Deschutes Valley Water District

2008 Water Quality Report

Spanish (Espanol)

Este informe contiene informacion muy importante sobre la calidad de su agua potable. Por favor lea este informe o comuniquese con alguien que pueda traducir la informacion.

Is my water safe?

We are pleased to report that our drinking water is safe and meets federal and state requirements. The purity of our water is of the degree that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not require Deschutes Valley Water District to test for every contaminant every year.  A waiver granted by the Oregon Health Division (OHD) in 1996, stipulated the frequency and elements to be tested. Last year, we conducted tests for over 80 contaminants.  We only detected 2 of those contaminants, and found only 1 at a level higher than the EPA allows. (For more information see the section labeled Violations at the end of the report.)  This report is a snapshot of last year's water quality.  Included are details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to standards set by regulatory agencies.  We are committed to providing you with information because informed customers are our best allies.

Do I need to take special precautions?

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/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Water Drinking Hotline (800-426-4791).

Where does my water come from?

The Opal Springs aquifer supplies the domestic water for Deschutes Valley Water District's approximately 4,000 services. The artesian spring is located 5 miles Southwest of Culver at the bottom of the 850 foot deep Crooked River canyon, less than 150 feet from the river.  The artesian wells are located on the East side of the canyon ranging from 300 to 600 feet South of Opal Springs.

Opal Springs flows approximately 108,000 gallons per minute at 53.8 degrees Fahrenheit with no seasonal variation.  There has been no detectable change in flow, temperature, or pH since the spring was first tested in 1925.  Well # 1 is 750 feet deep and produces 3,750 gallons per minute.  Well #2 is 513 feet deep and produces 5,360 gallons per minute.  Well #3 is 661 feet deep and produces 4,000 gallons per minute.  It has been determined that the wells and Opal Springs are fed from the same aquifer.

Source water assessment and its availability

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 (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791). Currently, there is no filtration or treatment of Opal Springs of any kind (nor is any needed).  Historic and continuing water quality analysis indicates an absence of man-made contaminants in the captured Opal Springs water.  The source is well protected because it is hundreds of feet below the surface and under pressure. It is unlikely that contaminants introduced on the surface would reach the deep aquifer.  The spring and wells have yet to show radiation from the W.W.II nuclear testing placing the age of the water from Opal Springs at 50 years old minimum.  According to “U.S.G.S. Report 97-197,”studies show the age of the water could be one to four thousand years old. An analysis for waterborne particulates shows conclusively that Opal Springs is a ground water source, not influenced by surface water.

Hardness of water is caused by the presence of magnesium and calcium.  Excessive hardness is undesirable because it causes difficulties when doing laundry or washing dishes.  Domestic water should have hardness less than 85 mg/l.  The District's water tests at 42 mg/l and is considered very soft.

The pH of water is measured on a scale of 1 to 14.  A low reading would indicate acidic water (which is corrosive) while a high reading connotes basic water.  Neutral water (neither acidic nor basic) would have a reading of 7. The District's pH tested at 7.98 which means our water is just a little basic.

How can I get involved?

If you have any questions about this report or concerning your utility, please contact General Manager, Edson Pugh, at (541) 475-3849. We want our valued customers to be informed about their water utility.  If you want to learn more, please attend any of our regularly scheduled Board Meetings.  They are held on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 PM at the District office at 881 SW Culver Hwy, Madras, Oregon.

Additional Information for Lead

There is no detectable lead or copper in our water source; however, these metals can enter the drinking water supply through corrosion within the distribution system or household plumbing. If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Deschutes Valley Water District is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Great Job!

This page was updated Wednesday, June 10, 2009.