JULY 2005 

ODOT PLANTING PROJECT

Have you seen the new landscaping along the bike path in Columbia City? ODOT representatives recently removed the blackberries between the bike path and the Highway to the north of Pacific Street. They smoothed out the area where possible, prepped it for planting, and hydro-seeded the bank. A variety of shrubs, including photinia, spirea, nootka rose, tree mallow, Portuguese laurel, and ceonothus, were planted along the top of the bank. A mixture of shore pine, Oregon ash, and thundercloud plum trees were also planted in the area.

We would like to extend a very special thank you to Ron Kroop, District Manager, Mark Buffington, Region 1 Landscape Manager, and Bob Ebeling, Maintenance Supervisor, and to all of the other ODOT representatives that participated in the design, development and completion of this project.

MICAH ROGERS JOINS OUR STAFF

We'd like to welcome the newest member of our staff, Micah Rogers. Micah and his wife, Sally, have lived in Scappoose since 2002. Micah was born in Portland, and has lived in Columbia County for 21 years. He says when he isn't at work, he often spends his time doing yard work and cleaning house. He's fond of animals and critters, and has a dog, a cat, two snakes, a lizard, two fish and a hamster! Micah joined our Public Works team in May, and we're pleased to have the opportunity to work with him.

KEEP SIDEWALKS AND STREETS CLEAR

If your property abuts a sidewalk, street or alley, please remember to keep them clear of shrubs, bushes, blackberries, and other items that might interfere with pedestrians and traffic. Overhanging limbs must be trimmed to a height of at least 8 feet above sidewalks, and at least 12 feet above the roadway or alley.

THANK YOU

We would like to extend a very special thank you to the following volunteers:

• Alice Barchus, Marian Calnon, Nell Harrison, Dolores Heinz, Barbara Jones, Phyllis Rowley and Dorothy for helping us with the June newsletter and utility bills.

• Marian Calnon for sprucing up the flowerbeds at City Hall.

• Flowers: Sally Ann Marson for providing cut flowers for City Hall’s enjoyment.

• St. Helens Garden Club for the floral arrangement celebrating National Garden Week.

• Jim Shinkle, Stan Hopkins, and Marian Calnon for mowing and pulling weeds in Jim Bundy Memorial Park.

• Harry Saulser and Buddy Rivers for mowing Carolyn King Memorial Park.

• Norm Jones for mowing Datis Park.

WATER CONSERVATION

Conserving water can lower your water bill. The following are some tips from the water industry:

Bathroom facilities claim a large majority of the water used. Try these conservation tips:

· Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering a plant or garden.

· Verify that your home is leak free. Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. If your faucet is dripping at a rate of one drop per second, you waste 2,700 gallons per year.

· Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors to slow the flow of water. Saves 500 to 800 gallons per month.

· Check for toilet tank leaks and replace worn out, corroded or bent parts including a sticking handle.

· Take shorter showers. Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low flow version. Saves up to 700 gallons per month.

· Place a bucket in the shower or at the tap to catch water while you wait for it to warm up and use for watering plants. Saves 200 to 300 gallons per month.

· Operate dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded. Set the water level for the size of the load you are using. Saves 300 to 800 gallons per month.

· Store drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the tap run. Saves 200 to 300 gallons per month.

· Kitchen sink disposals require lots of water to operate properly. Start a compost pile as an alternative. Saves 50 to 150 gallons a month.

· Consider installing an instant water heater on your kitchen sink so you don’t have to let the water run while it heats up.

· Insulate your water pipes.

· Don’t let the water run while shaving or washing your face or brushing your teeth. Saves 3 gallons each day.

A lot of water is used outdoors, especially during hot summer months. Here are some tips for you to try outside:

· When washing the car, use soap and water from a bucket. Use a hose with a shut-off nozzle for the final rinse.

· Use a broom when cleaning your driveway, not the hose. Saves 150 gallons or more each time; that’s more than 600 gallons per month.

· Adjust sprinklers so only the lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk or street. Do not water on windy days. Saves 500 gallons per month.

· Always water during the cool time of the day to minimize evaporation. Early morning is best. Avoid peak water consumption hours of 4 – 9 p.m. Saves 300 gallons.

· Minimize grass areas in your yard and replace with drought resistant landscaping.

· Adjust your irrigation schedule to accommodate changes in seasonal water demand. Install an automatic timer.

· Buy a rain gauge to determine how much rain or irrigation your yard has received.

· When mowing, raise the blade on your lawn mower to at least three inches high, or to its highest level. Closely cut grass makes the roots work harder, requiring more water.

· Using a layer of mulch around plants reduces evaporation and promotes plant growth. Saves 750 to 1,500 gallons per month.

· Drive your car onto a lawn to wash it. Rinse water can help water the grass.

· Tell your children not to play with the garden hose. Saves 10 gallons a minute.

PLEASE KEEP THOSE WEED CUT!

Between April 15^th and September 30^th of any year, weeds and grass cannot exceed 10 inches in height within the City limits. Additionally, blackberry bushes cannot extend across property lines or into the City’s right-of-way, including streets, alleys and sidewalks. Property owners or other persons in charge of the property must keep weeds, grass and other noxious growth, such as poison oak, cut and maintained to prevent them from becoming unsightly and a fire hazard, and to prevent them from maturing and going to seed. Violators can be cited into Municipal Court. Additionally, the City may abate the nuisance and lien the property for the costs. To report violations, please contact City Hall.

AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED

We're currently collecting items to auction during the Columbia City Celebration in September. Gift certificates for services and products and handmade items are just a few examples of items that are popular during the auction. All of the auction proceeds are used to fund the Columbia City Community Library. If you'd like to donate an item for the auction, please give us a call at (503) 397-4010 or stop by City Hall. Your donations are appreciated!

POLICE REPORT

4/27/05 - 5/16/05

04/27/05 Alarm responded to in 1200 block of Fourth Street.

04/29/05 Call received regarding juveniles playing and/or trespassing in new homes on Fifth Street near Pacific Street.

05/01/05 Theft of a license plate reported in 200 block of "E" Street.

05/02/05 Officer assisted U.S. Investigation Service.

05/02/05 Citizen reported concern for the physical welfare of a friend.

05/02/05 Neighbor complained of too many dogs at a residence on Sixth Street.

05/02/05 Letter sent to resident regarding yard debris as a health hazard.

05/03/05 Verbal domestic reported.

05/04/05 Officer met with other county investigators regarding ongoing child abuse investigation.

05/05/05 Theft reported at Dixieline Lumber.

05/05/05 Speeding vehicles reported on Second Place.

05/05/05 Attempt to locate reported drunk driver on Highway 30.

05/06/05 Telephone harassment complaint taken.

05/06/05 Abandoned vehicle reported in area of Chimes Crest. Vehicle was gone upon arrival.

05/06/05 Loose dog reported on Second Street.

05/06/05 Black duffle bag reported on Highway 30.

05/07/05 Report of City ordinance violation - no business license. Solicitor contacted and warned.

05/08/05 As a result of traffic stop on Highway 30, two subjects were arrested for probation violations. Driver was suspended.

05/09/05 Vehicle towed as a hazard in the area of Highway 30 and the railroad crossing North of the City.

05/11/05 City ordinance violation resolved after officer responded to a call of illegally parked motor home.

05/11/05 Animal complaint investigated in 400 block of Belle Street.

05/11/05 Animal complaint reported in 400 block of Skookum Court.

05/11/05 Parking complaint in 3600 block of Tahoma Street.

05/11/05 Stray dog transported to County Animal Control.

05/12/05 Traffic hazard removed from Highway 30 and Pacific Street.

05/13/05 Motorist assisted with a flat tire in area of Highway 30 and Pacific Street.

05/13/05 Lost dog reported in 3200 block of Fifth Street.

05/16/05 Motorist assist on Highway 30 near Chimes Crest.

COMMUNITY LIBRARY NEWS

Ye Olde Columbia City Community Library!

This is your chance to read terrific tales of daring deeds and magical adventures. We're filling the library with medieval merriment. Enjoy summer library activities filled with dragons, castles, wizards, knights, princesses, spinning wheels, wishing wells, fairy dust and LOTS OF FUN!

Register for summer reading and receive a book bag. Keep a reading log and earn prizes.

Story time every Monday at 11:00 a.m. Craft to follow. Parents to assist small children. PreK-4th Grade. Special guests include storytellers, spinners and puppeteers.

Join our Young Readers' Choice book group. We're discussing the 2006 YRCA nominees. Grades 5-7. Meets every Monday at 12:00 noon.

The Middle Ages come to life in the Medieval Museum. Experience what it was to live as royalty or what it meant to be a knight. Learn about village life, medieval games, festivals and more.

The Library is located at

2000 Second Street, Columbia City (in the school)

Summer Hours:

Monday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The Library will be closed on July 4th

and August 1st and 3rd

Bestsellers currently available at the Library:

Non-fiction:

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson

Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs

My Life by Bill Clinton

The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

1776 by David McCullough

Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi

Leap of Faith by Queen Noor

A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer

Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

Fiction:

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Angels and Demons by Dan Brown

Nighttime is My Time by Mary Higgens Clark

Just One Look by Harlan Coben

Blowout by Catherine Coulter

Murder List by Julie Garwood

R is for Richochet by Sue Grafton

The Last Juror by John Grisham

The Broker by John Grisham

Skinny Dip by Carl Hiassen

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Kiss Me While I Sleep by Linda Howard

The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

A Loving Scoundrel by Johanna Lindsey

The Shop on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber

Honeymoon by James Patterson

4th of July by James Patterson

MONTHLY MEETING AND EVENT CALENDAR

JULY 2005

July 4th CLOSED City Hall is closed on Independence Day

July 6th 7:30 PM Municipal Court at City Hall

July 7th 7:30 PM Regular City Council Meeting at City Hall

July 12th 7:00 PM Parks Committee Meeting at City Hall

July 18th 7:00 PM Friends of the Library Meeting at the Library

July 21st 7:30 PM Regular City Council Meeting at City Hall

July 28th 7:30 PM Municipal Court at City Hall

In March 2004, the Drinking Water Section of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) determined that the City of Columbia City's water system is out of compliance with a regulatory drinking water standard. Our water quality has not deteriorated or changed in recent years. Where we once met all standards, more stringent requirements have been adopted over the years by the regulatory agencies. As a result, it is now necessary to provide a higher level of treatment to our primary well source.

It is not necessary for you to take any immediate action. You would have been notified immediately if there had ever been any water quality emergency. You do not need to boil your water. You do need to understand the short-term implications of this water quality issue.

On March 11, 2004, ODHS issued an order requiring the City to filter its water in addition to our current disinfection process. This order came after water sampling led to our primary well source being placed in a category where there is an increased possibility of untreated surface water mixing with the groundwater in the vicinity of the well. The only feasible method of dealing with this possibility and meeting the ODHS drinking water standards is to filter the water.

Accordingly, the City of St. Helens is building a state-of-the-art facility using a system of microfiber membrane filters that will insure removal of all potential contaminants. Since the last notification was issued, work has progressed quickly on the filtration building and it is now nearly complete.  In the coming weeks, the roof will be finished and installation of the membrane filter units will begin.  Until completion of the new facility, the City is working closely with the ODHS regulators to monitor and manage this situation.

In the event that surface water were to mix with the groundwater source, the water supply could possibly carry disease-causing organisms. To date, testing has not detected any of these organisms in the water. Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated headaches. These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. A home filter system will not necessarily increase protection because not all home filter systems protect against parasites. Infants, some elderly and persons with severely compromised immune systems would be at some increased risk in the event any contamination were to take place, and these people may seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

The City will send out these re-notification notices every three months, including our progress towards ultimate regulatory compliance. We will also post notices on the City's website at www.columbia-center.org/colcity. For more information, you may contact Leahnette Rivers at (503) 397-4010 or write to PO Box 198, Columbia City, OR 97018.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (such as people in apartments, businesses and schools). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

State Water System ID #4100203 Distributed May 31, 2005

CITY OF COLULMBIA CITY

2004 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.  St. Helens draws water 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 ½ mile to the north on Port of St. Helens property. The groundwater 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

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.

• Total Coliform Bacteria
• Fecal Coliform
• Turbidity

• Beta/photon emitters
• Alpha emitters
• Combined Radium

• Antimony
• Arsenic
• Barium
• Beryllium
• Cadmium
• Chromium
• Copper
• Cyanide
• Fluoride
• Lead
• Mercury (inorganic)
• Nickel
• Nitrate (as Nitrogen)
• Nitrite (as Nitrogen)
• Selenium
• Sodium
• Sulfate
• Thallium

• 2,4d
• 2,4,5-TP (Silvex)
• Alachlor
• Atrazine
• Benzo(a)pyrene(PAH)
• Carbofuran
• Chlordane
• Dalapon
• Di(2-ethylhexl)adipate
• Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthate
• Dibromochloropropane
• Dinoseb
• Diquat
• Endothall
• Endrin
• Ethylene Dibromide
• Glyphosate
• Heptachlor
• Heptachlor epoxide
• Hexchlorocyclopentadiene
• Lindane
• Methoxychlor
• Oxamyl (Vydate)
• PCBs (Polychlorinated)
• Pentachlorophenol
• Picloram
• Simazene
• Toxaphene

• Benzene
• Carbon Tetrachloride
• Chlorobenzene
• o-Dichlororbenzene
• P-Dichlororbenzene
• 1,2-Dichloroethane
• 1,1-Dichloroethylene
• cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
• trans-1,2-
• Dichloroethylene
• Dichloromethane
• 1,2-Dichloropropane
• Ethylbenzene
• Stryrene
• Tetrachloroethylene
• 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
• 1,1,1-Trichloroethane
• 1,1,2-Trichloroethane
• Thrichloroethylene
• Toluene
• Vinyl Chloride
• Xylenes

LEAD AND COPPER TESTING 

  The 90^th 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.

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.

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

2004 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 2004 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 in the process of constructing 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 February 2006.

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

• Total Coliform Bacteria
• Fecal Coliform
• Turbidity

Radioactive Contaminants

• Beta/photon emitters
• Alpha emitters
• Combined Radium

Inorganic Contaminants

• Antimony
• Arsenic
• Barium
• Beryllium
• Cadmium
• Chromium
• Copper
• Cyanide
• Fluoride
• Lead
• Mercury (inorganic)
• Nickel
• Nitrate (as Nitrogen)
• Nitrite (as Nitrogen)
• Selenium
• Sodium
• Sulfate
• Thallium

Synthetic Organic Contaminants

• 2,4D
• 2,4,5-TP (Silvex)
• Alachlor
• Atrazine
• Benzo(a)pyrene (PAH)
• Carbofuran
• Chlordane
• Dalapon
• Di(2-ethylhexyl)adipate
• Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate
• Dibromochloropropane
• Dinoseb
• Diquat
• Endothall
• Endrin
• Ethylene dibromide
• Glyphosate
• Heptachlor
• Heptachlor epoxide
• Hexachlorobenzene
• Hexachlorocyclopentadiene
• Lindane
• Methoxychlor
• Oxamyl (Vydate)
• PCBs (Polychlorinated)
• Pentachlorophenol
• Picloram
• Simazene
• Toxaphene

Volatile Organic Contaminants

• Benzene
• Carbon Tetrachloride
• Chlorobenzene
• o-Dichlorobenzene
• p-Dichlorobenzene
• 1,2 – Dichloroethane
• 1,1 – Dichloroethylene
• cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
• trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
• Dichloromethane
• 1,2, - Dichloropropane
• Ethylbenzene
• Styrene
• Tetrachloroethylene
• 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
• 1,1,1 – Trichloroethane
• 1,1,2 – Trichloroethane
• Thrichloroethylene
• Toluene
• Vinyl Chloride
• Xylenes

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.

• Maximum Contaminant Level or MCL: 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 or MCLG: 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  Our PWS Number is 4100724.

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

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

The 90^th 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:

• Microbial contaminants, such as 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, stormwater 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 stormwater 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 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 $3.31 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 $22.61 (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 15^th day of the month, the account shall be delinquent and a late charge of $5.00 shall be added and by the 25^th 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.