NRO WATER PLANT

WATER QUALITY
&
CONTAMINANT ANALYSES









RAW, FINISHED & DISTRIBUTED ANALYSIS December 2013
CHEMICAL
WELL
WATER
RAW
FINISHED
WATER
QUALITY
DISTRIBUTED
WATER
QUALITY
MCL
P-Alkalinity as CaCO
3
, mg/l 0 0 0 N/A
Total Alkalinity as CaCO
3
, mg/l 290 26 26 N/A
Bicarbonate as HCO
3
, mg/l 353.66 31.71 31.71 N/A
Carbonate as CO
3
, mg/l 0 0 0 N/A
Hydroxide as OH, mg/l 0 0 0 N/A
Total Hardness as CaCO
3
, mg/l 760 36 16 150*
Calcium Hardness as CaCO
3
, mg/l 210 10 8 N/A
Magnesium as CaCO
3
, mg/l 550 26 8 N/A
Calcium as Ca, mg/l 107.0 4.0 3.2 60.0*
Color, C.U. (Color Units) 24 0 0 15*
Silica as SiO
2
, mg/l 9 1 0 N/A
Conductivity as S/cm 9280 380 340 N/A
Iron, Fe mg/l 0.600 0.300 0.000 0.300*
Potassium, K, mg/l 19.0 1.0 1.2 N/A
Copper, Cu, mg/l <0.070 <0.070 <0.070 1.300^
Manganese, Mn mg/l 0.090 0.07 0.06 0.050*
Phosphate as PO
4
, mg/l 0.59 1.10 0.99 5.00*
Chloride as Cl
2
, mg/l 2600.0 170.0 170.0 250.0*
Fluoride, F, mg/l 0.44 0.79 0.88
2.00*
4.00^
Nitrate as NO
3
, mg/l 0.21 0.04 0.03 10.00^
Zinc as Zn, mg/l 0.110 0.290 0.000 5.000*
Chlorine (free CL
2
), mg/l 0.00 0.89 0.79
0.20@
4.00^
Lead as Pb, mg/l <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 0.015^
Corrosiveness 0.21 -2.00 -2.39 N/A
pH 7.82 7.61 7.31 6.5-8.5#
pHs 7.61 9.61 9.70 N/A
Turbidity, NTU 0.84 0.49 0.15 1.0^
Total Suspended Solids, mg/l 0.8 0.3 0.0 N/A
Total Dissolved Solids, mg/l 5020 328 322 500*
Sulfate as SO
4
, mg/l 85.0 0.0 0.0 250.0*
Sodium as Na, mg/l (est.) 698.65 68.48 103.33 250.00^
Sulfide as S, mg/l 0 0 0 N/A
MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level mg/L - Milligrams Per Liter N/A - Not Available/No Limit

*Recommended Maximum @ Mandatory Minimum ^Mandatory Maximum # Mandatory Range
**See next page for an explanation of each of these chemicals**
Page updated quarterly. Please contact us if you would like a more recent analysis: water @darenc.com
Page last updated December 13, 2013
P-Alkalinity as CaCO3, MG/L
The alkalinity of water is its acid-neutralizing capacity. Alkalinity is the measure of an aggregate property of water, which
can be interpreted in terms of specific substances only when the chemical composition of the sample is known. Alkalinity
is the measure of how much acid can be added to a water without changing the pH. The Phenolphthalein end point is at a
pH of 8.3. When the pH is above 8.3, P-Alkalinity is present. When the pH is above 8.3, there is no carbon dioxide in the
water, therefore hydroxide and carbonate alkalinity can be found.
T-Alkalinity as CaCO3, MG/L
Total Alkalinity is the sum of bicarbonate, carbonate, and hydroxide into the sample. The Total Alkalinity has a direct affect
on the non-carbonate and carbonate hardness in a sample.
Bicarbonate as HCO3, MG/L
The addition of some chemicals increases the pH of water. For example: the addition of lime to water increases the
concentrations of hydroxide, thus increasing the pH. An increase in pH has the potential of changing the alkalinity form to
the bicarbonate form to the carbonate form which causes the calcium to be precipitated as calcium carbonate.
Carbonate as CO3, MG/L
This test allows us to keep track of how stable the water is, when the pH is less than 8.3 all alkalinity is in the carbonate
form, and is commonly referred to as natural alkalinity.
Hydroxide as OH, MG/L
If the Hydroxide level gets too high, it causes excess causticity, allowing magnesium to precipitate as magnesium
hydroxide, which in turn causes the ph to remain higher than the desired level.
Total Hardness as CaCO3, MG/L (Acceptable Limit = 150 MG/L)
Hardness in water is caused by calcium and magnesium ions. The more hardness in the water the more soap is required
to wash and clean, it also causes scale to develop in water heaters, pipes, and fittings. It can possibly cause damage to
some industrial processes and cause objectionable taste in water. Hard water in addition to inhibiting to cleaning action of
soaps will tend to shorten the life of fabrics by allowing scums to embed in the fibers allowing them to lose their softness
and elasticity.
Calcium Hardness as CaCO3, MG/L
Calcium hardness is used in an equation in calcium carbonate equivalent: calcium hardness plus magnesium hardness
equals total hardness.
Magnesium as CaCO3, MG/L
Magnesium is one of the two cations that are usually present in significant concentrations which affects the hardness of
the water.
Calcium as Ca, MG/L
Calcium is the other ion which is usually present in significant concentrations that affects the hardness of the water.
Color
High color content may indicate high disinfection demand and the potential of production of excess amounts of
disinfectant by- products, inadequate treatment, and high organic chemical contamination.

Silica as SiO2, MG/L
In some industrial uses, an excess of silica in the water causes hard to remove silica and silicate scale on equipment.
Conductivity as MMHOS/CM
Conductivity measures the ability of water to carry an electric current.
Iron as Fe, MG/L (Acceptable Limit = .30 MG/L)
Clothes laundered in water with high iron content can become stained. The iron in the water can spontaneously react with
manganese and dissolved oxygen, promoting the growth of a group of microorganisms knows as iron bacteria which
results in dirty water, foul tastes and unpleasant odors.
Copper as Cu, MG/L (Acceptable Limit = 1.0 MG/L)
Copper can cause some unpleasant tastes and a blue or blue-green staining of porcelain at low levels (.5 in soft water). At
levels higher than 4.0 mg/l, causes staining of clothes and discoloring of blonde hair. Larger doses can cause Wilsons
Disease and prolonged doses result in liver damage. Certain levels of copper are recommended for dietary requirements,
adults are recommended to have .2 mg/l per day and children are recommended to have .1 mg/l per day to promote
normal growth.
Manganese, Mn, MG/L (Acceptable Limit = .05 MG/L)
Manganese promotes growth of iron bacteria. It also creates stains on laundry, plumbing fixtures, sinks and bath tubs.
Total Phosphate as PO4, MG/L
We test the total phosphate to see how much corrosion protection and sequestering ability is in the water.
Chloride as Cl-, MG/L (Acceptable Limit = 250 MG/L)
High chloride levels cause an objectionable salty taste in the water. Plumbing, water heaters, and water system
components deteriorate when high concentrations of chloride ions are present.
Fluoride as F, MG/L (Acceptable Limit = 2.0 MG/L)
A level of 1.0 mg/l is recommended by the state to aid in keeping teeth healthy. However at levels of 2.0 mg/l and above it
may cause dental fluorosis which is discoloration and mottling of teeth especially in children. At levels of 6.0 to 8.0 mg/l
fluoride may cause skeletal fluorosis which is a brittling of the bones and stiffening of the joints.
Nitrate as NO3, MG/L (Acceptable Limit = 10.0 MG/L)
Nitrate in drinking water above 10.0 mg/l poses an immediate threat to children under three months of age. Nitrate reacts
with an intestinal bacteria in children to cause Blue Baby Syndrome.
Zinc as Zn, MG/L
High concentrations of Zinc may cause adverse physiological effects. Also will cause a milky appearance in water at
levels above 30.0 mg/l. Excess zinc levels may cause lead and cadmium concentrations to increase.
Chlorine (Free) MG/L (Acceptable Limit = Not less than .20)
Chlorine is required by law to be added to the water as a disinfectant to control the number of coliform bacteria. The state
requires that a residual of .20 mg/l be held throughout the system so that disinfection is accomplished. However, adding
chlorine also has the drawback of the possibility that when combining with organic substances Trihalomethanes (THMs)
are formed. THMs are suspected of causing cancer.
Lead as Pb, MG/L (Acceptable Limit = .05 MG/L)
Excessive amounts well above this limit may result in nervous system disorders, brain or kidney damage.
Corrosivity
Corrosivity causes loss of system piping. Water loss resulting from deteriorating distribution system. Encourages
bacteriological growth. Also causes taste and odor problems.
pH (Acceptable Limit = 6.5 - 8.5)
This factor must be controlled to keep water from becoming Acidic (below 6.4) or alkaline (above 8.5). Which in turn
causes deterioration of pipes and plumbing fixtures.
Turbidity, NTU (Acceptable Limit = 1.0 NTU)
Turbidity is a measurement used to indicate the clarity of water. Turbidity is an optical property of the water based on the
amount of light reflected by suspended particles.
Total Suspended Solids
TSS is the controlling factor which causes turbidity. If the TSS is high, then there is a good possibility that the turbidity will
be over the limit.
Total Dissolved Solids (Acceptable Limit = 500)
TDS is all of the dissolved solids in water. It is measured on a sample of water that has been passed through a very fine
mesh filter to remove suspended solids. It must be controlled so that less treatment is needed to remove the necessary
solids and make a better, safe drinking product.
Sulfate as SO4, MG/L (Acceptable Limit = 250)
This contaminant tends to form hard scales in boilers and heat exchangers. It also causes a laxative effect, therefore it
must be controlled.
Sodium as Na, MG/L (Acceptable Limit = 250)
The main reason sodium is a concern in public water systems is that many people are on strict low sodium diets for health
reasons. The maximum (moderate) level of sodium intake is around 270 mg/day. Extremely low sodium intake levels
should be held to 20 mg/day or less.
Sulfide as S, MG/L
Sulfide is a gas that causes a "rotten egg" odor. It can be caused by the decay of iron bacteria or other bacteria that uses
sulfate as an energy source.
Temperature (Skyco Plant Analysis Only)
Temperature can vary the efficiency of water treatment. If it is too high THMs and other precursors form quicker, and if it is
too cold it inhibits the performance of treatment chemicals.



JULY 2012 REGIONAL WATER SYSTEM LEAD TESTING
Average Lead Level = Non Detect (50 ppb max level)

System 90th Percentile Level = Non-Detect (15 ppb max level)
Sample Number
Lead Results (ppb)
1st Draw
1 Non-Detect
2 Non-Detect
3 Non-Detect
4 Non-Detect
5 Non-Detect
6 Non-Detect
7 Non-Detect
8 Non-Detect
9 Non-Detect
10 Non-Detect
11 Non-Detect
12 Non-Detect
13 Non-Detect
14 Non-Detect
15 Non-Detect
16 Non-Detect
17 Non-Detect
18 Non-Detect
19 Non-Detect
20 Non-Detect
21 Non-Detect
22 Non-Detect
23 Non-Detect
24 Non-Detect
25 Non-Detect
26 Non-Detect
27 3
28 7
29 7
30 33
Tests are run every three years
Page last updated December 5, 2012




JULY 2012 REGIONAL WATER SYSTEM COPPER TESTING
System 90th Percentile Level = 196 ppb (1300 ppb max level)
Sample Number Results (ppb)
1 Non-Detect
2 Non-Detect
3 Non-Detect
4 Non-Detect
5 Non-Detect
6 Non-Detect
7 Non-Detect
8 72
9 72
10 83
11 85
12 94
13 99
14 104
15 116
16 124
17 128
18 129
19 135
20 138
21 143
22 155
23 163
24 170
25 172
26 174
27 189
28 194
29 201
30 245


Tests are run every three years
Page last updated December 5, 2012










INORGANIC CHEMICAL ANALYSES
March 2011
Name
Required
Reporting
Limit
(RRL)
NOT
Detected
Above
RRL
Quantified
Results
Allowable
Limits
Arsenic, mg/l 0.005 X 0.010
Barium, mg/l 0.400 X 2.000
Cadmium, mg/l 0.001 X 0.005
Chromium, mg/l 0.020 X 0.100
Cyanide, mg/l 0.040 X 0.200
Fluoride, mg/l 0.100 1.000 4.000
Iron, mg/l 0.060 X 0.300
Manganese, mg/l 0.010 X 0.050
Mercury, mg/l 0.0004 X 0.002
Nickel, mg/l 0.100 X N/A
Selenium, mg/l 0.010 X 0.050
Sodium, mg/l 1.000 101.800 N/A
Sulfate, mg/l 5.000 X 250.0
Antimony, mg/l 0.003 X 0.006
Beryllium, mg/l 0.002 X 0.004
Thallium, mg/l 0.001 X 0.002
pH, units N/A 7.40 6.50-8.50
Test is run every three years
Page last updated June 20, 2011














NITRATE ANALYSIS
January 2013
Name
Required Reporting Limit
(R.R.L.)
NOT Detected
Above the R. R. L.
Allowable Limits

Nitrate, mg/l
1.00 mg/l X 10.00


Test is run every year.
Page last updated August 2013
























RADIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
March 2008
Name
Required
Reporting
Limit
(RRL)
NOT Detected
(i.e. < RRL)
(X)
Quantified
Results
Allowable
Limit
Gross ALPHA (pCi/L) 3.00 pCi/L X 15.00 pCi/L
Uranium 0.67 pCi/L X 20.10 pCi/L
Radium 226 1.00 pCi/L X 3.00 pCi/L
Radium 228 1.00 pCi/L X 2.00 pCi/L
Gross BETA (pCi/L) 4.00 pCi/L 4.50 pCi/L 50.00 pCi/L
Test is run every nine years, except for Uranium, which is tested every six years.
Page last updated March 11, 2008

















PESTICIDES AND SYNTHETIC ORGANIC CHEMICALS ANALYSIS
November 2011
Contaminant
Required
Reporting
Limit
(R.R.L.)
Not
Detected
(x)
(i.e. <
R.R.L.)
Quantified
Results
Allowable
Limits
Endrin, mg/l 0.00001 X 0.002
BHC - Gamma 0.00002 X 0.0002
Methoxychlor, mg/l 0.0001 X 0.04
Toxaphene, mg/l 0.001 X 0.003
Dalapon, mg/l 0.001 X 0.20
Di(2-ethylhexyl)adipate, mg/l 0.0006 X 0.40
Oxamyl (vydate), mg/l 0.002 X 0.20
Simazine, mg/l 0.00007 X 0.004
Picloram, mg/l 0.0001 X 0.500
Dinoseb, mg/l 0.0002 X 0.007
Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, mg/l 0.0001 X 0.050
Carbofuran, mg/l 0.0009 X 0.04
Atrazine, mg/l 0.0001 X 0.003
Alachlor, mg/l 0.0002 X 0.002
Heptachlor, mg/l 0.00004 X 0.0004
Heptachlor Epoxide, mg/l 0.00002 X 0.0002
2,4-D, mg/l 0.0001 X 0.07
2,4,5-TP (Silvex), mg/l 0.0002 X 0.05
Hexachlorobenzene, mg/l 0.0001 X 0.001
Di(2-ethyhexyl)phathalate, mg/l 0.00132 X 0.006
Benzo(a)pyrene, mg/l 0.00002 X 0.0002
Pentachlorophenol, mg/l 0.00004 X 0.001
PCB's, mg/l 0.0001 X 0.0005
DBCP, mg/l 0.00002 X 0.0002
Ethylene Dibromide (EDB), mg/l 0.00001 X 0.00005
Chlordane, mg/l 0.0002 X 0.002
Test is run every three years
Page last updated January 20, 2012



VOLATILE ORGANIC CHEMICAL ANALYSES
July 2012
Contaminant
Required
Reporting Limit
(RRL) (mg/L)
Not Detected
Above RRL
(x)
Quantified
Results
Allowable
Limits
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, mg/l 0.0005 X 0.07
Cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, mg/l 0.0005 X 0.07
Xylenes (Total), mg/l 0.0005 X 10.00
Dichloromethane, mg/l 0.0005 X 0.005
o-Dichlorobenzene, mg/l 0.0005 X 0.600
p-Dichlorobenzene, mg/l 0.0005 X 0.075
Vinyl Chloride, mg/l 0.0005 X 0.002
1,1-Dichloroethylene, mg/l 0.0005 X 0.007
Trans-1,2-Dichlorethylene, mg/l 0.0005 X 0.100
1,2-Dichloroethane, mg/l 0.0005 X 0.005
1,1,1-Trichloroethane, mg/l 0.0005 X 0.200
Carbon Tetrachloride, mg/l 0.0005 X 0.005
1,2-Dichloropropane, mg/l 0.0005 X 0.005
Trichloroethylene, mg/l 0.0005 X 0.005
1,1,2-Trichloroethane, mg/l 0.0005 X 0.005
Tetrachloroethylene, mg/l 0.0005 X 0.005
Chlorobenzene, mg/l 0.0005 X 0.100
Benzene, mg/l 0.0005 X 0.005
Toluene, mg/l 0.0005 X 1.000
Ethylbenzene, mg/l 0.0005 X 0.700
Sytrene, mg/l 0.0005 X 0.100
Test is run every three years.
Page last updated July 2012







TRIHALOMETHANES (THMs) ANALYSIS
Sample Sites
3rd Qtr
9/11/2012
4th Qtr
12/5/2012
1st Qtr
3/5/2013
2nd Qtr
9/4/2013
Running
Average
Sanderling 61 44 50 54 52.3
Kitty Hawk Elementary 31 24 21 31 26.8
Murray's Auto Supply 24 24 20 26 23.5
Kitty Hawk Fire Station 24 25 20 27 24.0
Ball Residence/Clipper Ct. 23 8 13 20 16.0
8th St KDH/Nags Head 48 45 60 23 44.0
Gull St. / Nags Head 22 30 25 33 27.5
Manteo Meter House 74 53 50 79 64.0
Dare County Detention
Center
94 59 61 72 71.5
Quarterly Average 44.56 34.67 35.56 40.56 38.83
Last four quarters' overall count system running average =38.83 ppb
**See next page for the Trihalomethane (THM) Fact Sheet (Questions and Answers)**


HALOACETIC ACID (HAA
5
) ANALYSIS

Sample Sites
3rd Qtr
9/11/2012
4th Qtr
12/5/2012
1st Qtr
3/5/2013
2nd Qtr
9/4/2013
Running
Average
Sanderling
10.1 8.4 9.8 7.0
8.8
Kitty Hawk Elementary 5.5 4.3 3.6 4.8 4.6
Murray's Auto Supply
4.6 4.3 3.4 4.1
4.1
Kitty Hawk Fire Station
4.3 5.5 3.6 4.1
4.4
Ball Residence/Clipper Ct.
3.8 2.1 2.3 3.2
2.9
8th St KDH/Nags Head
13.9 14.2 16.8 4.1
12.3
Gull St. / Nags Head
12.6 12.6 16.6 13.1
13.7
Manteo Meter House
21.3 18.1 19.8 20.1
19.8
Dare County Detention Center
10.7 17.9 20.9 18.6
17.0
Quarterly Average 9.64 9.71 10.76 8.79
9.73

Test is run quarterly
Page last updated December 2013





TRIHALOMETHANE (THM) FACT SHEET
(Prepared by the AWWA (American Water Works Association))
What are trihalomethanes (THMs)?
THMs and other disinfection by-products are formed when disinfectants such as chlorine - used to control disease-
causing contaminants in drinking water - react with naturally occurring organic matter in the source water. The primary
trihalomethanes of concern are:
Chloroform Dibromochloromethane
Bromodichloromethane Bromoform
What are THMs in the drinking water?
THMs are result of disinfecting water, which is essential for protecting consumers for life threatening diseases. The health
risks from THMs are extremely small compared to risks associated with inadequate disinfection. It is important, therefore,
that disinfection not be compromised in an attempt to decrease such by-products.
How do you know if there are THMs in drinking water?
THMs may be present in most drinking waters, including some bottled and home filtered water. To find out if THMs are in
your tap water, call your local water utility. For bottled water and home filtered water, check on the label or call the
manufacturers. Consumers can also test their own water for THMs by consulting a pre-approved, authorized laboratory in
their state. For a listing of these laboratories, call the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Drinking Water Hotline (1-
800-426-4791).
Are THMs monitored or regulated?
Yes. The EPA currently regulates trihalomethanes by imposing a maximum allowable level in drinking water of 100 parts
per billion on the average. To reduce potential exposure, EPA has proposed to lower that level in the future to an average
of 80 parts per billion.
What about pregnant women. Should they be concerned?
Women in the early stages of pregnancy may wish to consult their physicians for advice. However, health officials who
reviewed the THM study agreed that in general they do NOT advise women in early pregnancy to stop drinking water from
public supplies.
How can THM exposure be minimized?
THM levels in tap water can be minimized by boiling it for one full minute and letting it cool before drinking or by using a
home treatment device that is officially certified by the NSF International as effective to remove THMs.
Where can you get more information?
You can call the Dare County Water Department at (252) 475-5990 or (888) 998-9283 or e-mail water@darenc.com to
answer any questions that you may have about disinfection by-products, trihalomethanes and many other drinking water
subjects.
The EPA Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) is available to answer questions on this subject and other water related
subjects. This hotline operates from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST, Monday-Friday. Brochures and other materials can be
requested through the hotline. Additionally the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water at EPA maintains a website
with much useful information on drinking water. The address is http://water.epa.gov/drink/index.cfm
Additional information can be obtained by accessing the American Water Works Association's web site at
http://www.awwa.org.