2019 Consumer Confidence Report - Milford, NH
Click here for a downloadable version of the 2019 Report.
What is a Consumer Confidence Report?
The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) details the quality of your drinking water, where it comes from, and where you can get more information. This annual report documents all detected primary and secondary drinking water parameters, and compares them to their respective standards known as Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs).
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, in some cases, 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 water 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, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also, come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems.
Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.
What is the source of my drinking water?
Milford’s water supply consists of three gravel packed wells, known as the Curtis Wells, located in southwestern Amherst. Milford also has an inter-municipal connection with the Pennichuck Water distribution system. During 2018, the Curtis Wells supplied 85.13% of the water needed and 14.87% was purchased from Pennichuck. The water is chemically adjusted with Sodium Hydroxide to maintain a neutral pH and Calcium Hypochlorite is added to control bacteria. In order to control lead and copper and for corrosion control of trace metals, Zinc Orthophosphate is added.
Why are contaminants in my water?
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 1-800-426-4791.
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/CDC 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.
Source Water Assessment Summary
The results of the assessment, prepared on 1/31/01, are noted below. Curtis Well #1 and #2, 4 susceptibility fac-tors were rated high, 3 were rated medium, and 5 were rated low.
Note: This information is over 18 years old and includes information that was current at the time the report was completed. Therefore, some of the ratings might be different if updated to reflect current information. At the present time, DES has no plans to update this data.
The complete assessment report is available for review at the Water Utilities Department, 564 Nashua Street, Mil-ford or visit the DES Drinking Water Source Assessment website at https://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/dwgb/dwspp/dwsap.htm.
Drinking Water Contaminants:
Lead: If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. This water system is responsible for high quality drinking water, but can not control the variety of materials used in your plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can min-imize the potential for lead exposure by flushing cold wa-ter from your tap for at least 30 seconds before using wa-ter for drinking or cooking. Do not use hot water for drinking and cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. In-formation 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 https://water.epa.gov/drink/info/lead/index.cfm
How can I get involved?
For more information about your drinking water or to re-port observations of illegal disposal of contaminants. please call the owner,
Kevin Stetson, at 249-0660 or kstetson@milford.nh.gov or the primary operator,
Kris Jensen at 603-249-0664 or kjensen@milford.nh.gov
Public participation opportunities include attending meetings held by the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners every other Tuesday at 6:00 p.m., at the Water Utilities Department, 564 Nashua Street, Milford. Should you have a matter requiring the Board’s decision, please contact the Director,
Violations and Other information: There were no violations in 2018. See violation list in table below.
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.
Click here for a downloadable version of this and the 2019 Report.