Kalispell water passes annual tests

Even with minute levels of lead, barium and chlorine, Kalispell’s tap water is safe to drink, according to a new report from the city.

The 2014 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report marked low levels of most common contaminants in the local water supply. The findings are similar to studies in recent years.

“Our quality of water meets or exceeds the state or federal regulations that we’re governed by,” said Joe Schrader, the utility management superintendent for the city.

What he means is that the no contaminant in the water exceeded the maximum risk level set by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Still, most water isn’t absent of certain chemicals or compounds.

Contaminants generally come from erosion from the surrounding environment that gets into the water source. The city draws from aquifers that feed nine wells around town. The water is treated by chlorination before it reaches residents’ faucets, according to the report.

The chlorine level in tap water sits at 0.38 parts per million, according to the report. The federal limit is 4. Other contaminants, such as fluoride, barium and nitrate, are similarly well under the threshold.

The copper level is 0.06 ppm, with the limit set at 1.3.

Three contaminants fell below the federal requirement for additional treatment but were above the point at which there is “no known risk to health,” according to the study’s rating guide. That is because, for the three items, that risk level is zero.

Those are radium, uranium and lead. The highest level of the three is lead, which was measured at 5 parts per billion. The additional treatment trigger is 15 parts per billion.

Schrader said that Kalispell benefits from having groundwater sources because it typically requires less initial treatment than above-ground sources. It’s also naturally hard water — 12 grains per gallon — for people who need to set their water softeners.

The report ends with water conservation tips that Schrader said are important, no matter how stable the water supply is.

“It’s not because we’re short on water in town, but it’s good for everyone to be cognizant of our water conservation,” he said.

The full report can be viewed at the city’s public works website, http://www.kalispell.com/public_works/water.php.