City of Columbus

We're pleased to present this year's Annual Water Quality Report to our community. Our commitment remains providing safe, reliable water service to all residents throughout the past year. Our water comes from three distinct groundwater wells strategically located across our service area: on a Yellowstone River Island near the Old Town Shops, within Beartooth Heights Subdivision, and at Heritage Park.

Currently, we serve approximately 1,934 residents. This Consumer Confidence Report won't be automatically mailed but is available upon request. Our source water protection plan, completed by Montana Rural Water Systems in March 2013, provides additional information about potential contamination sources and is available for review at the Public Works Office (1258 E. 1st Ave. S.).

We're happy to confirm our municipal water meets all federal and state requirements. If you have questions about this report or our water utility, please contact Dennis Holten or Steve Storer, our certified operators with 36 and 21 years of experience respectively, at 322-4424.

We encourage our customers to stay informed about their water utility. Town Council Meetings occur on the first and third Mondays monthly at 7:30 PM and are open to the public. The City of Columbus chlorinates water before distribution and regularly monitors constituents according to Federal and State regulations.

The data in this report covers January 1st through December 31st, 2015. Some information may be older as certain chemical contaminants are monitored less frequently, in compliance with EPA and State requirements.

To help understand technical terms in this report:
• Non-Detects (ND): laboratory analysis indicates the constituent is not present
• Parts per million (ppm) or Milligrams per liter (mg/l): one part per million equals one minute in two years or a penny in $10,000
• Parts per billion (ppb) or Micrograms per liter (ug/L): one part per billion equals one minute in 2,000 years or a penny in $10,000,000
• Picocuries per liter (pCi/L): measures radioactivity in water
• Action Level: contaminant concentration that requires water system follow-up actions
• Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): highest allowed level of a contaminant in drinking water
• Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): contaminant level below which no known health risks exist

1. Are the Leavesley Park Hangar and the Jones Hangar the same facility?
   Yes, they are identical. The facility is commonly referred to by various names including Jones Hangar, the Hangar, and other variations. It's located at 901 Buckingham in the Regency Estates subdivision.
2. Is Frankie Carter Randolph Park a City of Friendswood property?
   No, it's a Harris County Park. For reservations, contact their Reservations Office at 713-991-6881.
3. What indoor facilities are available for public rental?
   The Leavesley Park Jones Hangar is the only indoor facility available for public use or rental. Visit the City Parks and Reservations page for more information about rental options.
4. Do I need a fishing license for Centennial Park pond?
   No license is required for fishing at Centennial Park Pond. However, fishing is only permitted from the bank—nets are prohibited. Catch and release is not mandatory.
5. Are dogs allowed in city parks?
   Dogs are welcome at most City parks except Renwick Park and the Sportspark. In parks where dogs are permitted, they must remain leashed at all times.
6. What is the length of the Stevenson Park track?
   One complete lap measures slightly less than half a mile. Distance markers are placed along the trail for reference.
7. Can I bring inflatables or bounce houses to Stevenson Park?
   Only those who rent the Park Gazebo or Large Rotary Pavilion may bring inflatables. They are not permitted at the small Rotary Pavilion. The Parks and Recreation Department requires proof of insurance from the inflatable rental company with City of Friendswood listed as additionally insured. Driving into the park is prohibited—all equipment must be unloaded from the parking area.