2002 ANNUAL DRINKING WATER QUALITY REPORT
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
Introduction
In compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments, Mississippi State University is providing its customers with the third annual water quality report. This report explains where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and State standards.
Does my drinking water meet EPA standards?
Yes, our water meets all of EPA's standards. In 2000, we conducted more than 250 tests for over 80 contaminants that may be in drinking water.
What is the source of my water?
Your water comes from four University wells drilled about 1450 feet into an underground source of water called the Gordo Aquifer. After the water comes out of the wells, we treat it to remove several contaminants and we add disinfectant to protect you against microbial contaminants. The State will be performing an assessment of our source water in the near future.
Do I need to take special precautions?
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 (800-426-4791).
Why are there contaminants in my water?
All sources of drinking water are subject to potential contamination by substances that are naturally occurring or man made. These substances can be microbes, inorganic or organic chemicals and radioactive substances. 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 (1-800-426-4791).
Water Quality Data Table
The Water quality Data Table below lists all contaminants that were detected during monitoring for the 1999 calendar year. The presence of these contaminants in the water does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. Definition of the terms and abbreviations used in the table are given below.
| WATER QUALITY TEST RESULTS | ||||||||
| Contaminant | Violation | Date Sample Collected | Level Detected | Range of Detects or No. of Samples Exceeding MCL/AL | Unit of Measure | MCLG | MCL | Likely Source of Contamination |
| Inorganic Contaminants | ||||||||
| Barium | No | ---- | 0.074 | .050 - .074 | ppm | 2 | 2 | Discharges of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits |
| Chromium | No | ---- | 2 | ND-2 | ppb | 100 | 100 | Discharge from steel and pulp mills; erosion of natural deposits |
| Fluoride | No | ---- | 0.115 | ND-.115 | ppm | 4 | 4 | Erosion of natural deposits; water additive which promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories |
| Inorganic Contaminants (Lead and Copper) | ||||||||
| Copper | No | 2000 | 0.002 | 0 | ppm | 1.3 | 1.3 | Erosion of natural deposits; leaching; corrosion of household plumbing systems; from wood preservatives |
| Lead | No | 2000 | 1 | 0 | ppb | 0 | 15 | Corrosion of household plumbing systems, erosion of natural deposits. |
| Volatile Organic Contaminants | ||||||||
| TTHM (Total trihalomethanes) | No | ---- | 0.800 | ND-3.20 | ppb | 0 | 100 | By-product of drinking water chlorination |
Unit Descriptions
ppm: parts per million or milligrams per liter
ppb: parts per billion or micrograms per liter
ND: not detected
Definitions
Action Level — The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.
Treatment Technique (TT) — A treatment technique is a required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
Maximum Contaminant Level — The "Maximum Allowed" (MCL) is 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.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal — The "Goal" (MCLG) is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
Water Quality Test Results
Unless otherwise noted, the data presented in this water quality data table is from testing done between January 1—December 31, 2002. The State requires us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations are not expected to vary significantly from year to year. Some of the data, though representative of the water quality, is more than one year old.
If you have any questions about this report or concerning your water utility, please contact Jimmy Shurden at 662-325-2052.