Annual Water Report for Hanover Water Districts Published

* A direct link to each of the reports is available on the Water / Sewer Department page of this website

Annual Drinking Water Quality Report Addendum for 2024

Town of Hanover Water District #1

Town of Hanover Water District #2

68 Hanover Street

Silver Creek, NY 14136

Public Water Supply ID# NY0600393 & NY0600394

INTRODUCTION

The information contained in this report is a supplement to the report prepared by the Erie County Water Authority (ECWA). If you did not receive their Annual Water Quality Report, feel free to contact the Town of Hanover Water & Sewer Department at (716) 934-2231 for a copy or it can be obtained on-line at https://www.ecwa.org/files/pdf/2024_awqr_report.pdf.

Last year, your tap water met all State drinking water health standards. We are proud to report that our system did not violate a maximum contaminant level or any other water quality standard.

WHERE DOES OUR WATER COME FROM

Water for Hanover Water District #1 is provided directly by the Erie County Water Authority; water for Hanover Water District #2 is also from the ECWA, but it is provided by the Village of Silver Creek. The ultimate source of water provided by the ECWA is from Lake Erie and it is extensively treated. More information about their water source and treatment can be found in their Annual Water Quality Report. The Town of Hanover Water District #1 also has a booster chlorination station that is used to maintain proper chlorine levels in the water.

ARE THERE CONTAMINANTS IN OUR DRINKING WATER?

As the State regulations require, we routinely test your drinking water for numerous contaminants. These contaminants include: Total coliform, Total Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids and Lead and Copper. The table presented below depicts which compounds were detected in your drinking water. The State allows us to test for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of our data, though representative, are more than one year old.

It should be noted that all drinking water, including bottled drinking water, may be reasonably 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 (800-426-4791) or the Chautauqua County Health Department at 716-753-4481.

Table of Detected Contaminants Hanover Water District #1

Contaminant

Violation

Date of Sample

Level

Detected

Unit

Measure-ment

Regulatory Limit

MCL/AL

MCLG

Likely Source of Contamination

STAGE 2 DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS

Total Trihalomethanes

(Adams St)

Quarterly

(2024)

Avg.= 65.6

Range=

43.75– 91.69

ug/l

80(MCL)

N/A

By-products of drinking water chlorination.

Haloacetic Acids

(Wastewater Plant)

Quarterly

(2024)

Avg.= 32.46

Range=

27.54 – 43.5

ug/l

60(MCL)

N/A

By-products of drinking water chlorination. TTHM's are formed when source water contains large amounts of organic matter.

INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS

Copper(1)

6/13/23-7/18/23

0.0775

Range=

0.0133-0.0796

mg/l

1.3(AL)

1.3

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching from wood preservatives

Lead(2)

6/13/23-7/18/23

2.1

Range=

ND-3.85

ug/l

15(AL)

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits.

Table of Detected Contaminants Hanover Water District #2

Contaminant

Violation

Date of Sample

Level

Detected

Unit

Measure-ment

Regulatory Limit

MCL/AL

MCLG

Likely Source of Contamination

DISINFECTANT

Chlorine

Residual

Daily

(2024)

Avg.= 1.0

Range=

0.73 – 1.51

mg/l

4.0 (MCL)

N/A

Water additive used to control microbes.

INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS

Copper(1)

6/13/23-7/18/23

0.0775

Range=

0.0133-0.0796

mg/l

1.3(AL)

1.3

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching from wood preservatives

Lead(2)

6/13/23-7/18/23

2.1

Range=

ND-3.85

ug/l

15 (AL)

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits.

STAGE 2 DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS (LAST WATER CONNECTION)

Total Trihalomethanes

8/8/24

66.57

ug/l

80 (MCL)

N/A

By-products of drinking water chlorination.

Total

Haloacetic Acids

8/8/24

3.75

ug/l

60 (MCL)

N/A

By-products of drinking water chlorination. Formed when source water contains large amounts of organic matter.

DISINFECTANT

Chlorine

Residual

Daily

(2024)

Avg.= 1.0

Range=

0.73 – 1.51

mg/l

4.0 (MCL)

N/A

Water additive used to control microbes.

Notes:

The level presented represents the 90^th percentile of the 15 sites tested within the two water districts. A percentile is a value on a scale of 100 that indicates the percent of a distribution that is equal to or below it. The 90^th percentile is equal to or greater than 90% of the copper values detected at your two water systems. In this case, 15 samples were collected within the two water districts and the 90^th percentile value was 0.0775 mg/l. The action level for copper was not exceeded at any of the sites tested.
The level presented represents the 90^th percentile of the 15 sites tested within the two water districts. The 90^th percentile value for lead was 2.1 ug/l. The action level for lead was not exceeded at any of the sites tested.

Definitions:

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): 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.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL): The highest level of a disinfectant that is allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG): The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contamination.

Non-Detects (ND): Laboratory analysis indicates that the constituent is not present.

Milligrams per liter (mg/l): Corresponds to one part of liquid in one million parts of liquid (parts per million - ppm).

WHAT DOES THIS INFORMATION MEAN?

As you can see by the table, our system had no violations. We have learned through our testing that some contaminants have been detected; however, these contaminants were detected below the level allowed by the State. Lead and copper were detected within the system but of 15 samples collected none were found exceeding the action levels. We are however required to present the following information on Lead in drinking water:

Lead can cause serious health effects in people of all ages, especially pregnant people, infants (both formula-fed and breastfed), and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and parts used in service lines and in home plumbing. The Town of Hanover is responsible for providing high quality drinking water and removing lead pipes but cannot control the variety of materials used in the plumbing in your home. Because lead levels may vary over time, lead exposure is possible even when your tap sampling results do not detect lead at one point in time. You can help protect yourself and your family by identifying and removing lead materials within your home plumbing and taking steps to reduce your family's risk. Using a filter, certified by an American National Standards Institute accredited certifier to reduce lead, is effective in reducing lead exposures. Follow the instructions provided with the filter to ensure the filter is used properly. Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. Boiling water does not remove lead from water. Before using tap water for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula, flush your pipes for several minutes. You can do this by running your tap, taking a shower, doing laundry or a load of dishes. If you have a lead service line or galvanized requiring replacement service line, you may need to flush your pipes for a longer period. If you are concerned about lead in your water and wish to have your water tested, contact Town of Hanover Water & Sewer Department at (716) 934-2231. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

IS OUR WATER SYSTEM MEETING OTHER RULES THAT GOVERN OPERATIONS?

We are required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not your drinking water meets health standards. During 2024, our system was in compliance with applicable State drinking water operating, reporting and monitoring requirements.

INFORMATION ON LEAD SERVICE LINE INVENTORY

A Lead Service Line (LSL) is defined as any portion of pipe that is made of lead which connects the water main to the building inlet. An LSL may be owned by the water system, owned by the property owner, or both. The inventory includes both potable and non-potable SLs within a system. In accordance with the federal Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) our system has prepared a lead service line inventory and have made it publicly accessible by visiting the Town of Hanover’s website (direct URL) at www.hanoverny.org/departments/water-sewer/ and clicking on “LSLI” or by calling our office and requesting a hard copy of the inventory. You can also visit the Health Department website at: https://health.data.ny.gov/Health/New-York-State-Lead-Service-Line-Inventory-Map/fkii-zkcq

DO I NEED TO TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS?

Although our drinking water met or exceeded state and federal regulations, some people may be more vulnerable to disease causing microorganisms or pathogens in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons 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 from their health care provider about their drinking water. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium, Giardia and other microbial pathogens are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

INFORMATION FOR NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING RESIDENTS

Spanish

Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua beber. Tradúzcalo ó hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.

French

Ce rapport contient des informations importantes sur votre eau potable. Traduisez‑le ou parlez en avec quelqu’un qui le comprend bien.

WHY SAVE WATER AND HOW TO AVOID WASTING IT?

The Town of Hanover encourages water conservation. Although the Town has a reliable source of good water, it must not be wasted. A few simple steps will preserve the resources for future generations. You can play a role in conserving water by becoming conscious of the amount of water your household is using, and by looking for ways to use less whenever you can. It is not hard to conserve water. Conservation tips include:

Automatic dishwashers use 15 gallons for every cycle, regardless of how many dishes are loaded. So get a run for your money and load it to capacity.
Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.
Check every faucet in your home for leaks. Just a slow drip can waste 15 to 20 gallons a day. Fix it up and you can save almost 6,000 gallons per year.
Check your toilets for leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank, watch for a few minutes to see if the color shows up in the bowl. It is not uncommon to lose up to 100 gallons a day from one of these otherwise invisible toilet leaks. Fix it and you save more than 30,000 gallons a year.
Install water saving toilets, low flow shower heads and faucets.

CLOSING

Thank you for allowing us to continue to provide your family with quality drinking water this year. In order to maintain a safe and dependable water supply we sometimes need to make improvements that will benefit all of our customers. The costs of these improvements may be reflected in the rate structure. Rate adjustments may be necessary in order to address these improvements. We ask that all our customers help us protect our water sources, which are the heart of our community. Please call our office if you have questions.

Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for 2024

Hanover Water District #3 - Forestville

Town of Hanover

68 Hanover Street

Silver Creek, NY 14136

Public Water Supply ID# NY0600363

INTRODUCTION

To comply with State regulations, Hanover Water District #3 - Forestville annually issues a report describing the quality of your drinking water. The purpose of this report is to raise your understanding of drinking water and awareness of the need to protect our drinking water sources. Last year, your tap water met all State drinking water health standards and we are proud to report that our system did not violate a maximum contaminant level or any other water quality standard. We did, however, not meet all monitoring requirements. More information on this can be found in the “Is Our Water System Meeting Other Rules That Govern Operations?” section.

This report provides an overview of last year’s water quality. Included are details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to State standards. If you have any questions about this report or concerning your drinking water, please contact the Town of Hanover Water & Sewer Department at 716-934-2231. We want you to be informed about your drinking water. If you want to learn more, please attend any of our regularly scheduled town board meetings held on the second and fourth Monday of every month in the Town Hall on Hanover Street.

WHERE DOES OUR WATER COME FROM?

In general, the sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) 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 activities. Contaminants that may be present in source water include: microbial contaminants; inorganic contaminants; pesticides and herbicides; organic chemical contaminants; and radioactive contaminants. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the State and the EPA prescribe regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The State Health Department’s and the FDA’s regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

Our water system serves about 800 people including 400 residential homes, several small businesses, two schools, and one manufacturing firm. Our water source is from two high producing wells put into service in 2014, which replaced an antiquated spring system that could not meet Health Department standards. The water from the new wells is treated with poly orthophosphate to reduce iron, chlorinated and then flows into the village distribution system and water storage tank. Well #1 is our primary well and Well #2 is our emergency well. Well #2 contains low levels of hydrogen sulfide that imparts a sulfur odor to the water, and therefore is not routinely used.

ARE THERE CONTAMINANTS IN OUR DRINKING WATER?

As the State regulations require, we routinely test your drinking water for numerous contaminants. These contaminants include: total coliform, inorganic compounds, nitrate, nitrite, lead and copper, volatile organic compounds, synthetic organic compounds and disinfection by products. The table presented below depicts which compounds were detected in your drinking water. The State allows us to test for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of our data, though representative, are more than one year old. It should be noted that all drinking water, including bottled drinking water, may be reasonably 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 (800-426-4791) or the Chautauqua County Health Department at 716-753-4481.

Table of Detected Contaminants

Contaminant

Violation

Date of Sample

Level Detected

Unit

Measure-ment

Regulatory Limit

(MCL/AL)

MCLG

Likely Source of Contamination

INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS (From Customer Homes)

Lead (1)

8/1/23-8/2/23

2.2

Range=

ND-3.1

ug/l

15 (AL)

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits.

Copper (2)

8/1/23-8/2/23

0.159

Range=

0.019-0.227

mg/l

1.3 (AL)

1.3

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching from wood preservatives.

INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS (Well #1)

Barium	No	8/19/24	0.73	mg/l	2	2	Discharge of drilling wastes; Discharge from metal refineries; erosion or natural deposits.
Iron (3)	No	8/14/24	260	ug/l	300 (MCL)	N/A	Naturally occurring; Iron has no health effects. See more information below.
Manganese	No	8/14/24	29	ug/l	300 (MCL)	N/A	Naturally occurring; Indicative of landfill contamination.
Nitrate	No	8/14/24	0.05	mg/l	10	10	Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits.
Phosphate	No	Daily (2024)	Average: 0.29; Range: 0.1-1.18	mg/l	N/A	N/A	Used in treatment

INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS (Well #2)

Barium	No	8/19/24	0.34	mg/l	2	2	Discharge of drilling wastes; Discharge from metal refineries; erosion or natural deposits.
Iron (3)	No	11/14/23	270	ug/l	300 (MCL)	N/A	Naturally occurring; Iron has no health effects. See more information below.
Manganese	No	11/14/23	28	ug/l	300 (MCL)	N/A	Naturally occurring; Indicative of landfill contamination.
Phosphate	No	Daily (2024)	Average: 0.29; Range: 0.1-1.18	mg/l	N/A	N/A	Used in treatment

UNSPECIFIED ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS (Well #2)

Acetone (2-Propanone)

7/7/20

6.2

ug/l

N/A

Acetone occurs naturally and is used in production of paints, varnishes, plastics, adhesives, organic chemicals and alcohol.

Also used to clean and dry parts of precision equipment.

STAGE 2 DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS (3-5 Main St.)

Trihalomethanes

8/14/24

3.48

ug/l

N/A

By-product of chlorination needed to kill harmful organisms. Formed when source water contains large amounts of organic matter.

Haloacetic Acids

8/5/20

2.3

ug/l

N/A

By-product of drinking water chlorination needed to kill harmful organisms.

STAGE 2 DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS (29 Walnut)

Trihalomethanes

8/2/23

22.5

ug/l

N/A

By-product of chlorination needed to kill harmful organisms. Formed when source water contains large amounts of organic matter.

Haloacetic Acids

8/14/24

4.19

ug/L

N/A

By-product of drinking water chlorination needed to kill harmful organisms.

RADIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS (Well #1)

Gross Beta

8/9/24

1.0

pCi/L

15.0(MCL)

N/A

Erosion of natural deposits

Radium 228

8/14/24

0.43

pCi/L

5.0(MCL)

N/A

Erosion of natural deposits

DISINFECTANT (Entry Point)

Chlorine residual

Daily

(2024)

Avg.= 1.05

Range=

0.27 – 1.88

mg/l

4 (MCL)

N/A

Water additive used to control microbes.

Notes:

1-The level presented represents the 90th percentile of the 10 sites tested. A percentile is a value on a scale of 100 that indicates the percent of a distribution that is equal to or below it. The 90th percentile is equal to or greater than 90% of the Lead values detected at your water system. In this case 10 samples were collected at your water systems and the 90th percentile value was calculated to be the 2^nd highest sample result at 2.2 ug/l. The action level for Lead was not exceeded at any of the sites tested.

2-The level presented represents the 90th percentile of the 10 samples collected. In this case 10 samples were collected at your water systems and the 90th percentile value was calculated to be the 2^nd highest sample result at 0.159 mg/l. The action level for Copper was not exceeded at any of the sites tested.

3- Our sequestration treatment for iron causes it to remain in the dissolved state, so that it should not create any water quality problems such as brown or discolored water.

Definitions:

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): 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.

Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.

Picocuries per liter (pCi/L): A measure of the radioactivity in water.

Non-Detects (ND): Laboratory analysis indicates that the constituent is not present.

Milligrams per liter (mg/l): Corresponds to one part of liquid in one million parts of liquid (parts per million - ppm).

Micrograms per liter (ug/l): Corresponds to one part of liquid in one billion parts of liquid (parts per billion - ppb).

WHAT DOES THIS INFORMATION MEAN?

As you can see by the table, our system had no violations. We have learned through our testing that some contaminants have been detected; however, these contaminants were detected below the level allowed by the State. Lead and copper were detected within the system but of 10 samples collected none were found exceeding the action levels. We are however required to present the following information on Lead in drinking water:

Lead can cause serious health effects in people of all ages, especially pregnant people, infants (both formula-fed and breastfed), and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and parts used in service lines and in home plumbing. Hanover Water District is responsible for providing high quality drinking water and removing lead pipes but cannot control the variety of materials used in the plumbing in your home. Because lead levels may vary over time, lead exposure is possible even when your tap sampling results do not detect lead at one point in time. You can help protect yourself and your family by identifying and removing lead materials within your home plumbing and taking steps to reduce your family's risk. Using a filter, certified by an American National Standards Institute accredited certifier to reduce lead, is effective in reducing lead exposures. Follow the instructions provided with the filter to ensure the filter is used properly. Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. Boiling water does not remove lead from water. Before using tap water for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula, flush your pipes for several minutes. You can do this by running your tap, taking a shower, doing laundry or a load of dishes. If you have a lead service line or galvanized requiring replacement service line, you may need to flush your pipes for a longer period. If you are concerned about lead in your water and wish to have your water tested, contact Town of Hanover Water & Sewer Department at (716) 934-2231. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

IS OUR WATER SYSTEM MEETING OTHER RULES THAT GOVERN OPERATIONS?

We are required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not your drinking water meets health standards. During 2024, our system was in compliance with applicable State drinking water operating and reporting requirements, but not monitoring requirements. We failed to monitor for three constituents of synthetic organic compounds; we failed to monitor for total polychlorinated Biphenyls and thus cannot be sure of the quality of your drinking water for these contaminants during that time. We will monitor for these contaminants in 2025 and will notify our customers immediately if there are any issues.

INFORMATION ON LEAD SERVICE LINE INVENTORY

DO I NEED TO TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS?

Some people may be more vulnerable to disease causing microorganisms or pathogens in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons 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 from their health care provider about their drinking water. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium, Giardia and other microbial pathogens are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

INFORMATION FOR NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING RESIDENTS

Spanish

Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua beber. Tradúzcalo ó hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.

French

Ce rapport contient des informations importantes sur votre eau potable. Traduisez‑le ou parlez en avec quelqu’un qui le comprend bien.

WHY SAVE WATER AND HOW TO AVOID WASTING IT?

The bathroom consumes 75% of our water usage. Controlling this flow is the key to big water and energy savings. Consider installing a low-flow showerhead that uses less than 3 gallons per minute. You may need to experiment to find one you really like, but this investment can really help you save over time. Toilet leaks can also waste an enormous amount of water. A toilet that runs excessively after the tank has filled is wasting water and you may not even notice it is happening. If remodeling your bathroom, replace old toilets, which require 5-6 gallons of water per flush, with a new one, which uses only 1.5 gallons per flush. This can significantly reduce bathroom water usage.

Watering lawns and gardens and vehicle washing during the summer nearly doubles household water consumption at a time of year when streams are just beginning to run dry. Water wells and springs are also influenced by lack of rain in the summer months.

Water the grass only when needed. If it springs up after you walk on it, the grass is OK and does not need watering.
Soak grasses long enough for water to reach the roots. One good watering once a week is better than several light waterings.
Water the lawn early in the morning or at dusk in order to minimize evaporation loss and so not water on windy days for the same reason.
Keep grasses about 2 inches high in the summer to help hold the moisture.
Do not use sprinkles that spray fine mist because they waste a lot of water through evaporation.

CLOSING

Thank you for allowing us to continue to provide your family with the best quality of drinking water we can. In order to maintain a safe and dependable water supply we sometimes need to make improvements that will benefit all of our customers. The costs of these improvements may be reflected in the rate structure. Rate adjustments may be necessary in order to address these improvements. We ask that all of our customers help us protect our water sources, which are the heart of our community. Please call our office if you have questions