Portsmouth Water Division Releases 2017 Annual Drinking Water Quality Reports

Each year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires community water systems to deliver a Consumer Confidence Report – also known as an Annual Drinking Water Quality Report – to their customers. These reports, which are mailed out to water customers by July 1st, provide information about their drinking water quality from the previous year of sampling including a summary of detected contaminants, compliance, and educational information. This is the second year the Annual Drinking Water Quality Report is separated into three separate Quality Reports that are tailored specifically to each of the Portsmouth, Pease Tradeport and the New Castle systems.

“It is very important for our customers to understand the quality of our drinking water and the extent that it is monitored for compliance,” said Deputy Director of Public Works, Brian Goetz. “Our staff continues to revise these reports based on customer feedback and regulatory requirements in order to best communicate the water quality of our respective drinking water systems. As in last year’s report, there are specific sections dedicated to the ongoing monitoring of PFAS compounds in our supply sources.”  In addition to the detailed PFAS sample results, information about the lead and copper sampling program, and highlights of the on-going water infrastructure projects are included.

Out of all three reports, there was only one contaminant violation reported in New Castle in regards to Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs); TTHMs are byproducts of the water disinfection process which are formed as a result of chlorine reactions with organics in the water. While the measurement of TTHMs was just over the regulatory limit and do not pose immediate health risks, New Castle is working with the City of Portsmouth and their own engineering consultant to address this issue.

The Annual Drinking Water Quality Reports can be found under the Water section of the City of Portsmouth website http://www.cityofportsmouth.com/publicworks/water/drinking-water-quality . Questions can be directed to Al Pratt, Water Supply Operations Manager at 520-0622, or Brian Goetz at 766-1420.

Image: Bellamy Reservoir