M cCloud
COM M UNI TY SERVI CES DI STRI CT
220 W. Minnesota Avenue, P.O. Box 640 McCloud, CA 96057
Tel: (530) 964-2017 Fax: (530) 964-3175 e-mail: [email protected]
Emergency Service, After Office Hours and Weekend: (530) 859-1904
www.ci.mccloudcsd.ca.us
Contact: Wayne Grigsby, PWS
April 1,2015
Contact: Wayne Grigsby, G.M.
ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT
QUALITY OF DRINKING WATER DELIVERED IN 2014
Opportunities for public participation
The McCloud Community Services District Board of Directors holds regular meetings on the second
and fourth Monday of each month, 6:00 p.m. at the Scout Hall, 405 E. Colombero Drive, McCloud,
CA. Important decisions regarding the operation, maintenance and replacement of the town’s water
system are made during these meetings and you are encouraged to attend and participate. Information
is also available on the District’s website: www.ci.mccloudcsd.ca.us
What and where is the source of my drinking water?
McCloud Community Services District (MCSD) gets its water from Intake Spring (Squaw Creek
Spring) and the Elk springs (Upper and Lower) north of town. These springs are considered a
groundwater source, just like water from a well. Our spring water does originate from the melting
snow and glaciers of Mt. Shasta. This water travels through layers of gravel, rock and lava tubes
before flowing out of the ground under pressure inside our “spring-vaults”. Inside the spring-vaults,
we collect the water against a concrete wall and divert it into pipes that carry the water to the water
tank north of the former mill site. The water stored in the tank helps maintain the pressure in the
system of pipes to your home and provides a supplemental water supply for firefighting. Our water
line pressure in town varies from 80 psi to 125 psi. There are no pressure reducing valves in our
system.
Spring location
Intake Spring is located at latitude = 122.13304 and Longitude = 41.31989 at an elevation of 4,607
feet above sea level. Intake, Upper and Lower Elk Springs are artesian springs with a high flow rate
and minor variability. The climate, flow, geology, and water quality information indicate that our
springs recharge is localized (about 3,000 acres) and recharge likely occurs around 6,500 feet.
Does the water have to be treated before it is delivered to my tap?
Our spring water is naturally very clean and free of solids (dirt) and does not require filtration or
chlorination. The spring-vaults and piping protect our water from human and animal (bacterial)
contamination. Currently, no treatment is required or added to your drinking water; however,
equipment is in place to chlorinate the water should the need arise.
The physiochemistry, nutrient, and mineral make up of all three springs is typical of Mount Shasta
springs; the recharge area is about 6,500 feet. The water temperature is cold 5.5 C and is below the
mean annual ambient air temperature. The pH is neutral with an average measured pH of 7.1. The total
dissolved solids concentrations are less than 100 mg/l, making the water hyper fresh. The nutrient
make up is low with very little nitrate (i.e., 0.05 mg/l.) The turbidity is low at less than 0.5 ntu.
What is the quality of McCloud spring water?
MCSD spring water is some of the highest quality source water in the state. The “recharge area” of our
springs (area where the water flows from the melting snow and glaciers into the ground and to the
springs) is protected by law from development and possible contamination associated with it. MCSD
springs are not exposed to pesticides (bug killers), herbicides (plant and weed killers) or inorganic
wastes from manufacturing. As chemical contamination has never been detected in our water, we have
received a waiver from the State Department of Health and do not have to test annually for many of
the contaminants that do not exist in our water. MCSD spring water is extremely low in alkalinity and
hardness – you will never need a water softener in McCloud!
Is MCSD water safe to drink? Do I need a filter or purifier on my tap?
Last year, as in past years, water delivered to your tap consistently met and exceeded all EPA and state
drinking water health and quality standards. 10 samples were analyzed in 2010 for lead and copper
content. None of the sites sampled for lead and copper exceeded the action level (levels requiring
treatment). We will sample 6 sites in town and at the water tank site 2014 /2015 as required by the
California Department of Health Services. The results of all 52 samples taken from the water system
for “coliform bacteria” in 2013 and the first part of 2014 returned “negative” (contamination not
present). We routinely monitor for drinking water contaminants. In August and October 2014 , routine
water samples showed the presence of coliform bacteria. In accordance with State regulations, followup samples were taken which confirmed the presence of coliform bacteria in the water. The standard is
that no more than one sample per month may show the presence of coliform bacteria.
What happened
It is believed that the elevated coliform counts were the result of leaks, and failures of the Lower Elk
Springs pipeline. The old pipeline is highly susceptible to leaks, etc. due to the lack of protection
provided by minimal cover. Damage to the pipeline has been caused by tree roots, rocks, falling
timber. Due to the remote location of the pipeline, leaks or holes in the pipeline are often not detected
for several days or weeks and are difficult to repair. The pipeline does not meet the States
requirements for a reliable and safe water supply line. Induction of air at some of the air vents
indicates low or even negative pressure in portions of the pipe. This low or negative pressure allows
debris, insects and contaminated surface water to enter the pipeline. Some breaks in the pipeline
appear to be allowing water to leak out and then be drawn back into the pipeline by changing pressure
and flow patterns. Such contamination in the current pipeline could go undetected and could pose a
considerable health threat to the community.
What was done
All detectible leaks have been repaired and the line flushed.
Note: we are only required by law to take 24 samples per year (2 per month) some additional sampling
is performed. There is no need to purchase expensive filtration or purification equipment to install on
your house plumbing as there is nothing harmful or distasteful in the water to remove. MCSD employs
skilled, state certified water treatment plant and water distribution system operators to ensure that high
quality drinking water is delivered to your tap 24/7 each day of the year.
Definitions of drinking water terms
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in
drinking water. Primary MCLs are set as close to the PHGs (or MCLGs) as is economically and
technologically feasible. Secondary MCLs are set to protect the odor, taste and appearance of drinking
water.
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 are set by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (USEPA).
Public Health Goal or PHG: The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no
known or expected risk to health. PHGs are set by the California Environmental Protection Agency
(CALEPA).
Primary Drinking Water Standard or PDWS: MCLs for contaminants that affect health along with
their monitoring and reporting requirements, and water treatment requirements.
More information on drinking water
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least a small
amount of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the
water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be
obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).
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 people and infants can be particularly at risk for infections. These people should seek advice
about drinking water from their health care providers. USEPA/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 Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).
Sources of drinking water (both tap and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs,
springs and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land and 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 that may come from sewage treatment plants,
septic systems, agricultural livestock operations and wildlife.
Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, that can be natural or result from urban
stormwater 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 that are
byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production and can also come from gas stations,
urban stormwater runoff and septic systems.

Radioactive contaminants which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas
production or mining activities.
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, USEPA and the California Department of Health
Services (Department) prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water
provided by public water systems. Department regulations also establish limits for contaminants in
bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health.
TAP vs. BOTTLED
Thanks in part to aggressive marketing; the bottled water industry has successfully convinced us all
that water purchased in bottles is a healthier alternative to tap water. However, according to a fouryear study conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council, bottled water is not necessarily
cleaner or safer than most tap water. In fact, about 25 percent of bottled water is actually just bottled
tap water (40 percent according to government estimates).
The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for regulating bottled water, but these rules allow
for less rigorous testing and purity standards than those required by the U.S. EPA for community tap
water. For instance, the high mineral content of some bottled waters make them unsuitable for babies
and young children. Further, the FDA completely exempts bottled water that’s packaged and sold
within the same state, which accounts for about 70 percent of all bottled water sold in the United
States.
List of contaminants found in our drinking water
CONTAMINANT MCL
PHG/MCLG
LEVEL
DETECTED
YEAR SAMPLE LIKELY SOURCE
TAKEN
CONTAMINENT
Copper
.17 ppm
1.15
2010
1.3 ppm
OF
Internal
corrosion
of
household
plumbing;
erosion of natural deposits
in the soil
Ppm = parts per million
The state allows us to monitor for some contaminants less than once per year because the
concentrations of these contaminants does not change frequently. Some of our data, though
representative, is more than one year old. A list of the contaminants for which we are required to test,
the monitoring frequencies required by the Department of Health Services and results of all water
quality monitoring samples are available at the District office.
Water system improvements
In October 2003, we completed construction of a 4.6 million dollar water system improvement project
which included replacement of the 3.5 mile Intake Springs transmission pipeline, modification of the
Intake Springs’ spring vault and construction of a new 1.2 million gallon water tank. This project
replaced leaky structures and pipelines resulting in a significant amount of water savings and
completely sealing the Intake water system from contamination potential. This $4.6 million water
system project was funded through a Proposition 13 (2000) grant from the California Department of
Water Resources, Infrastructure Rehabilitation Construction Grant Program. Upper Elk Spring has
also been rebuilt with a concrete cap over the spring.
The District is currently in the process of pursuing grants or alternative funding for the reconstruction
of the Lower Elk Spring house, and the 14” transmission line to the water tank, which will bring it up
to the condition of renovated Intake Springs and Upper Elk Spring vaults. This will include a new
concrete cap over the spring as well as foundation repairs and improvements to the spring gallery. In
the fall of 2013 district employees rebuilt Lower Elk Spring gallery, replaced the water collection pipe
and over flow piping, made repairs to the roof and sealed the outer walls.
We have started on our water main replacement project in town (summer of 2013,) our water
distribution lines are 60 to 80 years old and are in very poor condition. Our goal is to install new water
lines and valve boxes to 30 to 50 house every summer. This project will also eliminate many dead end
lines. In addition to these new HDPEP-pipes to the home owners house, there will also be an outside
water connection for the owner to hook-on to for water. This replacement project has been very
successful, and is under way at this time, We have a water master plan, from Kennedy/Jenks
Consultants, and Schlumpberger Engineering, and a Mitigated Negative Declaration or CEQA. These
were completed in May 2010. As of this year, 2014/2015 utility workers have completed 37 homes.
In January and July of each year, we have an ongoing project in which we drain and clean the inside of
our 1.2 million gallon water tank.
Water Conservation
You can play a role in conserving water and in the process by becoming conscious of the amount of
water your household is using and by looking for ways to use less whenever you can. It is not hard to
conserve water. Here are a few tips:
•
Automatic dishwashers use 15 gallons for every cycle, regardless of how many dishes are
loaded. So get a run for your money and load it to capacity.
•
Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.
•
Check every faucet in your home for leaks. Just a slow drip can waste 15 to 20 gallons a day.
Fix it and you can save almost 6,000 gallons per year.
•
Check your toilets for leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank. Watch for a
few minutes to see if the color shows up in the bowl. It is not uncommon to lose up to 100
gallons a day from an invisible toilet leak. Fix it and you save more than 30,000 gallons a year.
Water Supply Contingency Plan
This Water Supply Contingency Plan (WSCP) provides guidelines for the MCSD to manage water
supply and demand within all areas supplied water by MCSD in the event of a water supply disruption
due to drought, earthquake, fire or other natural disasters or emergencies. The WSCP addresses
progressive situations, such as those that are weather-related where conditions may change over time,
and more immediate situations, such as facility emergencies like a pipeline break. The MCSD has
primary responsibility for administering and implementing the WSCP. MCSD has never experienced a
water shortage requiring demand reduction actions. Prior to the installation of flow meters on the
spring sources in 2003, quantitative supply and demand were not available. As of March 24, 2015
water demands for town are 400 G.P.M., our over flow is at 3,675 G.P.M.
(WWTP) WASTEWATER TREATMENT PONDS
McCloud Community Services District has established a fish program at the wastewater treatment
ponds. It is designed to help break down the solid waste. Two hundred, fifty pounds of live hybrid
carp weighing between .75 and 1 pound each and 250 pounds of channel catfish were released in our
(WWTP) ponds, on February 4, 2015. This fish program coupled with the worm program that was
introduced in the fall of 2013 are low cost and low maintenance ways of breaking down biological
solids at McCloud sewage ponds, reducing sludge and improving the ponds ecosystem. Residents in
the district need to know that what they put down their garbage disposals will now be feeding and
helping to support our fish. Leftover vegetables and food products are beneficial to our system.
There When You Need Us
McCloud Community Services District is proud to present our Annual Water Quality Report covering
all testing performed between January 1 and December 31, 2014. We will be facing many challenges
this summer as the drought continues. The District remains dedicated to continue to deliver to you
quality drinking water that meets all state and federal standards. As new challenges to drinking water
safety emerge, we remain vigilant in meeting the goals of source water protection, water conservation,
and community education, while continuing to serve the needs of all our water users. Thank you for
being a customer of M.C.S.D. and for allowing us to continue providing you with quality drinking
water. If you have any questions related to your drinking water, please call.
Wayne Grigsby
G.M. / P.W.S.
530-964-2017