We at the Merrimack Village District (MVD) are confident that the quality of water we provide is safe because it meets or exceeds all state and federal regulations. We want our customers to have the same confidence. It is important for you, our customer, who needs and uses water everyday to understand the testing that shows our water is compliant with the laws developed to ensure your drinking water is safe. Please take a few moments to read through our test results and other information about the MVD’s water for the year 2006. We hope you find the answers to questions you may have about your drinking water.

How is your water treated???
Fortunately, groundwater requires very little treatment. However, state and federal drinking water regulations do require certain chemical treatments before groundwater enters the distribution system. Chlorine disinfects the water to prevent microorganisms. Lime neutralizes the pH (acidity) of the water. 75% polyphosphate and 25% orthophosphate blend is also added that builds a microfilm on the inside of the pipes to aid in corrosion control.

What is the source of your water???
100% of Merrimack water comes from groundwater. Groundwater is precipitation that has soaked through the ground’s surface and is stored where there are open spaces between rocks and soil. This water is pumped from wells located in various parts of Merrimack and Hollis. Water from each well is treated on-site at each pumping station and distributed through a network of water mains to homes, business and schools.

Where to go for more information ???

HOW IMPORTANT IS WATER???

• In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger
  
• Even MILD dehydration will slow down one’s metabolism as much as 3%
  
• 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated
  
• Lack of water, the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue
  
• Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer
  
• Preliminary research indicates that 9-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers

WATER QUALITY DATA TABLE

What does this table tell you? Out of 26 tests required by the Safe Drinking Water Act, only 7 substances were detected in our water. The table shows the amount of each substance found (overall average level detected in 2006) compared to the highest levels allowed by law (MCL). Per USEPA requirements, this table reports testing done in 2006.

Testing not currently required by the EPA

* THE MVD DOES NOT ADD FLUORIDE TO THE WATER, THE AMOUNT SHOWN IS NATURALLY OCCURING.
** The State of New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services requires MtBE testing. MtBE was detected in one well in 2002 but was within state standards. We carefully monitor our MtBE levels quarterly and we are well beneath the maximum allowed by the state. Only one test showed any detectable trace which was way below state standards.

Important information from the EPA about…

• Contaminates in Bottled Water and Tap 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.
• Drinking Water and People with Weakened Immune Systems:
  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, persons with HIV/AIDS or other immune systems 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 as well as more information about potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

Merrimack Village District * 2 Greens Pond Road * Merrimack , NH 03054