Water Supply

 Missed the cutoff point by .3%

o our residents- 

Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this was not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we are doing to correct this situation. Surface water systems (or groundwater under the influence of surface water) using conventional filtration treatment (enhanced coagulation or enhanced precipitative softening) must demonstrate that Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removals are in compliance with either the Step 1 TOC removal requirements or meet the requirements of alternative compliance criteria. Our supply was unable to meet the requirements during the 2024Q2 monitoring period (2nd quarter 2024). 

What should I do? 

You do not need to use an alternative (e.g., bottled) water supply. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor. 

What does this mean? 

This is not an immediate risk. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. 

Total organic carbon (TOC) has no health effects. However, total organic carbon provides a medium for the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs). These byproducts include trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). 

Drinking water containing these byproducts in excess of the MCL may lead to adverse health effects, liver or kidney problems, or nervous system effects, and may lead to an increased risk of getting cancer. 

What happened? What is being done? 

The City of Carbondale tests monthly for TOC removal in the treatment process. A 45% removal rate is required as a precaution to limit the formation of DBPs, which are potentially harmful above certain levels. TOC compliance is measured as a running annual average (RAA). The City of Carbondale’s RAA is typically 46 – 50%. In June, the RAA was 44.7%, falling short of the 45% required for compliance. DBPs, which are directly affected by TOC, were also sampled in June, with all samples testing safely within compliance. Additionally, the monthly TOC removal for July was 48.4%. 

Customers do not need to take any action. The water is safe for normal use. TOC does not have any health effects, but is monitored since it may affect other water quality parameters. This is a required public notification. 

For more information, please contact Clayton Greer, Water Treatment Plant Superintendent at (618) 529-1731 option 2.