Posted 10/8/06

2006 REPORT

KACHESS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM

STATE ID#37378

The Kachess Community Association water system is classified as a Group A transient non-community (TNC) water system, regulated under Washington Administrative Code Chapter 246-290.  There are three categories of Group A water systems:  Community, Non Transient Non Community, and TNC.  There are less regulatory requirements for a TNC system than for the other two categories.

►       STANDARD WATER QUALITY MONITORING        ◄

As part of normal operation of a water system, the state requires the following water quality monitoring tests for our water system:

• Coliform (bacteria) - One a month, based on population.  Good history - samples have been negative.

• Nitrate - Required once a year.  (Last sampled 9/2005 - 0.5 mg/L)
  The maximum contaminant level for nitrate is 10 mg/L.

• Inorganic Chemical (metals) - Required one time (last sampled 1982 - Iron 0.4 mg/L, Arsenic 10 ppb; all others under maximum contaminant levels).
  
  Iron has a secondary drinking water standard set at 0.3 mg/L.  Iron does not cause health concerns but causes aesthetic problems such as metallic tastes and orange-brown stains. 
  
  The new federal standard for arsenic (went into effect January 2006) is 10 parts per billion (ppb) for Group A community and non transient non community public water systems.  The current standard for our system (a TNC system) is 50 ppb.  Arsenic health effects include diseases that can impact the cardiovascular system, kidneys, skin, nervous system, or lead to various forms of cancer.

• Disinfection (chlorine) � Because we are now required to provide disinfection treatment, we are required to perform daily testing of chlorine levels in the system to assure compliance, and submit monitoring reports to the State on a monthly basis.   

• Lead and Copper - Not required.

• Disinfection By-Products - Not required.

• Asbestos - Not required.  (took sample February, 2006)

►       SOURCE EVALUATION CURRENTLY ONGOING       ◄

Our source of water is being examined under the state�s Groundwater Under the Influence of Surface Water (GWI) program.  Potential GWI sources are defined as all infiltration galleries, Ranney wells, springs, and shallow wells located near surface water.  Such sources may be vulnerable to microbiological contamination.  Our source is an infiltration gallery that collects spring water.  There is a two step determination process for GWI sources:

First Step:

Determination of hydraulic connection is done by collecting one year of weekly water quality measurements of temperature and conductivity (or other parameters) at the source.  Our system collected water quality data for 18 months, and completed this step in October 2005.  In December 2005, DOH designated our spring to be hydraulically connected to surface water, prompting the second step and the following bulleted requirements:

Second Step:

Microscopic particulate analysis. The water system is required to collect a sample of source water and send the sample to a laboratory for a microscopic particulate analysis. If certain numbers or types of surface water organisms are found in the sample, the source is designated to be under the direct influence of surface water, classified as GWI and subject to the Surface Water Treatment Rule.

• Action Plan due within 90 days after notification.  Shenton Oh submitted this for us in March.
  
   

• Collect first microscopic particulate analysis (MPA) sample as soon as possible
  November 2005 � First MPA was completed � received score of 8
  
   

• Collect second MPA sample approximately six months after the first.

• May 2006 - Second MPA was completed � received score of 11*
  
   

• Install disinfection (with chlorine contact time) within 120 days after the second MPA sample result is known.  Since we already disinfect, we just need to prove that we have adequate contact time.  I am working with the state to acknowledge that our system meets this requirement.
  
  * Because this score is above 10, we are now required to take two more MPA samples in consecutive six month periods.  Our next sample will be taken around November of this year.  The state offers the services of a contractor to help us through the process.  We are required to pay for the water quality samples and associated costs.  One MPA typically costs approx. $400.00 to analyze.

If both scores in the next two MPAs are between 15 and 18, we will need to collect more MPAs.  If any score is 19 or higher, our source is determined to be GWI.  We then have the following options:

1. Provide surface water treatment.  To accomplish this, systems must do all of the following: filter, disinfect, be operated by qualified personnel, compliance options.

2. Modify the groundwater source to eliminate direct surface water influence.

3. Develop an alternate DOH-approved source (for example, develop a protected groundwater source or purchase from a nearby approved public water system).

4. Attempt to meet the source quality and site-specific criteria to remain unfiltered.

The selection of any one of these options may result in large capital expenditures, additional treatment, and major changes to operations and maintenance.  If our source is determined to be GWI, the Association will probably want to evaluate any available funding options.

So, to summarize, we hope for low MPA results!!!  In the meantime, we are investigating an existing well to see if it is a feasibly emergency source of supply.

►      DISTRIBUTION  UPDATE    ◄

With respect to past leaks on service connections, the Board is looking at instituting a fee for water service connection inspection and adopting a standard detail for service connections which will be enforced during new construction and repairs.

►      PLANNING      ◄

The state requires that every water system has a planning document prepared and available.  Dan Riblett, Shenton Oh and I are working to develop a Small Water System Management Plan using the state�s template.  The plan will include all associated water system documents. 

►      CERTIFIED OPERATOR      ◄

While not a state requirement, the Board has hired a certified operator to improve, protect and keep our water system current with state regulations. Finding someone experienced at a good rate can be a difficult task for systems located away from urban areas.  We have contracted with Dan Riblett to oversee and perform maintenance to the system and who will be on call for emergencies (breaks, etc).  A community member still volunteers his or her time to take required water samples and maintain the disinfection treatment system; however, Dan Riblett now takes responsibility for making sure tasks get done.  Scott Nicholson is currently volunteering his time to help maintain our water system, and we thank him for that.

-Sheri Miller, Board Member, August 24, 2006