Jackson County PWSD1

We are pleased to present this year's annual water quality report covering all testing conducted between January 1 and December 31, 2018. Over the years, we've dedicated ourselves to producing municipal water that meets all state and federal standards. We continuously strive to adopt new methods for delivering the highest-quality water to you.

As new challenges to water safety emerge, we remain vigilant in meeting the goals of source water protection, water conservation, and community education while continuing to serve all water users' needs. Please remember we're always available should you have any questions or concerns about your water.

Where Does My Water Come From?
Public Water Supply District #2 customers benefit from two abundant water sources. First is Kansas City Water, drawing surface water from the Missouri River and deep wells in the Missouri Aquifer. Our second source is Independence Water, drawing from wells in the Missouri River Alluvial Aquifer. Together, we provide approximately 420 million gallons of clean water annually.

Important Health Information
Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons—such as those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune disorders, some elderly, and infants—may face higher infection risks. These individuals should seek advice about municipal water from their healthcare providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing Cryptosporidium and microbial contaminant risks are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Radon Testing
Our system detected radon levels of 107 pCi/L. Radon is an invisible, odorless radioactive gas found throughout the U.S. It can enter homes through foundation cracks and build up to high levels. While radon from tap water typically represents a small source compared to soil entry, breathing radon-containing air may cause lung cancer, and ingesting radon through water may increase stomach cancer risk. If concerned, test your indoor air—testing is affordable and simple. Radon removal is recommended if levels exceed 4 pCi/L. For more information, contact your state radon program or call the EPA Radon Hotline at (800) SOS-RADON.

Source Water Assessment
A Source Water Assessment Plan (SWAP) is available at our office. This plan evaluates the delineated area around our listed sources through which contaminants could potentially reach our water supply. It also inventories potential contamination sources and determines our water supply's vulnerability. To review the Source Water Assessment Plan, please visit our office during regular business hours. You may also contact Independence Water and Kansas City Water for information on their assessments.

Community Participation
We welcome you to attend our public meetings and voice your water concerns. We meet the first Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. at the Water District office, 6945 Blue Ridge Boulevard, Raytown, Missouri.

Substances That Could Be in Water
To ensure tap water safety, the EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. FDA regulations set similar limits for bottled water. All water sources (tap and bottled) may reasonably contain at least small amounts of some contaminants, which doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

Water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals, sometimes radioactive materials, and substances from animal or human activity. Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial Contaminants: Viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, or wildlife
• Inorganic Contaminants: Salts and metals occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, industrial/domestic wastewater, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and Herbicides: From agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic Chemical Contaminants: Synthetic and volatile organic chemicals from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive Contaminants: Naturally occurring or resulting from oil/gas production and mining

For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Cross-Connection Concerns
Cross-connections contaminating water lines are a major concern. A cross-connection forms where a drinking water line connects to equipment containing chemicals (boilers, air conditioning, fire sprinklers, irrigation) or questionable water sources. Contamination occurs when pressure in the equipment exceeds water line pressure (backpressure) or when water line pressure drops (back siphonage).

Garden hoses and outdoor faucets are common cross-contamination sources at home, especially when submerged in pools or attached to chemical sprayers. Hoses left on the ground may be contaminated by fertilizers or garden chemicals. Improperly installed toilet valves can also cause contamination.

We survey commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities to identify and address potential cross-connections through backflow prevention devices, which we inspect and test regularly. For backflow prevention information, contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Lead in Home Plumbing
Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in municipal water primarily comes from materials and components in service lines and home plumbing. We're responsible for providing high-quality water but cannot control the materials used in plumbing components.

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