Higher Manganese Levels in our Water

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER

Este aviso contiene información muy importante sobre su agua potable, por favor lea el aviso en español si va aquí incluido. Si el aviso en español no va incluido aquí, contacte al sistema de agua para pedir una copia.

Irish Hills MWC Has Levels of Manganese

Above the Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level and the U.S. EPA Lifetime Health Advisory

Our water system recently violated the Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). A secondary standard affects the color and taste of the water delivered to customers,   As our customers, you have a right to know what you should do, what happened, and what we are doing to correct this situation.

We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants.  Water sample results received on March 31 and May 2 showed manganese levels of 0.15 mg/L and 0.34 mg/L, respectively.  This is above the secondary MCLof 0.05 milligrams per liter (mg/L) and above the U.S. EPA lifetime health advisory (HA) level of 0.3 mg/l.

What should I do?

• Infants younger than 6 months could experience neurological effects from continuous manganese exposures above 0.3 mg/L. The State Water Board strongly recommends the use of an alternate water source when preparing food, specifically baby formulaand juice, for infants.

• For all other consumers, you do not need to use an alternative water supply (e.g., bottled water).

• This is not an emergency.  If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. However, some people who drink water containing manganese in excess of the U.S. EPA lifetime HA level (0.3 mg/L) over many years may experience potential neurological effects.

• If you have other health issues concerning the consumption of this water, you may wish to consult your doctor.

What happened? What is being done?

Manganese levels in Well 4 have increased, likely due to the heavy rains affecting the aquifers. In addition, the manganese treatment unit is not functioning properly and could be introducing manganese into the distribution system. We are going to bypass the treatment unit temporarily and repair it. If it cannot be repaired, we will need to replace it. We anticipate resolving the problem within 1-2 months.

For more information, please contact Dave Chivens at 805-546-1305.

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 public notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

Secondary Notification Requirements

Should the water sample results exceed the U.S. EPA HAof 0.3 mg/L [Health and Safety Code Section 116450(e)].

Upon receipt of notification from a person operating a public water system, the following notification must be given within 10 days [Health and Safety Code Section 116450(g)]:

• SCHOOLS: Must notify school employees, students, and parents (if the students are minors).

• RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS OR MANAGERS (including nursing homes and care facilities):  Must notify tenants.

• BUSINESS PROPERTY OWNERS, MANAGERS, OR OPERATORS:  Must notify employees of businesses located on the property.

This notice is being sent to you by Irish Hills Mutual Water Company.

State Water System Number: 4000203.

Date distributed: May 4, 2023.