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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 7268 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS N0.7268 R.1 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council C, C1_1 Ai rExPy Subject: UPCOMING WATER DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES is T 31 Several activities and events involving Water Department personnel and issues will be occurring this spring. 1. Lead Notification A public education program on the issue of lead in drinking water will begin in the North Central Texas area on March 31, 1988. This program is being coordinated by the NCTCOG Water Resources Council through its Lead Notification Task Force, which has met monthly since October, 1987. Although lead has been a regulated element in drinking water for many years, increasing health concerns regarding lead prompted more specific regulatory actions. The 1986 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act subsequently addressed those concerns by requiring, after June 19, 1988, the use of lead-free materials in water systems and, by June 19, 1988, public notification of the potential health effects associated with lead. Lead contamination in drinking water is not generally a problem in the North Central Texas area, or in Fort Worth specifically, for several reasons: our water is not corrosive; we control the treatment process to ensure stability of the water; we are replacing lead services; we have analyzed water leaving the treatment plants and throughout the distribution system and found it to be below the maximum allowable level. However, the lead notification is required by EPA whether a problem exists or not. The notification will occur on a national basis. The NCTCOG Water Resources Council, at the request of Richard Sawey, established a Lead Notification Task Force to coordinate the lead notifications of utilities in this area in terms of content, emphasis and timing. The Task Force has been effective in writing and reviewing proposed wording in the notification; in identifying issues that utilities must address (such as whether to test a customer's water for lead content); and in preparing a regional press release and in planning a press conference. It appears that most notifications in this area will be mailed or placed in newspapers during April and May. A regional press conference will be held March 31 at COG to announce the efforts of utilities in this area and to emphasize the quality of water in North Texas, as well as to identify the public education emphasis of the notification. This lead notification will be the first of many public education efforts to acquaint the consumer with possible hazards and to educate the consumer on how to minimize those hazards. This public education program is particularly important in relation to lead because, in general, if lead is at a concentration to be a hazard, that lead is coming into the water from the customer's own internal plumbing. Fort Worth is planning on participating in the regional press conference. Fort Worth's lead notification will go out in the May water bills. A copy of Fort Worth's lead notification notice and a copy of the NCTCOG news release is attached for your information. ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7268 p.2 sky To the Mayor and Members of the City Council Subject: UPCOMING WATER DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES 0073 2. The League of Women Voters The League of Women Voters Education Fund is undertaking a three-year effort to educate citizens on the issues involved in the management and regulation of drinking water. A water quality issues survey was developed, the results of which will be utilized to develop community-based education projects on issues of local and state concern. Water Department staff met with two representatives of the League on Saturday, February 27, 1988, to complete the survey and to discuss our common concerns and issues. The League expressed an interest in participating in a Citizens Water Quality Committee, outlined below. Overall, the meeting with the League was successful and a future meeting is scheduled for April 23, 1988, to include a tour of the treatment plant and a discussion of issues facing the Water Department: watershed management, water quality, citizen participation, public education, and financing. We anticipate working with the League on this three year project and hope to use it to spearhead our public education efforts on these issues. 3. Citizens Water Quality Committee The staff proposes to establish a Citizens' Water Quality Committee, whose purposes will be to provide a sounding board on issues affecting water quality, to develop a support base in the community, and to establish a forum through which citizen input can be received, discussed and responded to. Suggested organizations to be represented on the committee are., League of Women Voters Chamber of Commerce ASCE/NSPE Medical community Fort Worth ISD Texas Christian University League of Neighborhood Associations Proposed activities include: 1. Participating in flavor profile training sessions and in analysis on a continuing basis to identify taste and odor problems in drinking water. 2. Recommending water education curriculum and assisting in working with the school system to implement it. 3. Conducting (participating in) public forum meetings on water issues. 4. Contributing ideas concerning Fort Worth Water Department goals. 5. Developing and implementing ways to elicit public input on water quality and other issues (financing, future planning) or ways to develop two-way communications. —ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7268 p-1 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council Subject: UPCOMING WATER DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES 4. National Drinking Water Week, May 1-7, 1988 Various activities at the Rolling Hills Water Treatment Plant are planned for National Drinking Water Week. 1. School tours will be conducted during the week. 2. A poster contest at Dunbar 5th and 6th (the Water Department's Adopt-A-School) is being held and winning posters will be displayed at Rolling Hills May 1-7. 3. Open House, Saturday, May 7 a. Various exhibits from Water Department divisions, the Health Department and the Fire Department will be on display. Examples of the exhibits include a pipe tapping demonstration, how to read a water meter, water saving devices, and a fire truck. b. A short Water Quality Seminar will review water quality issues and what the Water Department is doing to insure excellent op, quality. c. A Water Flavor test will allow customers to compare Fort Worth water and distilled water. d. Tours of the plant and the laboratory will be held every hour. e. "Water Follies," a cartoon filmstrip about Water conservation will be shown continuously. 4. Sunday, May 8, Employee Day This will be a day for employees and their families to see the exhibits and take tours of the plant. With Council concurrence, staff will proceed with these special activities directed toward public participation and citizen education. .T &%,..-Douglas Harman City Manager DH:bd Attachments -ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS 4 OR** Texas Department of Health Robert Bernstein,M.D., EA.C.P. 1100 West 49th Street Robert A.MacLean,M.D. Commissioner Austin,Texas 78756-3199 Deputy Commissioner {512}458-7111 Professional Services Hermas L.Miller Deputy Commissioner Management and Administration March 4, 1988 Mr. Richard W. Sauey, Mater Director Fort Worth Mater Department P. 0. Sox 870 Fort Worth, Texas 76101 Subject; Public Drinking Water Supply City of Fort Worth I.D. 02200012 Tarrant County, Texas Dear Mr. Sauey: We have received and read your proposed lead notification and are pleased to say that it more than meets With our approval. The composition is such that the intent of public notification is met while educating the consumers. We congratulate you on this fine effort. Sincerely, k, NkE Charles R. Maddox, P.E., Director Division of Water Hygiene AEBlpw ccs: Public Health Region 5 Tarrant County Health Department r WATER ADMINISTRATION rZCEIVED B) ::_,7,—DA,TEs3 FILE: COPY T0:ha_ � ` lead bill staffer draft lo, For the vast majority of Americans, a glass of cool, clean, safe water is just a step away. To ensure that our nation's drinking water is of consistently high quality, the U.S. Congress passed the 1986 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act, a far- reaching program containing new drinking water regulations and contaminant standards. One concern addressed in the program is the issue of lead. Lead is a metal known to be harmful to human health if it enters the body through the air, soil, food, water or other means. Lead in drinking water can be a problem wherever water is corrosive and lead materials have been used In the public water supply or private plumbing systems. Corrosive waters can dissolve lead from lead pipes or solder. Lead typically enters drinking water after it leaves the local water treatment plant. The most likely source for lead contamination is in the home or residence. The most common cause of lead entering drinking water is corrosion, a reaction between the water anti lead pipes or lead solder. Soft water (water that makes soap suds easily) can be more ci)rr •sive, and; therefore, may have higher levels of dissolved lead. Some home water treatment devices may also make water more OP, corrosive. Vie lead issue in Fort Worth By and large, Fort Worth residents can rest assured their drinking water is free of hazardous lead concentrations. Fort Worth is fortunate that harmful amounts of lead do not occur in Lhe lakes and reservoirs that provide the city's water. And Fort Worth's water is treated so it is not corrosive and will not dissolve metals- such as lead from pipes or solder. In fact, Fort Worth water is treated so it actually will coat pipes over a period of a few years, meaning the water does not rirectly touch metal as it is moved through the distribution System. Federal standards limit the amount of lead in drinking water to 50 parts per billion (ppb) , but the standard is likely to be reduced to 20 ppb soon, Fort Worth's Laboratory Services Division Las tested water throughout the city, and has found the average concentration of lead has been less than 0.02 ppb. These scientists have never found any water that would violate these new standards. Despite this good record. the City of Fort Worth has amended its plumbing code so only solders with low levels of lead maN be used. and city forces are in the process of removing lead :services from the distribution system--just to make doubly OP11* certain the water reaches your home safe and clean. National notice required Still, lead toxicity is a legitimate national health concern and drinking water issue. It's serious enough that lawmakers want all Americans to know about the problem and what to do about it. As required by federal law, every water supplier in the country must print the following notice for its customers verbatim. You are one of millions of Americans who will be reading these exact words during the next two months: "The United States Environmental Protetion Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards and has determined that lead is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. There is currently a standard of 0.050 parts per million. Based on new health information, EPA is likely to lower this standard significantly, "Part of the purpose of this notice is to inform you of the potential adverse health effects of lead. This is being done even though your water may not violate the current standard. "EPA and others are concerned about lead in drinking water. Too much lead in the human body can cause serious damage to the brain. kidneys, nervous system and red blood cells. The greatest risk. even with short-term exposure, is to young children and pregnant women. "Lead levels in your drinking water are likely to be the highest: o if your home or water system has lead pipes. or 101,u o if your home has copper pipes with lead solder, and --if the home is-le-AVthan five years old, or --if you have so?tM&i acidic water, or --if water sits in the pipes for serveral hours." In addition to the above notice, federal law requries you be aware of other aspects of the lead issue: Pz)tential sources of lead in water Lead is not often found in streams, reservoirs or aquifers. Typically. lead gets into drinking water from the pipes that t-arry water to your home or your own home plumbing system. The most common cause is corrosion, a reaction between the watei and lead pipes or lead solder joining pipes together. How to determine if lead is used in your plumbing If you home has lead pipes, you may recognize then) as dull- c,iav metal that is soft enough to be easily scratched by a house key. Homes built before 1930 are more likly than others to have lead plumbing. Much more common are copper pipes, but the use of lead solder to join those pipes has become widespread. H,:Aw U) minimize exposure to lead in drinking water If you suspect your home may have lead-based plumbing, there are ways to minimize your exposure to lead through your drinking 2 water. Any time the water in a particular faucet has not been used for six hours or longer, flush the cold water pipes by running the water until it becomes as cold as it will get. This could take anywhere from five seconds to several minutes. Use only water from the cold water tap for drinking, cooking and especially for making baby formula. Hot water is more likely to contain higher levels of lead. Instruct, in writing, any plumber you hire to use only lead- free materials for repairs or in newly installed plumbing. For more information The Fort Worth Water Department has set up a special telephone number you may call if you have questions about the city's water quality. By dialing 870-8284, you will hear a brief recorded message which may answer your concern. If you still have questions, you may leave your name and address, and we will send you a copy of the EPA publication "Lead and Your Drinking Water." If you question whether your private plumbing contains lead pipe or solder, a plumber can advise you. Most lead plumbing in Fort Worth was installed before 1950. For information about testing water for lead, contact the Laboratory Services division at 572-3154. 3 'North Central Texas Council of 6overriments WATER ADMINISTRLTIOX TECEIVED By+-- • 'P.O. Drawer COG Arlington,Texas 7r>005-58881. —DATZ.,2 FILE: MY TO:UA�101- FROM: John F. Kubala, P.E. DATE: March 16, 1988 Chairman, Water Resources Council TO: Municipal and Public Water Systems In North Central Texas SUBJECT: NCTCOG Activities Associated with Requirements for Lead Notification As part of the 1986 amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act, new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rules were promulgated in June, 1986, which require that all community water systems issue notice to consumers about the potential for lead contamination in their drinking water. The deadline for this public notification is June 19, 1988. in response to these requirements, NCTCOG's Water Resources Council appointed a task force to look at opportunities for coordination and cooperation in this public education effort. The task force, with members from the major water systems, cities and rural water interests, has met monthly since October 1987. Many municipalities and water supply systems have been cooperating in the development and/or publication of bill stuffers. While the task force has encouraged this cooperation where possible, most systems are arranging for bill stuffers and related materials on an individual basis. The American Water Works' Association, in cooperation with the U.S. EPA, developed a generic bill stuffer to meet the notification requirements. Some systems are designing their own bill stuffers for distribution. Systems designing their own bill stuffers should have materials reviewed by the Texas Department of Health. Timing of the notices is important. NCTCOG's Lead Notification Task Force is preparing materials for a regional press briefing on March 31, 1988, where media representatives will receive "press kits" on the lead issue. The press briefing will provide a forum where accurate Information can be presented on lead In drinking water, and it will also serve as an excellent opportunity to highlight many positive aspects of drinking water In North Central Texas. It is important that release of this information be coordinated so the majority of customers receives the notices at approximately the same time. The Water Resources Council encourages public water systems In North Central Texas to distribute notices after the- press briefing date. This will assist us In this cooperative effort. The TDH and U.S. EPA also are planning public announcements during the coming months pertaining to this lead notification. If you have any further questions concerning NCTCOG's lead notification activities or the press briefing, please contact Sam Brush, NCTCOG Environmental Planner, at (817) 640-3300 [Metro] . Joh(f I a' SWB:sb Centerm9ntTwo 616 Six FlaasDr1v-e Dallas/Fort Worth MptrnA17/AAf%-2'1f11'* THIS NCTCOG NEWS RELEASE WILL BE SENT TO THE NEWS MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ON FRIDAY, MARCH 25, IS= Lead Natificallim Press Briefing The quality of drinking water is,of prime Interest for municipalities, water supply entities and the general public In North Central .*Texas. Following more than two years of preparation, a major public education' effort is being Initiated nationwide by local, state and federal governments, and water supply entities. The goal of this program is to provide useful and accurate information about the quality of -drinking water, potential contaminants, and ways to minimize exposure if they are found to be present. Residents and other water customers throughout the state of Texas will be receiving detailed information from their water supply systems during the coming months. There will also be public awareness efforts undertaken by the Texas Health Department and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The initial focus of this long-term public Information program is lead. Municipalities and other providers of drinking water, along with state and federal agencies, are seeking to make the public aware of the potential for lead contamination In drinking water, and to provide Information on ways to minimize exposure If lead is found to be a significant problem. Municipalities, water utility districts and rural water supply corporations will be providing this information to customers through bill stuffers, newspaper advertisements or informational brochures. NCTCOGs Water Resources Council, which serves as an advisory committee on water quality issues, appointed the Lead Notification Task Force in October 1987 to pursue a cooperative effort among the region's water supply systems. The Task Force, with representatives from major water systems, municipalities and rural water interests, has developed information on this Issue from a regional perspective and is coordinating activities with the Texas Department of Health. In order to provide a suitable forum where this information can be presented, there will be a press briefing: on: Thursday, March 31, 1988 at: 10:00 a.m. In: NCTCOG's Executive Board Room Centerpoint Two, 2nd Floor 616 Six Flags Drive Arlington Detailed information concerning the lead notification program will be provided at the briefing. Representatives from several local water systems, state and federal agencies will be available to answer questions about the lead issue and drinking water quality In general. This briefing represents the Initial step in this process by water systems throughout North Central Texas, and marks the beginning of this long-term program of consumer education. 00' For more information, contact Sam Brush, NCTCOG, (817) 640-1300.