Another Alliance water well has been taken off line due to arsenic issues.

The Alliance Water Department received notification from the Nebraska
Department of Health that the arsenic level in one of it’s municipal wells near the BNSF Railway has exceeded the 10 parts per billion standard over the four-quarter period of 2012.

The average exceeded for the period was 2 parts per billion.

As a result the water department is required to mail a notice to all water customers. These notices will be mailed with each customers utility bill beginning November 20th.

“Since this well was blended with water from other municipal wells the department feels that at no time was the 10 parts per billion limit exceeded in the distribution system,” said City Water Supt. Mike Hulquist.

“The notice specifically says that this was not an immediate risk,” he added.

The Water Department permanently discontinued the use of the well on Oct. 19, 2012.

Below is the letter that will be sent to Alliance water customers in their utility bills between Nov. 20 and mid December.

In accordance with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Regulations Governing Public Water Supply Systems, the consumers of the City of Alliance public water supply system are hereby notified that the system is in violation of the established drinking water standard for arsenic of 0.010 milligrams per liter (mg/L) for the quarterly period of October 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012. Arsenic has been measured at annual average concentration of 0.011 mg/L* in routine samples collected from the City of Alliance public water system.

* The dates of, and results from the actual samples were as follows:

Date – Sampled Results
February 13, 2012 – 0.012 mg/L
March 12, 2012 – 0.012 mg/L
May 29, 2012 – 0.010 mg/L
August 7, 2012 – 0.011 mg/L
November 5, – 2012 0.010 mg/L

Some people who drink water containing arsenic in excess of the MCL over many years could experience skin damage or problems with their circulatory system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

What should I do?  DO NOT BOIL THE WATER. Boiling, freezing, or letting water stand does not reduce the arsenic level. Excessive boiling can make the arsenic more concentrated, because arsenic remains behind when the water evaporates.

** You do not need to use an alternative (e.g., bottled) water supply. This is not an immediate risk. The effects associated with exposure to arsenic at these levels are the result of many years of constant exposure. However, if you have health concerns, consult your doctor.

What happened? What is being done?

Arsenic is a metal that occurs naturally in the environment, and may occur as a by-product of some agricultural and industrial activities. Arsenic can enter the drinking water through the ground or as run-off into surface water sources.

For more information, contact the City of Alliance Water Department at 762-1907.