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 customers, who need and use 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 2008. 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. A blend of 75% polyphosphate and 25% orthophosphate 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???
Merrimack obtains 100% of its supply from groundwater sources. 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 by 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???
Merrimack Village District *this website: www.mvdwater.org * 603-424-9241
Merrimack Village District hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm
NH Department of Environmental Services * www.des.state.nh.us * 603-271-3503
US Environmental Protection Agency, Region 1 * www.epa.gov/region1 * 888-372-7341
EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline * 800-426-4791
US Center for Disease Control (CDC) * www.cdc.gov * 800-232-4636

How to Protect Your Drinking Water

Reduce or eliminate pesticide application

Reduce the amount of trash you create

Keep pollutants away from boat marinas and waterways

Limit the use of lawn fertilizers, and be sure to use only phosphorus-free lawn fertilizers

Report any spills or illegal dumping in designated drinking water protection areas

Take advantage of recycling programs to reduce the solid waste

Do not overuse household chemicals

WATER QUALITY DATA TABLE

What does this table tell you? Out of 20 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 2008) compared to the highest levels allowed by law (MCL). Per USEPA requirements, this table reports testing done in 2008.

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