City of Hermann Annual Drinking Water Report - Issued June 2012 

Hermann’s water comes from four deep wells that tap into the Potosi Dolomite formation some 1,200 feet beneath the city.  This water-filled bed is replenished by ground water that flows down from higher elevations and by water from the Missouri River that migrates through the formation.  Our deep wells produce high quality water that is naturally free of harmful chemicals and bacteria. 

Hermann’s wells can pump about 1,300 gallons per minute, the equivalent of 600,000 gallons of water per day.  After the water has been chlorinated, it is pumped to one of the city’s three water towers, located at SeeTal, the Industrial Park, and on Sand Plant Road.

Hermann’s drinking water meets or exceeds all of the federal and state requirements and has been deemed safe by the EPA.  The Identification Number MO6010360 has been assigned to us by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for the purpose of tracking our test results.  The Hermann Water Department constantly monitors and tests the city’s water supply, checking for 188 contaminants.  Only seven of these constituents were detected in any measurable quantity during the 2011 calendar year.  As the table below indicates, all seven were far below the allowable limits.

There were no MCL, Monitoring, or treatment technique violations to report.  There were no Disinfection Byproducts or Microbiological detected results in 2011.  

Definitions:  MCLG: Maximum Contaminant Level Goal, or 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.  MCL: Maximum Contaminant Level, or 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.  AL: Action Level, or the concentration of a contaminant which, when exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.  Parts per million (ppm), Parts per billion (ppb).  N/A not applicable.

The state has reduced monitoring requirements for certain contaminants to less often than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants are not expected to vary significantly from year to year.  Records with a sample year more than one year old are still considered representative.

What is the source of my water?

The sources of drinking water (both tap and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and groundwater 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 pickup substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.

Why are there 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 (800-426-4791).

Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

A.  Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.

B.  Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial, or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.

C.  Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.

D.  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 stormwater runoff, and septic systems.

E.   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, the Department of Natural Resources prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems.  Department of Health regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health. 

Do I need to take any 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 trans-plants, 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 (800-426-4791). 

How might I become actively involved?

If you would like to observe the decision-making process that affect drinking water quality or if you have any further questions about your drinking water report, please call us at 573-486-5400 to inquire about scheduled meetings or contact persons.

Special Lead and Copper Notice:

If, present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious 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.  The City of Hermann is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components.  When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking.  If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested.  Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) or at http://water.epa.gov/drink/info/lead/index.cfm.

CITY of HERMANN
573-486-5400
1902 Jefferson Street