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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015_Water_ReportPipelineYour Drinking Water Is Certified Safe This issue of Public Works Pipeline contains the City’s annual water quality report, which includes complete information on the monitoring done on Edina’s drinking water last year. Morningside Neighborhood residents who receive their water from the City of Minneapolis will find information detailing the quality of Minneapolis’ water on pages 10-12. A detailed account of Edina’s water quality is in this issue, including test results on all contaminants deemed by the Minnesota Department of Health to pose a health risk. The City’s goal is to provide residents with water that surpasses both state and federal requirements for safety and quality. This year’s report shows that Edina’s water surpasses regulatory standards on all counts. For more information, contact Edina Public Works at 952-826-0312. 2015 Water Report For the Year 2014 Neighborhood Street Reconstructions Are Under Way See Page 5 for details PipelinePUBLIC WORKS No-Fault Insurance Protects Edina Residents By Hannah Watkins Since November 2014, Edina residents and business owners who pay for Edina sewer and water utilities have also received limited cleanup and property damage protection for sewer backups and water main breaks. Water main breaks may cause water to enter into property, causing damage. Blockages or other conditions in the City’s sanitary sewer lines may cause sewage to back up into properties that are connected to the City’s sanitary lines. These instances pose a public health and safety concern, but it is often difficult to determine the exact cause and responsibility. The League of Minnesota Cities insurance trust has offered the City of Edina limited “no fault” sewer coverage and water main break coverage that will reimburse users of the water and sewer system for certain cleanup costs and property damage up to $40,000, whether or not the City is at fault. “It is important that we offer no-fault insurance to the residents of Edina because they need to have at least basic coverage that will help clean up their basements and properties affected by sewer backups and water main breaks,” said Mayor James Hovland. That said, Hovland cannot stress enough the importance of also having private insurance to help cover damage costs greater than $40,000. The “no-fault” insurance ensures a quick clean-up time for sewer back-up and water main break damage and makes life a little easier for Edina residents. The owner of the property can contract with a cleaning service and then submit a claim to be reimbursed for that service when damage occurs. “The City was looking into how it can go above and beyond for Edina residents, so that is one of the driving forces behind why we made the switch to new insurance,” said Public Works Coordinator Dave Goergen. Proper Lawn Care Improves Edina’s Water Quality In the interest of sustainability and environmental stewardship, it is vital to maintain healthy water systems. Clean, pure water benefits everyone. Working to maximize water purity while minimizing pollutants in our wetlands, lakes and water supply makes a community healthier. Here are seven simple things you can do now to ensure a healthier tomorrow: 1. Test your soil to make sure your lawn is healthy and in balance. The University of Minnesota completes soil tests for $17. Add nutrients and adjust care as needed. 2. Avoid fertilizers that contain phosphorous. The “P” on the NPK rating on a bag of fertilizer indicates the amount of phosphorus, so be sure to choose fertilizer with a “P” rating of “zero.” 3. Apply the right amount of fertilizer. Set your spreader to apply fertilizer at the appropriate rate. Too much fertilizer is detrimental to your lawn and ecosystem. 4. Keep leaves, grass clippings and fertilizer off driveways and streets, so they don’t wash off into storm drains and cause highly imbalanced “green” lakes. 5. Mow grass to a height of three inches. Taller grass requires less watering since it holds more moisture. 6. In spring and autumn, overseed your lawn. In autumn, aerate and dethatch. A rich, plush lawn is the best defense against weeds and excess chemical usage. 7. Leave grass clippings on your lawn. They will fertilize and enrich your soil. For more information about lawn care, call the Engineering Department at 952-826- 0371. For more information about getting your soil tested, visit soiltest.cfans.umn. edu. – Compiled by Frank Petrovic2 Public Works Profile: Nate Kaderlik By Lauryn Grimes A Public Service Worker in the Utilities Division, Nate Kaderlik developed his strong work ethic and passion through years of experience. Kaderlik grew up in Montgomery, Minnesota, and began working on local farms when he was very young. He graduated from Rochester Community and Technical College in 2004 where he studied horticulture and golf course maintenance. Following graduation, he operated his own tree trimming and landscaping business for five years. Kaderlik spent 15 years working for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) in Shakopee, Minnesota, starting with general labor and working his way up the ladder from running push mowers to spending his last six years in water/ equipment operations. After more than a decade with SMSC, Kaderlik wanted to explore other opportunities in his field. Kaderlik began his current position with the City of Edina in December 2014. Even though he hasn’t worked for the City long, Kaderlik has already proven his skills and been able to hone in on the aspects of his profession he enjoys the most. “When we went looking for a replacement for one of our senior water plant operators, we were looking for some very specific qualifications,” said Utilities Supervisor Gary Wells. “We are very lucky to be able to bring Nate to Edina. He’s got a ton of knowledge … plus he is at the forefront with some of the technological aspects of the job.” Primarily, Kaderlik works in the water plants, where he focuses on the water treatment side of the Utilities Division. Winter months are a time for his crew to complete a lot of maintenance, as they are tasked with ensuring everything is functioning properly for the summer months and the rise in irrigation. “[We have to] make sure everything is running the best that it can,” said Kaderlik, whose team also tests water quality, rates meters, oversees chemical equipment and checks for possible leaks. Kaderlik said he was initially overwhelmed by the number of sites and enterprise facilities Edina operates. “I had first-day jitters,” he said. “Going from knowing everybody to knowing nobody was a big change for me.” Since his first day, Kaderlik says the members of his crew have been very welcoming. Public Works Coordinator Dave Goergen also said the City is fortunate to have such a knowledgeable individual working within the Utilities Division. Kaderlik said he is excited to bring his years of experience to the Department. “I have experience in everything we do,” he said. “[At SMSC], we worked in a smaller group, so everyone had to do everything. Here, my main focus is water treatment.” Kaderlik resides in his newly built Prior Lake home with his wife of six years and three young children. He enjoys playing softball, hunting, playing in a local pool league and spending time with his family. For more information, call the Public Works Department at 952-826-0376. Public Service Worker in the Utilities Division Nate Kaderlik began work for the City in December 2014. Ph o t o b y M i c h a e l B r a u n 33 4 Frequently Asked Questions Q: What should I do when there is water bubbling out of the street or from my yard? A: Call the Utilities Division of the Public Works Department at 952-826- 0375. Weekdays after 3:30 p.m. or on weekends or holidays, call the Edina Police Department’s non-emergency number, 952-826-1610. Maintenance staff will be dispatched to the site of the leak and determine if it is a water main or service line leak, as well as who is responsible for the repair (the City or the homeowner). Q: What is the difference between a water main and a service line? A: Water mains bring water via a large diameter pipe from the water filtration plants and wells to the street in front of your home or business. Your service line is connected to the City main in the street. The “curb stop” (valve) is seven to eight feet underground and can only be accessed (and turned on or off) with a special wrench used by the Utilities Division. We turn your water off at the curb stop when you request your water be shut off for a plumber to make repairs and also to determine if a water leak is on the City’s or the homeowner’s side of the service line. Q: My sewer is backing up! What do I do? A: If you experience a sewer backup, immediately call the Utilities Division at 952-826-0375. Weekdays after 3:30 p.m. or on weekends or holidays, call the Edina Police Department’s non- emergency number, 952-826-1610 and they will dispatch help immediately. Calling us first doesn’t cost you anything and we might be able to help you resolve the problem before a plumber is required. City crews will check the sewer main in the street to make sure it is running properly. If the blockage is within your service line, a City employee will instruct you on what to do next. Q: I want my water tested. Where do I take it? A: The Utilities Division continuously takes samples of the water it produces for testing required by the Minnesota Department of Health and the federal government’s Safe Drinking Water Act to maintain safe drinking water in our community. Results are printed annually in this report. If you desire further testing, please call a private testing laboratory. Search for “water analysis” or “laboratories-analytical.” In order to test water, you need to know what you want it tested for. For more information, call 952-826-0375 or visit www.EdinaMN.gov/PublicWorks. Q: Is “biodegradable” material “flushable” material? A: Generally, there are only three “P’s” that should be flushed down a toilet – “paper” (toilet style only), “pee” and “poop.” When grease, paper towels, wipes, rags, diapers or other “sanitary” items – even those marketed as “flushable” – are flushed into the sanitary system, they create clogs, which in turn cause sewer back-ups. – Compiled by Susan Waack Neighborhood Street Reconstructions Are Under Way By Jordan Gilgenbach Drivers know the pains of road construction well, seeing orange cones and barricades throughout the metro. City streets in some Edina neighborhoods are no exception. Though it may be inconvenient, repairing and replacing infrastructure is integral in preventing further damage. To accomplish this, the Engineering Department prioritizes streets and utility work for the current year based on necessity for improvements, planning projects five years out. Infrastructure to be repaired or replaced include streets, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, water mains, fire hydrants and street lighting, depending on the neighborhood. Private utility companies may also elect to upgrade or replace underground infrastructure during these projects. “A lot of these streets that we’re doing now were built in the 1960s, so we’re at 50 or 60 years of life,” said Engineering Director Chad Millner, explaining that streets are expected to last 30 to 40 years. “Maintaining a strong infrastructure is also vital to keep future emergency work and service disruptions at a minimum.” Projects in progress for this summer include Arden Park D and 54th Street, Birchcrest B, Countryside H, Dewey Hill G, Prospect Knolls B and a portion of Valley View Road near Braemar Golf Course. Millner said that all of these projects should be completed by November. Construction timelines vary, depending on the size of the project and weather. One of the main concerns residents have is the day-to-day disruption of their routines, so Engineering staff strive to answer any and all questions that residents in the affected neighborhoods might have. Street projects in Edina are paid for with special assessments to properties in each neighborhood and with money from the City’s Utility Fund. In addition to street reconstruction projects, 14 sidewalk projects are scheduled to be completed this summer. These new sidewalks are paid for the by City’s Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety (PACS) Fund. The revenue in the fund is used exclusively for improvements to the City’s non- motorized transportation network. For more information about street reconstruction projects, contact the City’s Engineering Department at 952- 826-0371. To keep up to date on these projects, visit www.EdinaMN.gov/ Engineering and sign up for “City Extra” emails at www.EdinaMN.gov/CityExtra. 2015 Pedestrian, Sidewalk and Bike Projects: • Normandale Road Sidewalk from Benton Avenue to Valley View Road • Arden Avenue South Sidewalk from West 50th Street to West 52nd Street • Minnehaha Boulevard Sidewalk from West 52nd Street to West 54th Street • West 52nd Street Sidewalk from Arden Avenue to Halifax Avenue • Indianola Avenue Sidewalk from West 50th Street to 200 feet south of West 50th Street • Arbour Avenue Sidewalk from Grove Street to West 61st Street • Sun Road Sidewalk from Olinger Boulevard to Arbour Avenue • Interlachen Boulevard Sidewalk from Mirror Lakes Drive to Vernon Avenue • Vernon Avenue Sidewalk from Gleason Road to Blake Road • West 65th Street Sidewalk from Valley View Road to France Avenue • Valley View Road Sidewalk from McCauley Trail South to Mark Terrace Drive • West 54th Street Sidewalk from Wooddale Avenue to France Avenue • Heritage Drive Sidewalk from York Avenue South to Xerxes Avenue South • Pedestrian-activated flashing beacon crossing on West 66th Street at West Shore Drive • Three pedestrian-actuated flashing beacon crossings • Miscellaneous bike facility pavement markings Pavement is ground up and reused as a base for a new roadway on Claredon Drive as part of the Prospect Knolls B/ Dewey Hill G neighborhood roadway reconstruction. Fil e P h o t o 5 The City of Edina is issuing the results of monitoring done on its drinking water for the period from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014. The purpose of this report is to advance consumers’ understanding of drinking water and heighten awareness of the need to protect precious water resources. Source of Water The City of Edina provides drinking water to its residents from a groundwater source: 17 wells ranging from 381 to 1,080 feet deep that draw water from the Mount Simon, Jordan and Prairie Du Chien-Jordan aquifers. The water provided to customers may meet drinking water standards, but the Minnesota Department of Health has also made a determination as to how vulnerable the source of water may be to future contamination incidents. If you wish to obtain the entire source water assessment regarding your drinking water, please call 651-201-4700 or 1-800-818-9318 (and press 5) during normal business hours. Also, you can view it online at www.health.state. mn.us/divs/eh/water/swp/swa. Call 952-826-0375 if you have questions about the City of Edina’s drinking water or would like information about opportunities for public participation in decisions that may affect the quality of the water. Results of Monitoring No contaminants were detected at levels that violated federal drinking water standards. However, some contaminants were detected in trace amounts that were below legal limits. The table that follows shows the contaminants that were detected in trace amounts last year. (Some contaminants are sampled less frequently than once a year; as a result, not all contaminants were sampled in 2014. If any of these contaminants were detected the last time they were sampled for, they are included in the table along with the date the detection occurred.) Key to Abbreviations: MCLG: Maximum Contaminant Level Goal: 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: 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. MRDL: Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level MRDLG: Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal AL: Action Level: The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirement which a water system must follow. 90th Percentile Level: This is the value obtained after disregarding 10 percent of the samples taken that had the highest levels. (For example, in a situation in which 10 samples were taken, the 90th percentile level is determined by disregarding the highest result, which represents 10 percent of the samples.) Note: In situations in which only five samples are taken, the average of the two with the highest levels is taken to determine the 90th percentile level. pCi/l: PicoCuries per liter: a measure of radioactivity. ppb: Parts per billion, which can also be expressed as micrograms per liter (μg/l). ppm: Parts per million, which can also be expressed as milligrams per liter (mg/l). nd: No Detection N/A: Not Applicable (does not apply) 2014 City of Edina Drinking Water Report 6 Contaminant (units)MCLG MCL Level Found Typical Source of ContaminantRange (2013)Average/Result* 1,1-Dichloroethylene (ppb)7 7 nd-.54 .54 Discharge from industrial chemical factories. Alpha Emitters (pCi/l)0 15.4 5.9-13 13 Erosion of natural deposits. Barium (ppm) (07/25/2013)2 2 N/A .14 Discharge of drilling wastes; Discharge from metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits. Combined Radium (pCi/l)0 5.4 1.1-4.9 4.9 Erosion of natural deposits. Fluoride (ppm)4 4 .84-1.1 1.04 The State of Minnesota requires all municipal water systems to add fluoride to the drinking water to promote strong teeth; Erosion of natural deposits; Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories. Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) (ppb)0 60 4.8-12.1 12.1 By-product of drinking water disinfection. TTHM (Total trihalomethanes) (ppb)0 80 29.6-32.4 32.4 By-product of drinking water disinfection. Total Coliform Bacteria 0 Present >5% Present N/A 2%**Naturally present in the environment. Trichloroethylene (ppb)0 5 nd-.61 .61 Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories. Vinyl Chloride (ppb)0 2 nd-.22 .22 Leaching from PVC piping; Discharge from plastics factories. cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene (ppb)70 70 nd-4.3 4.3 Discharge from industrial chemical factories. trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene (ppb)100 100 nd-.14 .14 Discharge from industrial chemical factories. *This is the value used to determine compliance with federal standards. It sometimes is the highest value detected and sometimes is an average of all the detected values. If it is an average, it may contain sampling results from the previous year. ** Follow-up sampling showed no contamination present. Contaminant (units)MRDLG MRDL *********Typical Source of Contaminant Chlorine (ppm)4 4 .47-.8 .59 Water additive used to control microbes. ****Lowest and Highest Monthly Average. *****Highest Quarterly Average. 7 Contaminant (units)MCLG AL 90th Percentile Level # sites over AL Typical Source of Contaminant Copper (ppm) 1.3 1.3 1.16 1 out of 30 Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits. Lead (ppb) 0 15 2.4 0 out of 30 Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits. If present, infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the action level could experience delays in their physical or mental development. Children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The City of Edina 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 two 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 www.epa.gov/ safewater/lead. Monitoring may have been done for additional contaminates that do not have MCLs established for them and are not required to be monitored under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Results may be available by calling 651-201-4700 or 1-800-818-9318 during normal business hours. Monitoring for unregulated contaminants as required by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rules (40 CFR 141.40) was conducted in 2014. Results of the unregulated contaminant monitoring are available upon request from Cindy Swanson, Minnesota Department of Health, at 651-201-4656. 8 Compliance with National Primary Drinking Water Regulations The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and 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 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, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations and wildlife. 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. 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, which are by- products 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 and mining activities. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health. 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’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426- 4791. Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised people such as those with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, those who have undergone organ transplants, 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 and Centers for Disease Control Prevention guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791. Average Edina Water Chemistry Hardness = 17 grains per gallon Iron = less than 1 part per million pH = 7.6 Fluoride = 0.9 to 1.1 parts per million Chlorine = 1 to 1.2 parts per million 9 2014 City of Minneapolis Drinking Water Report The City of Minneapolis is issuing the results of monitoring done on its drinking water for the period from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014. The purpose of this report is to advance consumers’ understanding of drinking water and heighten awareness of the need to protect precious water resources. Source of Water The City of Minneapolis provides drinking water to its residents from a surface water source: surface water drawn from the Mississippi River. The water provided to customers may meet drinking water standards, but the Minnesota Department of Health has also made a determination as to how vulnerable the source of water may be to future contamination incidents. If you wish to obtain the entire source water assessment regarding your drinking water, please call 651-201- 4700 or 1-800-818-9318 (and press 5) during normal business hours. Also, you can view it online at www.health. state.mn.us/divs/eh/water/swp/swa. Call 612-661-4949 if you have questions about the City of Minneapolis’ drinking water or would like information about opportunities for public participation in decisions that may affect the quality of the water. Results of Monitoring No contaminants were detected at levels that violated federal drinking water standards. However, some contaminants were detected in trace amounts that were below legal limits. The table that follows shows the contaminants that were detected in trace amounts last year. (Some contaminants are sampled less frequently than once a year; as a result, not all contaminants were sampled for in 2014. If any of these contaminants were detected the last time they were sampled for, they are included in the table along with the date that the detection occurred.) Key to abbreviations: MCLG: Maximum Contaminant Level Goal: 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: 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. TT: Treatment Technique: A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water. NTU: Nephelometric Turbidity Unit, used to measure clarity in drinking water. MRDL: Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level MRDLG: Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal AL: Action Level: The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirement which a water system must follow. 90th Percentile Level: This is the value obtained after disregarding 10 percent of the samples taken that had the highest levels. (For example, in a situation in which 10 samples were taken, the 90th percentile level is determined by disregarding the highest result, which represents 10 percent of the samples.) Note: In situations in which only five samples are taken, the average of the two with the highest levels is taken to determine the 90th percentile level. ppb: Parts per billion, which can also be expressed as micrograms per liter (μg/l). ppm: Parts per million, which can also be expressed as milligrams per liter (mg/l). nd: No Detection N/A: Not Applicable (does not apply) 1010 Contaminant (units)MCLG MCL Level Found Typical Source of ContaminantRange (2014)Average/Result* Fluoride (ppm)4 4 .95-1 .97 State of Minnesota requires all municipal water systems to add fluoride to the drinking water to promote strong teeth; Erosion of natural deposits; Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories. Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) (ppb)0 60 1.3-52 24.85 By-product of drinking water disinfection. Nitrate (as Nitrogen) (ppm)10.4 10.4 N/A .19 Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits. TTHM (Total trihalomethanes) (ppb)0 80 7.9-61.2 26.03 By-product of drinking water disinfection. Total Coliform Bacteria 0 Present 0 Present N/A 1%Naturally present in the environment. *This is the value used to determine compliance with federal standards. It sometimes is the highest value detected and sometimes is an average of all the detected values. If it is an average, it may contain sampling results from the previous year.  5 out of 2,180 samples were positive for total coliforms. Follow-up sampling showed no contamination present. **Lowest Monthly Percentage of Samples Meeting the Turbidity Limits. ***Highest Single Measurement. ****Highest and Lowest Monthly Average. *****Highest Quarterly Average. Contaminant (units)MRDLG MRDL *********Typical Source of Contaminant Chlorine (ppm)4 4 .5-3.9 3.4 Water additive used to control microbes. Contaminant (units)MCLG AL 90 Percentile Level # sites over AL Typical Source of Contaminant Copper (ppm) (07/26/2012)1.3 1.3 .07 0 out of 50 Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits. Lead (ppb)0 15 3.2 1 out of 50 Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits. Contaminant (units)MCLG MCL *****Typical Source of Contaminant Turbidity (NTU)N/A TT 100 .19 Soil runoff. Contaminant Unit % Removal Requirement % Removal Achieved # of Quarters out of Compliance Typical Source of Contaminant Total Organic Carbon % Removed 25-30%43.5-60%0 Naturally present in the environment. Turbidity is a measure of the clarity of the water. We monitor it because it is a good indicator of the effectiveness of our filtration system. 11 Infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the action level could experience delays in their physical or mental development. Children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The City of Minneapolis 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 two 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 www.epa.gov/safewater/lead. Monitoring may have been done for additional contaminates that do not have MCLs established for them and are not required to be monitored under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Results may be available by calling 651-201-4700 or 1-800-818-9318 during normal business hours. 12 C ity Gets New Jet/Vac Vehicle By Hannah Watkins The Public Works Department has added a new Jet/Vac vehicle to its fleet. The vehicle serves as a combination unit, using two processes to complete a task. When used for cleaning out sewage drains, the vehicle’s jetting mode is employed, where high-pressured water shoots from a hose. This is followed by vacuuming, where a hose sucks up the waste that’s been rinsed from the sewage drain. Use of the vehicle increases the effectiveness of cleaning sewers and reduces the time employees spend in the sewer system. “The main reason the Public Works Department purchased this unit is because it takes the human element out of much of the work that is done, keeping the employees safer,” said Utilities Supervisor Gary Wells. With this newest addition, the City owns two Jet/Vac vehicles. Four people will work with the vehicles year round to clean the sewers, but may also use the vehicles for other tasks. Periodically, the Public Works Department will be asked to assist in a contractor’s excavation. Sometimes, underground utilities include a gas line that must be protected from damage. In these cases, the Jet/ Vac is gentler than using a backhoe. It washes away dirt surrounding the utility line and vacuums it up. The Public Works Department also trains with the Fire-Rescue & Inspections Department’s Special Operations Team in using the Jet/Vac vehicle, just in case they are called to the scene of a trench collapse. In 2012, a man was trapped under a large piece of concrete at a property in Edina undergoing construction. The Jet/Vac truck was used to assist in the rescue of the worker by removing dirt and debris to free him. The Department was given $100,000 when it traded in a 2003 Jet/Vac vehicle. The money went toward the new vehicle. The rest of the money used to purchase the new $266,000 Jet/Vac vehicle came from the Utility Fund. The other Jet/Vac vehicle was purchased in 2013. For more information, contact Wells at 952-826-0316. The Public Works Streets Division pose with the Department’s two Jet/Vac vehicles. Ph o t o b y M i c h a e l B r a u n