Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as people 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 individuals should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.  EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate methods to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).
 
 

This report is based upon tests conducted in the years 1995 through 1998 by Nome Joint Utility System. Terms used in the Water Quality Table and in other parts of this report are defined here.

Maximum Contaminant Level (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 (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. 

Action Level (AL):  The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.

Treatment Technique (TT):  A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
 
 

AL = Action Level 
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level
MCLG = Maximum Contaminant Level Goal
NTU = Nephelometric Turbidity Units 
ppm = parts per million, or milligrams per liter (mg/L)

Fluoride occurs naturally in Nome's water at about 0.2 mg/l.  Additional fluoride is added to promote dental health.  Less than 1 mg/l of Nitrate (as nitrogen) occurs naturally in Nome's water, and is not a concern at this low level.

Low levels of lead and copper have been detected in some residential water samples, resulting from the corrosion of copper pipes, fittings, and old lead/tin solder inside houses and service lines.  The Lead and Copper Rule is based on 90 percent of the results being less than or equal to the action level; if exceeded, additional water treatment or the addition of corrosion inhibiting chemicals to our water would be required.  We are currently under a reduced monitoring requirement for lead and copper, as results from tested sites have been below the action level.  Compliance testing is scheduled for once every three years. 

Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOC) are either disinfection byproducts, such as total Trihalomethane (TTHM) formed when naturally occurring organics in the water are chlorinated, or from contamination by petroleum and other products. Of the over 80VOCs tested, TTHMs are the only VOC detected and are at a level much below the maximum contaminant level (MCL). They are not considered a heath risk at these very low levels.