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City of Columbia City 1840 Second Street, PO Box 189, Columbia City, OR 97018 (503) 397-4010 |
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JULY 2004
AUTOMATIC BILL PAYMENT IS HERE AT LAST!
Automatic bill payment pays your water and sewer utility bill through an automatic deduction from your bank account. You'll still receive your monthly utility bill showing your water usage and other charges, and the amount due will be deducted from your checking or savings account on the bill's due date (on or after the 10th of the month). Automatic bill payment is easy to set up, and even if you're on vacation or ill, you'll never have to worry about paying your bill again. To sign up for automatic bill payment, please request an authorization form at City Hall.
CANDIDATE FILING DATES
Two City Council positions will expire at the end of December. These positions will be filled during the upcoming General Election in November. Qualified electors who have resided within the City since November 2, 2003, may run for office. Nominating petitions are currently available at the City Hall. The nominating petitions must be signed by 20 qualified electors, and must be filed with the City Recorder by 5:00 p.m. on August 19, 2004. The City Council positions are for a term of four years.
WE READ 2004
The Friends of the Columbia City Community Library invite you to participate in their first Community Read from July through September. What is a Community Read? It's simple, everyone in the community reads the same book, sharing a common experience to talk about with friends, neighbors, and even strangers.
The book selected is Ray Bradbury's classic novel Fahrenheit 451. "Guy Montag is a fireman of the future whose job it is to burn books; this ensures that the citizenry think of nothing that is not generated by their four-wall televisions." First published in 1953, the ideas of censorship and forced conformity still remain highly relevant as society tries to balance technology, access to information and the meaning of freedom.
A book giveaway will kick off the event at the Columbia City Community Library, July 5th and 7th. Library hours are Monday 10 am - 2 pm and Wednesday 4 pm - 8 pm. If you would rather purchase a book, the St. Helens Book Shop will be selling them at a discount. Discussion groups are planned beginning September 11th in conjunction with the Columbia City Celebration. Additional information is available on the City's website www.columbia-center.org/colcity.
CITY OF COLULMBIA CITY
2003 WATER QUALITY REPORT
In
compliance with federal reporting requirements, Columbia City now provides you
with an annual report of the outcome of our many water quality tests. Our
constant goal is to provide you with a safe and dependable supply of drinking
water. The cities of St. Helens and Columbia City test water frequently, and we
meet or exceed all quality standards required by federal and state requirements.
We are required by the Oregon State Health Division to take 2 routine water
samples monthly to test for contaminants.
We have been upgrading our distribution and storage systems by replacing old water mains, repairing leaks, cleaning our storage reservoirs and updating system maps. We have just completed the building a new reservoir to meet current storage demands. Our cross-connection program is designed to help prevent any potentially contaminated water from re-entering the City water supply. Columbia City requires a backflow assembly where that potential exists in our system to ensure quality drinking water. This report presents water quality data and explains what it means.
WHERE DOES OUR WATER COME FROM?
The City of Columbia City purchases
water from the City of St.
Helens which draws from
three Ranney Collector Wells and a ground water well. The collector wells are
located in Columbia City at "K" and First
Streets, "E" Street and The Strand, and ˝ mile to the north on Port
of St. Helens property. The ground well is located near the Scappoose Bay Marina
in St. Helens. The Ranney wells #2 and #3 were determined to be under direct
influence of surface water. For this reason, the City of St. Helens is building
a water treatment plant to treat and disinfect the water.
WATER SERVICE INFORMATION
For information and/or participation in decisions about your drinking water, please contact Leahnette Rivers by calling City Hall, (503) 397-4010. We want our valued customers to be informed about their water utility. In case of emergencies, our Public Works personnel are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling (503) 397-1521. Our regularly scheduled City Council meetings are held on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 7:30 p.m.
Public Works personnel are certified by the Oregon State Health Department (OSHD) and are trained in all aspects of water distribution and cross-connection. They are required to complete continuing education classes in order to maintain their certification and to keep up-to-date on the latest information and technology in their field.
HOW TO READ THIS TABLE
This report is based upon the most recent tests conducted by the City of St. Helens Water Department. These tests are done every three years. Terms used in the Water Quality Table and in other parts of this report are defined here.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) – 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 (MCLG) – 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.
Treatment Technique or TT – A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
The data presented in this report is from the most recent testing done in accordance with regulations. Test results can also be viewed on the Oregon Health Division’s website at http:/170.104.158.16/inventory.php3. To view the test results on the website, enter PWS number 4100724 for St. Helens, and PWS number 4100203 for Columbia City.
Key to Table
- MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level
- MCLG = Maximum Contaminant Level Goal
- ppm = Parts per million or milligrams per liter (mg/l)
- ppb = parts per billion or micrograms per liter (ug/l)
Inorganic Contaminants
|
Contaminant |
Date Tested |
Violation |
Detected Level |
Unit |
MCL |
MCLG |
Major Sources |
|
Nitrate |
4/17/03 |
No |
3.4 |
ppm |
10 |
10 |
Fertilizer runoff; leaching; erosion of natural deposits |
|
Sodium |
4/17/03 |
No |
126.00 |
ppm |
N/A |
N/A |
Naturally occurring |
Water Quality Table Footnotes
All contaminants tested were below the Maximum Contaminate Level and none were in violation. We did have violations for late reporting of nitrates and inorganics. None of these violations created a health risk.
Mandatory Testing
The contaminants we monitor are listed below. Only the two listed in the previous table had detectable levels.
Microbiological Contaminants
Radioactive Contaminants
Inorganic Contaminants
Synthetic Organic Contaminants
Volatile Organic Contaminants
ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes limits on the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.
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 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 (800) 426-4791.
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
Microbial contaminants, such a viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations and wildlife.
Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining or farming.
Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, storm water runoff and residential uses.
Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organics, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm runoff and septic systems.
Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
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 are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1 (800) 426-4791.
OTHER WATER QUALITY INFORMATION – In 2004, due to more stringent requirements, the City of St. Helens received an order from the Oregon Health Division requiring them to filter our water. This problem will be solved when the new water treatment facility is completed in 2005. Until that time, the City will send out update notices every three months until the water is in compliance.
THANK YOU! The City of Columbia City works around the clock to provide top quality water to every tap. Should you experience any problems with your water or, just want to ask a question, please contact us. We ask that all our customers help us protect our water sources, which are the heart of our community, our way of life and our children’s future.
CITY HALL: Hours: 8 am – 12 pm and 1 pm – 5 pm, Monday–Friday Phone (503) 397-4010 Fax (503) 366-2870
CITY SHOP: Hours 8 am – 5 pm, Monday–Friday Phone (503) 366-0454
AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY PHONE: (503) 397-1521 VISIT OUR WEB SITE: www.columbia-center.org/colcity
CITY OF ST. HELENS WATER DEPARTMENT
2003 WATER QUALITY REPORT
WATER QUALITY
The City of St. Helens Water Department is providing this summary of the quality of the water provided to you during the past year. The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requires that utilities issue an annual "Consumer Confidence" report to customers in addition to other notices that may be required by law. This report details where our water comes from, what it contains, and the risks our water testing and treatment are designed to prevent.
City of St. Helens Water Department is committed to providing you with the safest and most reliable water supply. Informed customers are our best allies in maintaining safe drinking water.
We are required by the Oregon State Health Division to take 10 routine water samples monthly from designated areas throughout the city, testing for contaminants in the drinking water.
In 2003 the City of St. Helens Water Department's Drinking Water met or surpassed all federal and state drinking water standards.
We have been continuing to upgrade and improve our water quality and service by installing new water mains and having a leak detection survey done to help reduce water loss.
WATER SOURCE
The St. Helens Water Department supplies the city with water from three Collector Wells located in Columbia City and one Ground Well located near Scappoose Bay Marina. Well #3 is located at the end of "K" Street near the bank of the Columbia River in Columbia City. Well #2 is located at the corner of "E" Street and Strand Street on the bank of the Columbia River. Well #1 is located 1/2 mile to the north. These locations are monitored and inspected daily. Well #2 has not been operated since Well #3 came on line in 2001.
In 2002, it was determined that Well #3 is under direct influence of surface water, so the City is working on plans to construct a water treatment facility that will use a new technology called membrane filtration process to disinfect and treat the water. The plant is scheduled to be completed in September 2005.
During the summer months when usage is higher, the City produces over 4 million gallons of water per day. This serves over 10,500 residents through 3,800 service connections. During the fall and winter months, this usage falls to just over 2 million gallons per day.
You can contact St. Helens City Hall at 503-397-6272 for information about the next opportunity for public participation in decisions about your drinking water.
MANDATORY TESTING
The contaminants we monitor for are listed below. Only the two listed in the table on the following page had detectable levels.
Microbiological Contaminants
Radioactive Contaminants
Inorganic Contaminants
Synthetic Organic Contaminants
Volatile Organic Contaminants
HOW TO READ THIS TABLE
This report is based upon the most recent tests conducted by the City of St. Helens Water Department. Testing frequency is determined by the Oregon Health Division. Terms used in the Water Quality Table and in other parts of this report are defined here.
The data presented in this report is from the most recent testing done in accordance with regulations. Test results can also be viewed on the Oregon Health Division’s website at http:/170.104.158.16/inventory.php3 Our PWS Number is 4100724.
Key to Table
Inorganic Contaminants
|
Contaminant |
Date Tested |
Violation |
Detected Level |
Unit |
MCL |
MCLG |
Major Sources |
|
Nitrate |
4/17/03 |
No |
3.4 |
ppm |
10 |
10 |
Fertilizer runoff; Leaching; Erosion of natural deposits |
|
Sodium |
4/17/03 |
No |
126.00 |
ppm |
N/A |
N/A |
Naturally occurring |
Water Quality Table Footnotes
All contaminants tested were below the Maximum Contaminant Level and none were in violation. We did have violations for late reporting of nitrates and inorganics. None of these violations created a health risk.
LEAD AND COPPER TESTING
|
Substance |
Units |
Goal |
Action Level (AL) |
90th Percentile |
Homes Exceeding Action Level |
Complies? |
Source of Contaminate |
|
Copper |
ppm |
1.3 |
1.3 |
1.73 |
16 |
No |
Corrosion of household plumbing |
|
Lead |
ppb |
0 |
15 |
.003 |
1 |
Yes |
Corrosion of household plumbing |
The 90th percentile is the highest result found in 90% of the samples when they are listed in order from the lowest to the highest results. EPA requires testing for lead and copper at customers’ taps most likely to contain these substances based on when the house was built. The EPA determined that the sample results exceeded the Action Level (AL), the City must take action in reducing the risk of leaching of lead and/or copper. The City did so by adding phosphate to the water to reduce lead & copper levels. Due to the population increase to 10,500, we are now required to take 60 lead and copper samples instead of 40.
ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes limits on the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.
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 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 (800)426-4791.
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations and wildlife.
Microbial contaminants
, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining or farming. Inorganic contaminants
, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, stormwater runoff and residential uses. Pesticides and herbicides
, including synthetic and volatile organics, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff and septic systems. Organic chemical contaminants
, which can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities. Radioactive contaminants
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than is 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 are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800)426-4791.
MORE INFORMATION
ST. HELENS CITY HALL
Hours 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Mon. – Fri.
Phone 503-397-6272
Website www.ci.st-helens.or.us
ST. HELENS WATER DEPARTMENT – Hours 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Mon. – Fri. Phone 503-397-3532
AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY PHONE – 503-397-1521
REMEMBER - Water meters are City property and should not be tampered with. If you have a water or sewer emergency (such as a broken pipe or leak), call the Water Department or the After Hours Emergency number. Someone is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
WATER SERVICE INFORMATION – A deposit of $30.00 will be required of consumers within the City limits and a deposit of $40.00 will be required of customers outside the City limits of St. Helens before water service will be furnished. All users of City water inside or outside the City of St. Helens shall pay $2.76 per month service charge for each water service meter in addition to the rate paid for water use.
Effective August 16, 2003, a Storm Drain Utility Fee was implemented in response to increased environmental requirements for storm water discharge, which has increased the City’s maintenance and construction costs. The Storm Drain Utility fee has been set at $4.54 per month per equivalent residential unit. For a single family dwelling, this is equal to $9.08 per two-month billing cycle. Commercial rates are based on the number of EDUs for each business and are determined by taking the approximate total area (square feet) of impervious surface and dividing by 2,500.
SENIOR CITIZEN SUBSIDY – The monthly water service subsidy shall be up to a maximum of $18.80 (1362 cu. ft.) per 2 month billing cycle for a home within the St. Helens City limits that is occupied and either owned or rented by an individual over 65 years of age. An applicant for such a subsidy shall apply to the City Hall office and provide proof of age.
DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS – Upon failure to pay water charges due within the first ten days of a month, by the 15th day of the month, the account shall be delinquent and a late charge of $5.00 shall be added and by the 25th day of the month, the account shall be assessed a $20.00 delinquent fee and water service to the customer may be turned off.
RESTORATION CHARGE – A customer shall pay for restoration of water service when service has been disconnected because of non-payment. The customer shall then pay the sum of $20.00 for re-connection fee.
OTHER WATER QUALITY INFORMATION – In 2004, due to more stringent requirements, we received an order from the Oregon Health Division requiring us to filter our water. This problem will be solved when the new water treatment facility is completed in 2005. Until that time, the City will send out update notices every three months until we are in compliance.
Our backflow program helps prevent any potentially contaminated water from entering the City's water supply by having industrial, commercial or residential buildings install an approved backflow assembly. If you are considering installing a lawn sprinkler system, you are required to install an approved backflow assembly to help protect your drinking water and our water system. Contact our Building Department to find out more information.
If you have questions or need more information contact the City of St. Helens Water Department at 503-397-3532.