WATER QUALITY REPORT 2024
To the Customers of Capitol Water Corporation:
CAPITOL WATER CORPORATION WATER MEETS OR EXCEEDS ALL STATE AND FEDERAL STANDARDS FOR SAFE DRINKING WATER.
Dear Customer:
The 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act requires water utilities to provide information to their customers about the quality of their water.
The information contained in this report is submitted to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. This agency’s function is to help ensure the water you use is completely safe for your use and consumption. If you need help in understanding any of the information contained in this report, please feel free to cal! our office at 208-375-0931.
The water supplied to Capitol Water’s system comes from deep wells. Some of the well water is treated with the addition of a small amount of food grade phosphate. The purpose of this action is to sequester some of the minerals that occur in some of our wells. This effort should help in keeping our water clear.
Later in this report is a map showing the boundaries of this water system and the locations of the wells serving this area.
Most all drinking water (including bottled water) can contain small amounts of various contaminants. The presence of contaminates does not necessarily indicate a health risk.
If you have concerns about the various contaminants that may occur in drinking water, and the health effects some people can experience ingesting this water, please call the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791.
Many contaminants have minimum detection limits. This means present laboratory testing procedures cannot reasonably detect some contaminants below certain levels. When a contaminant is listed as a non-detect (ND), it can mean two things: it is either on-present, or the present testing system is incapable of detecting this material at this low level.
Some people, because of certain types of health problems, may be more susceptible to certain contaminants than the general populace. Immune-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ ransplants, 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 (Centers for Disease Control) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
Throughout the year, water tests are taken from all active wells to ensure the water you use is safe to drink. Water samples are taken monthly from the distribution system and the results of these tests are forwarded to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, the agency that monitors and regulates drinking water quality in Idaho.
IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS USED IN THIS REPORT
Action Level: The concentration of a contaminant that has exceeded the standards set by the regulating agencies. Proper treatment or discontinuance of the water source is required.
Aesthetic: Those qualities that affect the senses (sight, taste. odor, appearance). These are now health related characteristics of water.
Inorganic Chemicals: Chemicals associated with minerals and metals.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLG’s allow for a margin of safety.
Maximum Contaminant Level (M.C.L.): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. M.C.L.’s are set as close to MCLG’s as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
Parts per billion (ppb): One part per billion is one gallon per one thousand million 1,000,000,000 gallons, or half of an aspirin tablet in 50,000 gallons of water.
PH: A measure of how acidic or basic a substance is on a scale of 0 (acidic) to 14 (basic). The center of the range (7) indicates the substance is neutral.
Primary Standards: Federal drinking water regulations for substances that are health related. Water suppliers must meet all primary drinking water standards.
Radionuclides: Radioactivity associated with naturally occurring minerals.
Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level (SMCL): Standards established for aesthetic, non-health related purposes. These are recommended levels, not mandates.
Secondary Standards: Federal drinking water measurements for substances that do not have an impact on health. Two of the most common substances that occur are iron and manganese. These reflect aesthetic qualities such as taste, odor, and appearance.
Synthetic-Organic Chemicals (SOC's): Man-made compounds including pesticides and herbicides.
Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOC's): Those organic compounds that evaporate easily. They are associated mainly with contamination of ground water. Examples include; industrial by-products, petroleum-based chemicals, and dry cleaning solvents.
WATER QUALITY RESULTS
The tables in this report list minimum and maximum values for substances detected in our wells. These ranges were determined using test results from 1994 through 2016. Each of the regulated contaminants compare to a maximum contaminant level M.C.L. and a maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG), that was formulated by the EPA and the State of Idaho.
DETECTED INORGANIC CHEMICALS — PRIMARY STANDARDS
| Substance Name | Units | MC LG | M.C.L. | Capitol Water Results | Source of Containment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Maximum | |||||
| Arsenic | ppb | n/a | 50 | ND | 0 | Erosion of Natural Deposits |
| Barium | ppm | 2 | 2 | ND | <0.16 | |
| Cadmium | ppb | 5 | 5 | ND | ND | |
| Chromium | ppb | 100 | 100 | ND | ND | |
| Cyanide | ppb | 200 | 200 | ND | ND | Discharge from steel, plastic or fertilizer factories |
| Fluoride | ppm | 4 | 4 | 0.27 | 0.39 | Erosion of Natural Deposits |
| Mercury | ppb | 2 | 2 | ND | ND | |
| Nitrate | ppm | 10 | 10 | ND | 4 | |
| Selenium | ppb | 50 | 50 | ND | ND | |
| Nickel | ppb | 0 | -- | ND | ND | |
| Nitrite | ppb | 0 | 1 | ND | ND | |
| Beryllium | ppb | 0 | ND | ND | ||
| Antimony | ppb | 0 | ND | ND | ||
| Thallium | ppb | 0 | ND | ND | ||
DETECTED VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
(Includes petroleum-based chemicals, industrial by-products, and dry cleaning solvents)
IN 2016 CAPITOL WATER CORPORATION HAD NONE DETECTED
DETECTED VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
| Substance Name | Units | MC LG | M.C.L. | Capitol Water Results | Source of Containment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Maximum | |||||
| Trichloroethene | UG/L | 0 | 5 | ND | 2.25 | Industrial Solvents |
| Trichloroethylene | UG/L | 0 | 5 | ND | 2.3 | |
DETECTED RADIONUCLIDES
| Substance Name | Units | MC LG | M.C.L. | Capitol Water Results | Source of Containment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Maximum | |||||
| Uranium | PCI/L | 0 | 30 | ND | 30 | |
| Radium 226 | PCI/L | 0 | 5 | ND | ND | |
| Radium 228 | PCI/L | 0 | 5 | ND | 0.7 | |
| Gross Alpha | PCI/L | 0 | 15 | ND | 27.6±5.61 | |
SECONDARY INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS
The following table provides information on the aesthetic quality of your water. It is not required, nor regulated, but it is useful in understanding more about the characteristics of the water in the Boise valley.
| Substance Name | Units | EPA *SMCL | Capitol Water Results | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Maximum | |||
| Aluminum | ppb | 50-200 | - | - |
| Chloride | ppm | 250 | ND | 7.44 |
| Hardness | gpg | 15 | 8 | 12 |
| Iron | ppm | 0.30 | ND | 0.30 |
| Manganese | ppm | 0.05 | ND | 0.26 |
| Silver | ppb | 100 | - | - |
| TDS | ppm | 500 | 320.0 | 393.0 |
| Sulfate | ppm | 250 | 17.5 | 20.1 |
| Zinc | ppm | 5 | - | - |
| ph | ph units | 6.0 - 8.5 | 7.25 | 7.63 |
ADDITIONAL UNREGULATED SUBSTANCES
| Substance Name | Units | EPA *SMCL | Capitol Water Results | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Maximum | |||
| Alkalinity | ppm | UR | 229.0 | 258.0 |
| Calcium | ppm | UR | 47.0 | 66.5 |
| Corrosivity | L1 | UR | -0.33 | -0.48 |
| Magnesium | ppm | UR | 10.2 | 11.5 |
| Potassium | ppm | UR | 2.86 | 2.97 |
| Sodium | ppm | UR | 28.4 | 39.4 |
| Temperature | F | UR | 58.0 | 67.0 |
*SMCL: Standards established for aesthetic, non-health related purposes. These are recommended levels, but are not mandated.
WATER QUALITY RESULTS
Non-Detected Contaminants: The following is a list of regulated contaminants Capitol Water Corporation tests for at each well, but none were detected. The contaminants in this list are inorganic chemicals, volatile, and synthetic organic chemicals. This list will give you an idea of the large number of contaminants we regularly sample for. This effort is to ensure your water is SAFE TO DRINK!
SOC's
| EDB | Hexachlorocyclopentadiene | 2,4 S-TP |
| DBCP | Lindane | Benozo (a) pyrene |
| Alchor | Methoxychlor | Di (2-ethylhexyl) adipate |
| Atrazine | Toxaphene | Di(2-ethylhexyl) phtalate |
| Simazine | PCB's | Carbofuran |
| Chlordane | Dalapon | Oxamyl |
| Endrin | Dinoseb | Glyphosate |
| Heptachlor | PCP | Endothall |
| Heptachlor Epoxide | Picloram | Diquat |
| Hexachlorobenzene | 2.,4 -D |
VOC's
| Benzene | Dichloromethane | Toluene |
| Carbontetrachloride | Ethylbenzene | Vinyl Chloride |
| 1,1-Dichloroethylene | Monochlorobenzene | Xylenes (Total) |
| cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene | Styrene | Trichalomethanes |
| trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene | Tetrachloroethylene | Bromodichloromethane |
| 1,2-Dichloroethane | 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene | Bromoform |
| 1,2-Dichloropropane | 1,1,1-Trichloroethane | Chloroform |
| 0-Dichlorobenzene | 1,1,2-Trichloroethane | Chlorodibromomethane |
| p-Dichlorobenzene |
INORGANICS
| Antimony | Nitrite |
| Beryllium | Thallium |
| Nickel |
WATER QUALITY RESULTS
LEAD AND COPPER SAMPLING AT RESIDENTIAL WATER TAPS RESULTS MEET OR EXCEED STATE AND FEDERAL DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS
| Substance Name | EPA Standards | Capitol Water Results | Source of Contaminant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCLF | M.C.L. | Ammount Detected | ||
| Copper | 1.3 ppm | 90% of homes tested must have copper levels less than 1.3 ppm. | 100% of the homes tested had copper levels less than 1.3 ppm. | Corrosion of household plumbing. |
| Lead | 0 | 90% of homes tested must have lead levels less than 0.015 ppm. | 100% of the homes tested had lead levels less than <0.002 ppm. | |
Lead and Copper:
Infants and young children are generally more susceptible to lead in the drinking water than the general population. It is possible that lead levels at your home maybe higher than at other homes in the community as a result of materials used in your homes plumbing. If you are concerned about lead levels in your home’s water, information may be obtained from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791,
Testing was completed in 2023 to show the water meets the lead & copper levels that comply with the drinking water standards. Testing was compliant with the required standards. Tests are conducted every three (3) years.
Your Water is Safe To Drink!
Key to the following tables.
EPA: Environmental Protection Agency
LI: Langolier Index (method used in detection)
M.C.L.: Maximum contaminant level
MCLG: Maximum contaminant level goal
ND: None detected
epg: grains per gallon
ppm: parts per million (example) 1 gallon per million gallons.
ppb: parts per billion
SDWA: Safe Drinking Water Act
SMCL: Secondary maximum contaminant level
TDS: Total dissolved solids
UR: Unregulated
CWC: Capitol Water Corporation
VOC's: Volatile organic chemicals
SOC's: Synthetic organic chemicals
PIC/L: Picocurries per liter
UG/L: Micrograms per liter
WATER SAMPLING VIOLATIONS AND DETECTIONS
No violations in 2023
PFAS
Capitol Water Corporation is developing a plan to address the PFAS found in the Boise valley aquifer that affects some of our water wells. We are working closely with the DEQ and EPA.
We have sent a letter of intent to the DEQ applying for a PFAS planning grant. Grants will be awarded in July 2024 and Capitol Water Corporation is 2nd on the list of recipients.
We are developing a web page with Questions and Answers and will be posting updates routinely.
MICROBIOLOGICAL
Coliform bacteria are naturally present in the environment found in the intestinal tract of both animals and humans. Coliform bacteria alone are not pathogenic. However, their presence indicates that other disease causing bacteria may be present. Because of this, they are referred to as “indicator organisms”.
Two specific types of coliform bacteria, which indicate that the water may be contaminated with human or animal waste, are Fecal Coliform and Escherichia Coli (E. Coli). These bacteria can cause food-borne and water-borne outbreaks of intestinal discomfort.
Capitol Water Corporation collects ten samples a month (120 per year) to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act. If any of the tests show fecal coliform/E. Coli are present, our customers must be notified. Occasionally this does occur and a second test is performed. This second test most often is not positive and no notification is required.
Our system was in compliance with the M.C.L.’s established for this monitoring in 2014.
TURBIDITY
Turbidity is a measurement relating to clarity of the water. General deep well water is not affected by the conditions that cause turbidity to occur. Capitol Water Corporation has not had any problems concerning this issue.
CRYPTOSPORIDIUM
Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can live in the intestines of humans and animals and is most commonly found in surface waters. Drinking water with this parasite present can cause an illness that produces symptoms of severe intestinal distress.
No cryptosporidium has been found present in Capitol Water Corporation’s water.
WATER SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS
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We are continuing the following program: This project makes use of a well we couldn't use because the iron content was too high. A.S.R. (Aquifer Storage Recovery) is a project that has enabled Capitol Water to maintain adequate water pressure during the hot months of July and August. During the winter months when the demand for water has substantially lessened, water from Well #7 is injected into Well #6. A record of how many gallons have been injected is kept. Most generally, 90% of the water put into the well can be extracted during high demand usage. A.S.R. Project continues to help with the high water usage during the months of high demand (generally July and August). We are continuing this technique.
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We will continue injecting phosphate in the water at most of our well sites. Where the water requires phosphate, the wells are equipped with proper injection equipment to meet the necessary amount of the sequestering additive.
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We continue to upgrade our pumping equipment & electronics in an effort to provide adequate & consistent water pressure.
WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS THAT OCCUR
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Discolored water, generally rusty colored, occasionally occurs and is usually caused by hydrant flushing or a break in a water main. Any sudden increase in flow rate will contribute to this annoyance. To clear this condition, it is best to wait about 30 minutes then run the cold water tap in the bath tub. If this doesn’t clear the water, call Capitol Water at 375-0931 for further instructions.
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Air in the water/milky water is a condition that could occur for several reasons and are listed below.
- Cold water that is elevated in temperature. This allows dissolved oxygen to be released and the water becomes milky.
- Overheating of hot water systems, generally hot water heater.
- Water reacts with the zinc that is associated with galvanized pipe (generally new homes).
- Cold water drawn from the household tap, when the water is released from a pressure environment, the dissolved oxygen is released and causes the water to become milky.
- Air only comes from the tap. This is caused by the water table at a well falling below the pump bowls. Hopefully this doesn’t happen very often because it will ruin the well pump. If this happens, please call Capitol Water at 208-375-0931 and let us know this is occurring at your residence or business so we can adjust the pump.