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 2010. 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.
Where/What is the source of your drinking water?
The District is supplied by 6
"ground water" wells known locally as Wells 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8. Water is treated as required at the pumping stations prior to being released into the District network. The source assessment done in 2002 indicates that our wells are rated overall in LOW vulnerability to the susceptible criteria used. Four (4) wells were rated low, the other two (2) wells were rated in the medium range. The 4 page completed report can be obtained from the NHDES website at: http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/dwgb/dwspp/reports/documents/merrimack/pdf
Merrimack Village District information?
Merrimack Village District
2 Greens Pond Rd.
Merrimack, NH 03054
Telephone: 603-424-9241
Fax: 603-242-0563
Contact:
Ron Miner (Superintendent) 603-424-9241 x107
Jill Lavoie (Admin. Mgr.Water Quality Testing) 603-424-9241 x103
Merrimack Village District hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm
The Board of Commissioners meet the 3rd Monday of every month (except when there is a holiday on that Monday then the 4th Monday) at the District Office located at 2 Greens Pond Road. Meeting starts at 4pm. Visitors/Users have always been welcomed to attend.
Without realizing it, you could be contaminating your own drinking water. Unfortunately, contaminated groundwater is very difficult and expensive to clean-up. Below are some ways to protect your drinking water:
Do not overuse household chemicals * Reduce the amount of trash you create * Recycle used oil * Inspect your septic system every year * Keep pollutants away from boat marinas and waterways * Take advantage of recycling programs to reduce the solid waste * Reduce paved areas
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 2010) compared to the highest levels allowed by law (MCL). Per USEPA requirements, this table reports testing done in 2010. The running annual average is available at the District office upon request.
Substance |
Highest Level Allowed (MCL) |
Average Level |
Likely Source of |
Lead (Pb) |
.015 ppm |
<0.005 ppm |
Corrosion of household plumbing systems |
Copper (Cu) |
1.3 ppm |
<0.01 ppm |
Corrosion of household plumbing systems |
Nitrate |
10 ppm |
1.28 ppm |
Excessive use of lawn fertilizers in Merrimack |
Nitrite |
1 ppm |
<.1 ppm |
Excessive use of lawn fertilizers in Merrimack |
Chloride |
250 ppm |
150.7 ppm |
Road Salt |
Sodium (Na) |
250 ppm |
66.9 ppm |
Mixture of naturally occurring salt deposits; most likely road salt |
Testing not currently required by the EPA
pH |
6.4 10.00 |
5.88 |
Not a substance: indicator of level of acidity |
Radon (Rn) |
4000 pCi/L |
1285 pCi/L |
Natural decomposition of granite rock |
Arsenic (As) |
0.010mg/L |
.005mg/L |
Naturally occurring |
Fluoride* |
4 ppm |
0.1 ppm |
Erosion of natural deposits, sometimes added to water supply but not in Merrimack |
* THE MVD DOES NOT ADD FLUORIDE TO THE WATER, THE AMOUNT SHOWN IS NATURALLY OCCURING.
| TESTING TERMS AND UNITS DEFINED: MCL's: Maximum Contaminant Level The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCL's are set as close to the MCLG's as feasible using the best technology. |
ppm: pCu/L: mg/L: pH: ug/L: |
Parts per million Picocuries per liter, a measure of radioactivity Milligrams per liter available treatment Measure of acidity Parts per billion or Micrograms per liter |
- 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. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA Safe Drinking water Hotline (800-426-4791)
- Drinking Water Violations::
July of 2009 25 MCL samples where taken. Of those samples 2 were found to have slightly elevated levels of total coliform. The District re-sampled per DES directive and a clean report was received. It was determined that this violation was a result of handling of samples at the time they were taken which engendered some resultant contamination. The water itself was not a contributing factor.
Where to go for more information?
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
Merrimack Village District * 2 Greens Pond Road * Merrimack , NH 03054