|
Consumers Annual Report
Water/Sewer
Overview | Pumping Station
Consumers
Annual Report
|
If
you would like to print a copy of this report,
click
here for the PDF version. |
City of Ferndale Water Department 2005
Consumers Annual Report on Water Quality
Attention: This is an important report on water
quality and safety.
Water is one of life's essential commodities. The City of Ferndale Water Department wants you to know
that your tap water meets or
surpasses all federal and state standards for quality and
safety.
The City’s water/ sewer rate will increase from $ 59.00 per
MCF (thousand cubic feet) to $ 68.76 (for all bills rendered
on or after July 1, 2006). This is to cover the following
items:
- cover an increase in the purchase of water from the
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (18.8%)
- upgrade the fifty year- old pumping facility on
Hilton Road (to automate and control high flows and
pressures from DWSD)
- replace the water main on Allen Street from
Albany Street to W. Eight Mile Road
Other changes are as follows:
- eliminate minimum water bill and charge for actual
usage
- discontinue special tiered rate structure for high- end
users
- add a quarterly meter- operations charge of $ 3.73 per
quarter for meter-reading, testing, and service costs.
The City of Ferndale and the Detroit Water and Sewerage
Department (DWSD) are proud of the fine drinking water they supply
and are pleased to provide this informational report to you.
The 2005 Consumers Annual Report on Water Quality shows the
sources of our water, lists the results of water quality tests, and
contains important information about water and health. We will
notify you immediately if there is ever any reason for concern about
our water.
We are pleased to show you how we have surpassed water quality
standards as mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
and the State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ.
Source Water
The Detroit Water and Sewer Department supplies drinking water to
126 communities in southeastern Michigan. It draws this water
through intakes in Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair and/ or the Detroit
River as water demand requires.
The source of this water comes from the Detroit River, which is
situated within the Lake St. Clair, Clinton River, Detroit River,
Rouge River, Ecorse River (in the United States), and parts of the
Thames River, Little River, Turkey Creek, and Sydenham water sheds
(in Canada).
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality performed a
source water assessment to determine the susceptibility of this
source to potential contamination. This was done in partnership with
the U. S. Geological Survey, the Detroit Water and Sewerage
Department, and the Michigan Department of Public Health.
The susceptibility rating is on a six- tier scale from very low
to high based primarily on geological sensitivity, water chemistry,
and contaminant sources. The susceptibility of our Detroit River
intakes was determined to be high due to potential contamination.
However, all four Detroit water treatment plants (Port Huron,
Water Works II, Springwells, and Northeast) that use this source
water have historically provided satisfactory treatment to meet
current drinking water standards.
About the System
The City of Ferndale purchases water from the City of Detroit.
Our primary source of supply is Lake St. Clair, and the water is
treated at Detroit’s Northeast and Springwells plants.
How Do We Know The Water Is Safe To Drink?
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department water treatment and
transmission facilities operate twenty- four hours a day, seven days
a week.
The treatment process begins with disinfecting the source water
with chlorine to kill harmful microorganisms that can cause illness.
Next, a chemical called Alum is mixed with the water to remove the
fine particles that make the water cloudy or turbid. Alum causes the
particles to clump together and settle. Fluoride is added to protect
teeth from cavities and decay.
The water then flows through fine sand filters called beds. These
filters remove even more particles and certain microorganisms that
are resistant to chlorine. Finally, a small amount of phosphoric
acid and chlorine is added to the treated water before it leaves the
treatment plant. The phosphoric acid helps control the lead that may
dissolve in water from household plumbing systems. The chlorine
keeps the water disinfected as it travels through the distribution
system to your home.
In addition to this carefully controlled and monitored treatment
process, the water is tested for a variety of substances before
treatment, during various stages of treatment, and throughout the
distribution system.
The DWSD, the third largest water and sewer utility in the
country, provides water that not only meets safety and health
standards, but also ranks among the top ten in the country for
quality and value.
Additional Information
The EPA (Environmental Protection Administration) prescribes
regulations to ensure that tap water is safe to drink. These
regulations limit the amount of certain contaminants in the water
that a public system supplies. The FDA (Food and Drug
Administration) regulates bottled water.
Contaminates That May Be Present In Drinking Water Include The
Following:
Microbial contaminates, such as viruses and bacteria, which may
come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural
livestock operations, and wildlife.
Inorganic contaminates, such as salts and metals, which can be
naturally occurring or result from urban storm 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, rural/ urban storm runoff, and
residential uses.
Organic chemical contaminates, including synthetic and volatile
organics, which are by products of industrial processes and
petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, storm
runoff and septic systems.
Radioactive contaminates, which can be naturally occurring or be
the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
Go To Top
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA
prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain
contaminants in water provide by public water systems. The
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for
contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same
protection for public health.
|
Key to Detected Contaminant
Table |
|
SYMBOL |
ABBREVIATION |
DEFINITION/EXPLANATION |
|
MCLG |
MAXIMUM CONTAINMENT LEVEL
GOAL |
The level of contaminate
in drinking water below which there is no known expected
risk to health. |
|
MCL |
MAXIMUM CONTAINMENT LEVEL |
The highest level of a
contaminate that is allowed in drinking water. MCL’s
are set as close to the MCLG’s as feasible using the
best available treatment technology. |
|
MRDLG |
MAXIMUM RESIDUAL
DISINFECTANT LEVEL GOAL |
The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which
there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLG’s 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. |
|
PPB |
PARTS PER BILLION |
The ppb is equivalent to
micrograms per liter. A microgram = 1/1000 milligram. |
|
PPM |
PARTS PER MILLION |
The ppm is equivalent to
milligram per liter. A milligram = 1/1000 gram. |
|
NTU |
NEPHELOMETRIC TURBIDITY
UNITS |
Measures the cloudiness
of water. |
|
TT |
TREATMENT TECHNIQUE |
A required process
intended to reduce the level of 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. |
|
HAA5 |
HALOACETIC ACIDS |
HAA5 is the total of bromoacetic,
chloroacetic, dibromoacetic, dichloroacetic and
trichloroacetic acids. Compliance is based on the total. |
|
TTHM |
Total Trihalomethanes |
Total Trihalomethanes is the sum of
chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane
and bromoform. Compliance is based on the total. |
|
n/a |
NOT APPLICABLE |
|
|
> |
MORE THAN OR EQUAL TO |
|
|
Go To Top
Northeast Water Treatment Plant
2005 Regulated Detected Contaminants Tables
|
Contaminants |
Test
Date |
Units
|
Health
Goal MCLG |
Allowed
Level MCL |
Level
Detected |
Range
of De-
tection |
Vio-
la-
tion |
|
INORGANIC
CHEMICALS - aNNUAL mONITORING AT PLANT FINISHED WATER TAP |
|
FLUORIDE |
08/09/05 |
PPM |
4 |
4 |
0.92 |
N/A |
No |
|
Major
Source in Drinking Water |
Erosion
of natural deposits. Water additive which promotes strong
teeth. Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories. |
|
Nitrate |
08/09/05 |
PPM |
10 |
10 |
0.41 |
N/A |
No |
|
Major
Source in Drinking Water |
Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from
septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits. |
|
DISINFECTION
BY-PRODUCTS - QUARTERLY MONITORING IN DISTRIBUTION |
|
TOTAL
TRIHALOMETHANES |
02-12/05 |
PPB |
N/A |
80 |
23.1 |
7.8- 32.3 |
No |
|
Major
Source in Drinking Water |
By-product
of drinking water chlorination |
|
HALOACETIC
ACIDS (HAA5) |
02-12/05 |
PPB |
N/A |
60 |
16.2 |
4.8 - 11.7 |
No |
|
Major
Source in Drinking Water |
By-product
of drinking water distribution |
|
DISINFECTANT
(CHLORINE RESIDUAL) |
01-12/05 |
PPM |
MRGDL
4 |
MRDL
4 |
0.69 |
0.61 - 0.76 |
No |
|
Major
Source in Drinking Water |
Water
additive used to control microbes |
|
|
|
2005 TURBIDITY -
MONITORED EVERY 4 HOURS AT PLANT FINISHED WATER TAPS |
|
HIGHEST SINGLE MEASUREMENT CANNOT EXCEED 1 NTU |
LOWEST
MONTHLY % OF SAMPLES MEETING TURBIDITY LIMIT OF 0.5 NTU
(MINIMUM 95%) |
Soil Runoff |
|
0.23 NTU |
100% |
|
|
TURBIDITY
IS A MEASURE OF THE CLOUDINESS OF WATER. WE MONITOR IT
BECAUSE IT IS A GOOD INDICATOR OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OUR
FILTRATION SYSTEM. |
|
2005 MICROBIOLOGICAL
CONTAMINANTS-MONTHLY MONITORING IN DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS |
| Contaminant |
MCLG |
MCL |
Highest
Number Detected |
Violation
Yes/No |
Major
Sources in Drinking Water |
| TOTAL
COLIFORM BACTERIA |
0 |
Presence
of Coliform Bacteria > 5% of monthly
samples. |
In
one month |
No |
Naturally
present in the environment. |
| E. COLI
or Fecal Coliform Bacteria |
0 |
A
routine sample and a repeat sample are total
coliform positive, and one is also fecal or E.
Coli positive. |
Entire
year |
No |
Human
waste and animal fecal waste. |
|
|
Regulated
Contaminate |
Treatment
Technique |
Running
Annual Average |
Monthly
Ratio Range |
Violation
Yes/No |
Typical
Source of Contaminate |
|
Total Organic
Carbon (ppm)
|
The Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal
ratio is calculated as the ratio between the actual TOC
removal and the TOC removal requirements. The TOC was
measured each month and because the level was low, there
is no requirement for TOC removal. |
Erosion of
Natural Deposits |
|
Go To Top
| 2005
Special Monitoring |
| Contaminate |
MCLG |
MCL |
Level
Detected |
Source
of Contamination |
| Sodium (ppm) |
N/A |
N/A |
4.92 |
Erosion of natural
deposits |
| Unregulated
contaminants are those for which EPA has not
established drinking water standards.
Monitoring helps EPA to determine where certain
contaminates occur and whether it needs to
regulate those contaminates. |
|
Springwells Water Treatment Plant
2005 Regulated Detected Contaminants Tables
|
Contaminants |
Test
Date |
Units
|
Health
Goal MCLG |
Allowed
Level MCL |
Level
Detected |
Range
of De-
tection |
Vio-
la-
tion |
|
INORGANIC
CHEMICALS - aNNUAL mONITORING AT PLANT FINISHED WATER TAP |
|
FLUORIDE |
08/09/05 |
PPM |
4 |
4 |
0.94 |
N/A |
No |
|
Major
Source in Drinking Water |
Erosion
of natural deposits. Water additive which promotes strong
teeth. Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories. |
|
Nitrate |
08/09/05 |
PPM |
10 |
10 |
0.38 |
N/A |
No |
|
Major
Source in Drinking Water |
Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from
septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits. |
|
DISINFECTION
BY-PRODUCTS - QUARTERLY MONITORING IN DISTRIBUTION |
|
TOTAL
TRIHALOMETHANES |
02-12/05 |
PPB |
N/A |
80 |
24.5 |
8.1 - 36.3 |
No |
|
Major
Source in Drinking Water |
By-product
of drinking water chlorination |
|
HALOACETIC
ACIDS (HAA5) |
02-12/05 |
PPB |
N/A |
60 |
18.0 |
4.7 - 15.8 |
No |
|
Major
Source in Drinking Water |
By-product
of drinking water distribution |
|
DISINFECTANT
(CHLORINE RESIDUAL) |
01-12/05 |
PPM |
MRGDL
4 |
MRDL
4 |
0.68 |
0.59 - 0.71 |
No |
|
Major
Source in Drinking Water |
Water
additive used to control microbes |
|
|
|
2003 TURBIDITY -
MONITORED EVERY 4 HOURS AT PLANT FINISHED WATER TAPS |
|
HIGHEST SINGLE MEASUREMENT CANNOT EXCEED 1 NTU |
LOWEST
MONTHLY % OF SAMPLES MEETING TURBIDITY LIMIT OF 0.5 NTU
(MINIMUM 95%) |
Soil Runoff |
|
0.19 NTU |
100% |
|
|
TURBIDITY
IS A MEASURE OF THE CLOUDINESS OF WATER. WE MONITOR IT
BECAUSE IT IS A GOOD INDICATOR OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OUR
FILTRATION SYSTEM. |
|
2005 MICROBIOLOGICAL
CONTAMINANTS-MONTHLY MONITORING IN DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS |
| Contaminant |
MCLG |
MCL |
Highest
Number Detected |
Violation
Yes/No |
Major
Sources in Drinking Water |
| TOTAL
COLIFORM BACTERIA |
0 |
Presence
of Coliform Bacteria > 5% of monthly
samples. |
In
one month |
No |
Naturally
present in the environment. |
| E. COLI
or Fecal Coliform Bacteria |
0 |
A
routine sample and a repeat sample are total
coliform positive, and one is also fecal or E.
Coli positive. |
Entire
year |
No |
Human
waste and animal fecal waste. |
|
|
Regulated
Contaminate |
Treatment
Technique |
Running
Annual Average |
Monthly
Ratio Range |
Violation
Yes/No |
Typical
Source of Contaminate |
|
Total Organic
Carbon (ppm) |
The Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal
ratio is calculated as the ratio between the actual TOC
removal and the TOC removal requirements. The TOC was
measured each month and because the level was low, there
is no requirement for TOC removal. |
Erosion of
Natural Deposits |
|
Go To Top
| 2005
Special Monitoring |
| Contaminate |
MCLG |
MCL |
Level
Detected |
Source
of Contamination |
| Sodium (ppm) |
N/A |
N/A |
4.98 |
Erosion of natural
deposits |
| Unregulated
contaminants are those for which EPA has not
established drinking water standards.
Monitoring helps EPA to determine where certain
contaminates occur and whether it needs to
regulate those contaminates. |
|
| City
of Ferndale Water Sample Locations (for
microbiological contaminates) |
| Original
Location |
Upstream
Locations1 |
Downstream
Locations1 |
| |
Primary |
Secondary |
Primary |
Secondary |
| 300
E. Nine Mile Rd. |
130
E. Nine Mile Rd. |
222
E. Nine Mile Rd. |
400
E. Nine Mile Rd. |
470
E. Nine Mile Rd. |
| 1635
Livernois |
1651
Livernois |
1741
Livernois |
1619
Livernois |
1611
Livernois |
| 1070
E. Nine Mile Rd. |
924
E. Nine Mile Rd. |
1000
E. Nine Mile Rd. |
1120
E. Nine Mile Rd. |
1220
E. Nine Mile Rd. |
| 21400
Woodward Ave.2 |
21220
Woodward Ave. |
21350
Woodward Ave. |
21468
Woodward Ave.2 |
21600
Woodward Ave.2 |
| 1460
W. Eight Mile Rd. |
1415
Bertha |
1425
Bertha |
1430
Bertha |
140
Pinecrest |
| 22555
Woodward Ave. |
22651
Woodward ave. |
22635
Woodward Ave. |
22525
Woodward Ave. |
22451
Woodward Ave. |
| 521
E. Cambourne |
481
E. Cambourne |
489
E. Cambourne |
534
E. Cambourne |
540
E. Cambourne |
| 3161
Hilton Rd. |
3237
Hilton Rd. |
3201
Hilton Rd. |
3055
Hilton Rd. |
2905
Hilton Rd. |
1
These locations are utilized when a positive sample is
taken at the original location.
2 This site is presently out of service. |
Go
To Top
2005 City of Ferndale Lead and Copper
Monitoring
|
Contaminants |
Test
Date
|
Units |
Number of Samples Collected |
Number of Samples Exceeded AL |
Action Level AL |
90th
%ile Value |
|
Lead |
6/01
05 -
9/30
05 |
PPB |
5 |
0 |
15.0 |
2.5 |
|
Major Source in
Drinking Water |
Corrosion of household plumbing systems;
Erosion of natural deposits |
|
Copper |
6/01
05 -
9/30
05 |
PPB |
5 |
0 |
1300.0 |
185 |
|
Major Source in
Drinking Water |
Corrosion of household plumbing systems;
Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching from wood
preservatives |
|
|
|
|
Lead
Since 1992, the Cities of Detroit
and Ferndale have been testing homes with plumbing
systems that may contribute lead to the household water
supply. Our latest round of testing shows that all
designated sites were well below the action level.
If your home has a lead service
line or piping that has lead soldered joints, you can
take the following precautions to minimize your
exposure.
Run your water for 30 to 60
seconds, or until it feels cold. This should be followed
anytime your water has not been used for more than six
hours.
-
Always use cold water for drinking,
cooking, or making baby formula.
-
Use faucets and plumbing material that
are either lead free or will not leach unsafe levels of lead
into your water.
-
Residents can have their water tested
by referring to the
MDEQ
website for certified laboratories. There may be a charge
for this service.
Go To Top
Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium is a disease-causing parasite that lives in
the intestinal tract of many animals, including dogs and cats.
Symptoms of infection include diarrhea, abdominal cramps,
headaches, nausea, and vomiting. The disease is typically
spread through contact with feces of an infected animal or
person, or by consuming contaminated food or water.
Cryptosporidium can be introduced into bodies of water by way
of surface water runoff containing animal waste and sewage
discharge. It can be removed by filtration, but the most
commonly used filtration methods cannot guarantee 100%
removal.
Monitoring of source water and/or finished water can
indicate the presence of cryptosporidium, but current test
methods cannot determine if these organisms are dead or alive.
The City of Detroit has been testing for cryptosporidium since
1994 and has not detected it in any of our source water
supplies.
Message To People With Special Health
Concerns
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminates in
drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised
persons can be particularly at risk for infection: those that
have AIDS/HIV or other immune system disorders, or have
undergone organ transplants, or some elderly or infants. These
people should seek advise 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.
SAFE DRINKING WATER HOTLINE: 1 (800) 426-4791
Go To Top
Opportunities for Public Participation
The City of Detroit Board of Water Commissioners meets the
third Wednesday of each month. Please call (313) 964-9571 for
information.
The Ferndale City Council from time to time has issues
before it which are water related. Individuals have a right to
participate in these discussions. The Ferndale City Council
meets at 7:30pm on the second and fourth Monday of each month
at 300 East Nine Mile Road. The
agenda for each meeting is posted in the City of Ferndale
Library. Please call the City Clerk’s office at (248)
546-2384 for additional information.
We welcome your comments and opinions about this report and
will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please
direct your comments or questions to the Water Department at
(248) 546-2520.
Special Message for Spanish Speaking
Individuals
"El informe contiene informacion importante sobre la
calidad del agua en su comunidad. Traduzcalo o hable con
alquien que lo entienda bien."
Go To Top
| City
of Ferndale |
| City
Council |
City
Administration |
| Robert G. Porter, Mayor |
Thomas Barwin, City
Manager |
| T. Scott Galloway,
Councilperson |
Jaynmarie Hubanks,
Finance Director |
| Craig Covey,
Councilperson |
Byron Photoiades, DPW
Director |
| Tomiko Gumbleton,
Councilperson |
Jack Crowley, DPS
Superintendent |
| Michael B. Lennon,
Councilperson |
Jerald Allen, Water
System Supervisor |
| Ferndale
Water Department (City Yard) |
| Daniel Harper, Public
Works Leader |
Terrance Murphy, Public
Works Grade 3 |
| Jeremy Hobbs, Public
Works Grade 3 |
Roger Long, Public
Works Grade 1 |
| Elyse Kitrakis, Public
Works Grade 3 |
|
| James Gasser, Public
Works Grade 3 |
|
|
The delivery of safe drinking water is our primary mission.
We would encourage you to report any concerns or problems to
the Water Department immediately.
Go To Top
The following table will provide direction for addressing
concerns that you may have with your water.
| Problem/Concern |
Regular
Working Hours
M-F (7:30am-4:00pm) |
Before/After
Regular Working Hours |
| Watermain/Service Breaks (Leaks) |
Water Department
(248)546-2520 |
Police Department
(248)541-3650 |
| Low Water Pressure |
Water Department
(248)546-2520 |
Police Department
(248)541-3650 |
| Illegal Hydrant Use |
Water Department
(248)546-2520 |
Police Department
(248)541-3650 |
Water Quality Concern
(Color, Smell, Taste, Etc.) |
Water Department
(248)546-2520 |
Police Department
(248)541-3650 |
Water Meter
(High bills, leaks, etc.) |
Water Billing Office
(248)546-2374
M-F (8:00am - 5:00pm) |
|
| City
Yard - (248)546-2520 7:30am - 4:00pm Monday -
Friday |
|
Click here to view the 2002 Consumers
Annual Report on Water Quality
Click here to view the 2003 Consumers
Annual Report on Water Quality
Government
| Services |
Community
| Business |
Resources
Job Announcements |
Home | Site Map |
Search
The City of Ferndale, Michigan
300 East Nine Mile Road
Ferndale, Michigan 48220
(248) 546-2525
|
Click here to
send your feedback to the City of Ferndale.
This page last modified
07/31/08
.
All information © 2008 City of Ferndale
Site Use
Policy
Site Design/Development by
|
Go
To Top |
|
