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

 

 

Who needs 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 infection. 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 microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

About your drinking water

 

The EPA requires regular sampling to ensure drinking water safety. The Gallia County Rural Water Association Inc. conducted sampling for bacteria & inorganics; during 2024. Samples were collected for a total of 8 different contaminants most of which were not detected in the Gallia County Rural Water Association Inc. water supply. The Ohio EPA requires us to monitor for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of our data, though accurate, are more than one year old.

 

Monitoring & Reporting Violations & Enforcement Actions

 

Gallia County Rural Water Association Inc. has no violations to report.

 

Table of Detected Contaminants

Listed below is information on those contaminants that were found in the Gallia County Rural Water Association Inc.

 

 

TABLE OF DETECTED CONTAMINANTS

Contaminant (units) MCLG or MRDLG MCL or MRDL Level Found Range of Detections Violation? Year Sampled Typical Source of Contaminants
 

Fluoride (ppm)

 

 4 4 1.29 .79-1.29 No 2024 Erosion of natural deposits; water additive which promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum Factories
Chlorine (as Cl2) (ppm) 4 4 1.18 1.16-1.22 No 2024 Water Additive used to Control Microbes
Radioactive Contaminants
Radium (combined 226/228) (pCi/L) 5 5 1.4 1.4 No 2020 Erosion of natural deposits
Inorganic Contaminants
Barium (ppm) 2 2 0.061 N/A No 2024 Discharge of drilling wastes; Discharge from metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits

 
Cyanide (ppb) 200 200 ND N/A No 2024 Discharges from some metal mining processes, organic chemical industries, iron and steel plants or manufacturers, and publicly owned wastewater treatment facilities
Nitrate [measured as Nitrogen] (ppm)

 

 10 10 0.37 N/A No 2024 Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits
             
Sodium (ppm)

 

 20 N/A 24.2 N/A No 2024 Common salt from foods and seawater.
Arsenic (ppb)

 

 

 0 10 ND NA No 2024 Naturally occurring element in the soil.
Mercury (ppb) 0 2 ND NA No 2024 Naturally occurring element, also from industrial processes.
Volatile Organic Contaminants
Carbon  Tetrachloride (ppb) N/A 5 0.1 0.1 No 2023 Discharge from chemical plants and other industrial activities
Residual Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) (ppb) N/A 60 10.1 ND-10.1 No 2024 By- product of drinking water chlorination

 
TTHMs [Total Trihalomethanes]

(ppb)

 N/A 80 34.3 6.7-34.3

 

 No 2024 By-product of drinking water disinfection
Lead and Copper
Contaminant (units) Action Level (AL) MCLG Individual Results over the AL 90TH Percentile Value Violation? Year Sampled Typical Source of Contaminants
Lead (ppb) 15 00 0 2.3  No 2024 Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits
_0_ out of 31 samples were found to have lead levels in excess of the lead action level of 15 ppb.
Copper (ppm) 1.3 1.3 0 .624 No 2024 Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits
0 out of 31 samples were found to have copper levels in excess of the copper action level of 1.3 ppm.

 

 

 

 

 

PFAS Sampling

In 2021, our PWS was sampled as part of the State of Ohio’s Drinking Water Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Sampling Initiative. Results from this sampling indicated PFAS were detected in our drinking water below the action level established by Ohio EPA. Follow up monitoring will be conducted. For more information about PFAS, and to view our latest results please visit pfas.ohio.gov.

PFAS Compound Statewide Action Level (ppt) Treated Water (EP001) Range of Detection Treated Water (EP001) average Raw Water
PFOA >70 single or combined with PFOS  

<5-10.9

  

10.9

  

7.4

 

Turbidity Information

 

At this time Gallia County Rural Water Association Inc. is not required to test for turbidity.

 

Violations with Health Effects

 

We did not have any MCL, TT, filtration or disinfection (CT) violation or action level exceedance.

 

Nitrate Educational Information

 

Gallia County Rural Water Association Inc. Nitrate levels are under the limit and pose no health risk.

Arsenic Educational Information

 

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in water. Gallia County Rural Water Association Inc. arsenic testing was non detect, therefore poses no health risk.

 

Lead Educational Information

 

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. Gallia County Rural Water Association Inc. 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 can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

 

Per the Lead and Copper Rules, Public Water Systems were required to develop and maintain a Service Line Inventory. A service line is the underground pipe that supplies your home or building with water. To view the Service Line Inventory, which lists the material type(s) for your location, you can visit our office 542 Burnett Rd., Gallipolis, Ohio 45631 from 8am-4pm Monday-Friday

Cryptosporidium Information

 

Gallia County Rural Water Association Inc. has not detected Cryptosporidium, at this time.

 

Radon Monitoring Information

 

Gallia County Rural Water Association Inc. has not detected Radon, at this time.

 

 

Ground Water Rule Information and Significant Deficiencies

 

Gallia County Rural Water Association Inc. has none to report, at this time

 

Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR) Information

 

All water systems were required to begin compliance with a new rule, the Revised Total Coliform Rule, on April 1, 2016. The new rule maintains the purpose to protect public health by ensuring the integrity of the drinking water distribution system and monitoring for the presence of total coliform bacteria, which includes E. coli bacteria. The U.S. EPA anticipates greater public health protection under the new rule, as it requires water systems that are vulnerable to microbial contamination to identify and fix problems. As a result, under the new rule, there is no longer a maximum contaminant level violation for multiple coliform detections. Instead, the new rule requires water systems that exceed a specified frequency of total coliform occurrences to conduct an assessment to determine if any significant deficiencies exist.

 

 

License to Operate (LTO) Status Information {Mandatory Information}

 

Gallia County Rural Water Association Inc. was issued an unconditional license to operate in 2024.

 

Public Notice

 

PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals used to manufacture many waterproof, stain-resistant, and nonstick consumer goods. PFAS can also be found in things like cosmetics, some fast-food packaging, and a type of firefighting foam called aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF).

The primary source of exposure to PFAS is through eating and drinking PFAS-contaminated food and water. These man-made chemicals sometimes enter drinking water at locations where they are manufactured, used, disposed of, or spilled. PFAS has also been detected in the air near manufacturing facilities.

Gallia County Rural Water Association Inc. is in the planning/design process of installing granular activated carbon (GAC) filters in order to remove the chemical from the water prior to distribution.

Public Participation and Contact Information

 

Public participation and comments are encouraged at regular board meetings of Gallia County Rural Water Association Inc. which meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm. Our office is located at 542 Burnett Rd., Gallipolis, Ohio 45631. If you would like to attend a meeting, please contact Kyla Bryant at 740-446-9221 with the meeting date and subject for discussion.

Definitions of some terms contained within this report.

 

  • Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): 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.

 

  • Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest level of contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
  • Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL): 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.

 

  • Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG): The level of 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.

 

 

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

 

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

 

  • Contact Time (CT) means the mathematical product of a “residual disinfectant concentration” (C), which is determined before or at the first customer, and the corresponding “disinfectant contact time” (T).

 

  • Microcystins: Liver toxins produced by a number of cyanobacteria. Total microcystins are the sum of all the variants/congeners (forms) of the cyanotoxin microcystin.

 

  • Cyanobacteria: Photosynthesizing bacteria, also called blue-green algae, which naturally occur in marine and freshwater ecosystems, and may produce cyanotoxins, which at sufficiently high concentrations can pose a risk to public health.

 

  • Cyanotoxin: Toxin produced by cyanobacteria. These toxins include liver toxins, nerve toxins, and skin toxins. Also sometimes referred to as “algal toxin”.

 

  • Level 1 Assessment is a study of the water system to identify the potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system.

 

  • Level 2 Assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.

 

  • PFAS: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals applied to many industrial, commercial and consumer products to make them waterproof, stain resistant, or nonstick. PFAS are also used in products like cosmetics, fast food packaging, and a type of firefighting foam called aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) which are used mainly on large spills of flammable liquids, such as jet fuel. PFAS are classified as contaminants of emerging concern, meaning that research into the harm they may cause to human health is still ongoing.

 

  • Master Meter (MM): A master meter is one that connects a wholesale public water system to consecutive public water system(s). This type of meter monitors the amount of water being sent to the consecutive system(s) and can also be used to determine the quality of water being delivered to the consecutive system(s).

 

  • Parts per Million (ppm) or Milligrams per Liter (mg/L) are units of measure for concentration of a contaminant. A part per million corresponds to one second in a little over 11.5 days.

 

  • Parts per Billion (ppb) or Micrograms per Liter (?g/L) are units of measure for concentration of a contaminant. A part per billion corresponds to one second in 31.7 years.

 

  • The “<” symbol: A symbol which means less than. A result of <5 means that the lowest level that could be detected was 5 and the contaminant in that sample was not detected.

 

  • Picocuries per liter (pCi/L): A common measure of radioactivity.

 

                                                        Gallia Rural Water FACTS

We serve an estimated population of 24,000 in the five counties of Gallia, Jackson, Meigs, Lawrence, & Vinton.

 

Our Ohio EPA Class II Water Treatment Plant operates 24 HRS a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

 

Our current License to Operate (LTO) is GREEN—unconditional LTO.

 

The average daily production in 2024 was 1.867 million gallons per day.

 

We have 20 booster pump stations and 39 tanks with a total storage capacity in excess of 7.8 million gallons.

Notice to Members

 

Section 4933.19 Ohio Revised Code

This code mandates that utility customers be advised on an annual basis of the consequences of tampering with or by-passing a metering device as set forth in Section 4933.18 of the Oh Revised Code.

 

Section 4933.18 Ohio Revised Code

No Person shall knowingly, without the utility’s

consent, with intent to violate Section 4933.18, 4933.19 and 4933.22 of the Oh Revised Code: (A) Tamper with a gas, electric, steam or water meter, conduit or attachment of a utility that has been

disconnected by the utility.

 

Section 4933.99 Ohio Revised Code

Penalties–Whoever violates Section 4933.18 and 4933.22 of the Oh Revised Code is guiltily of

tampering with utility equipment. Whoever violates these sections shall make restitution to the utility for the cost of repair or replacement of meters, conduits or attachments damaged and for the valve of the gas, electricity, steam or water consumed.

A misdemeanor of the first degree provides for

imprisonment of not more than six months and a fine of not more than $1,000.00.

A felony of the fourth degree under these codes

provides for a prison term or six months, 1 year or 18 months and a fine of not more than $2,500.00.

 

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex, a familial status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

 




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