IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER

Buncombe Water District Does Not Meet Treatment Requirements

Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this was not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we are doing to correct this situation.  Surface water systems (or groundwater under the influence of surface water) using conventional filtration treatment (enhanced coagulation or enhanced precipitative softening) must demonstrate that Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removals are in compliance with either the Step 1 TOC removal requirements or meet the requirements of alternative compliance criteria.  Our supply was unable to meet the requirements during the third quarter of 2024. (8/1/24-8/31/24)

What should I do?

*You do not need to use an alternative (e.g., bottled) water supply.  However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.

What does this mean?

This is not an immediate health risk.  If it had been, you would have been notified immediately.

Total organic carbon (TOC) has no health effects.  However, total organic carbon provides a medium for the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBP’s).  These byproducts include trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs).  Drinking water containing these byproducts in excess of the MCL may lead to adverse health effects, liver or kidney problems or nervous system effects, and may lead to an increased risk of getting cancer.

What happened? What is being done?

The City of Carbondale tests monthly for TOC removal in the treatment process.  A 45% removal rate is required as a precaution to limit the formation of DBP’s, which are potentially harmful above certain levels. TOC compliance is measured as a running annual average (RAA). The City of Carbondale’s RAA is typically 46-50%. In June, the RAA was 44.7%, falling short of the 45% required for compliance. DBP’s, which are directly affected by TOC, we’re also sampled in June, with all samples testing safely within compliance.  Additionally, the monthly TOC removal for July was 48.4%.

Customers do not need to take any action.  The water is safe for normal use.  TOC does not have any health effects, but is monitored since it may affect other water quality parameters.  This is a required public notice.

Please note that the Buncombe Water District is only a purchaser of the water and is subject to the City of Carbondale’s treatment process. So as they achieve acceptable levels, we will also.

For more information, please contact Buncombe Water District at 618-549-0432 or 79 Wiley Ln. Makanda, Il. 62958

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

This notice is being sent to you by Buncombe WD

Water System ID#

0775420

Date distributed

11/14/2024