TOWN OF ST. IGNATIUS
Montana Public Water Supply ID number 001740
2023 Water Quality Report
In compliance with the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act and in an effort to keep you informed about the quality of water and services we provide to you each day, we’re pleased to provide you with our Annual Water Quality Report. Our drinking water comes from three wells which are 40 to 81 feet deep. The source water assessment report for your water system provides additional information on your source water’s susceptibility to contamination. To access this report please go to: https://deq.mt.gov/water/Programs/dw-sourcewater. In order to maintain its purity, we treat our water with a small amount of chlorine. We are pleased to report that our drinking water is safe and meets all federal and state requirements. If you have any questions about this report or concerning your water utility, please contact Certified Water Operator Scott Morton at 745-3791. Our sampling frequency complies with EPA and state drinking water regulations.
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. We are responsible for providing high-quality drinking water, but we cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
All sources of drinking water are subject to potential contamination by contaminants that are naturally occurring or man-made. Those contaminants can be microbes, organic or inorganic chemicals, or radioactive materials. All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791. Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline.
Constituent | Violation Y or N | Sample Date | Highest Level Detected | Unit Measurement | MCLG | MCL | Likely Source of Contamination |
Barium | N | 12-7-20 | 0.12 (0.11-0.12) | ppm | 2 | 2 | Drilling waste discharge, metal refinery discharge, erosion of natural deposits |
Chlorine | N | 2023 | 1 (0.93-1.05) | ppm | 4 (MRDLG) | 4 (MRDL) | Water additive used to control microbes |
Copper | N | 9-14-23 | 90th % is 0.04 | ppm | 1.3 | AL=1.3 | Corrosion of household plumbing systems; naturally occurring; wood preservative leaching |
Fluoride | N | 12-7-20 | 0.03 | ppm | 4 | 4 | Erosion of natural deposits; Discharge from fertilizer & aluminum factories |
Lead | N | 9-17-23 | 90th % is 1 | ppb | 0 | AL=15 | Corrosion of household plumbing; erosion of natural deposits |
Nitrate | N | 11-8-22 | 0.63 (0.55-0.63) | ppm | 10 | 10 | Fertilizer use runoff, septic tank leaching, sewage, erosion of natural deposits |
Uranium | N | 8-27-19 | 0.4 | Ppb | 0 | 30 | Erosion of natural deposits |
Definitions:
MCLG. Maximum Contaminant Level Goal. The level of a drinking water contaminant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
MCL. Maximum Contaminant Level. The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
MRDL. Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level. The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
MRDLG. Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal. The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health.
ppm. Parts per million. One part per million corresponds to one minute in two years or a single penny in $10,000.
- Action Level. The concentration of a contaminant that, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements.