Public Notification
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
GRINNELL WATER DEPARTMENT Has Levels of Radium, Combined (226, 228) Above Drinking Water Standards

Our water system recently exceeded a drinking water standard. This is not an emergency, as our customers, we want to inform you what happened, what you should do, and what we are doing to correct this situation. 

We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. Testing results we received on March 28, 2024, show that our system exceeds the standard, or maximum contaminant level (MCL), for Radium, Combined (226, 228). The standard for Radium, Combined (226, 228) is 5 PCI/L. The average level of Radium, Combined (226, 228) over the last year was 6.2 PCI/L.

What should I do?

The water is safe for consumption. You do not need to use an alternative (e.g., bottled) water supply. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.

 What does this mean?

This is not an immediate risk. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately.  However, some people who drink water containing Radium 226 or 228 in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

What happened? What is being done?

Our current treatment plant has no means of removing Radium, which occurs naturally in the water from the Jordan Aquifer. The new treatment plant (scheduled for substantial completion in late 2026) will resolve this issue. One of our wells (well #7) exhibits higher levels than the other wells (wells #8 and #9) and was in rotation more frequently this year because of maintenance on another well. We will limit use of this well until completion of the new treatment facility.

For more information, please contact Water Department Director, Keagan Richmond, at 641-990-7521 or at the water plant 702 Main Street.

DNR Region 5 staff can be reached at 515-725-0268

This notice is being sent to you by GRINNELL WATER DEPARTMENT   PWSID#: 7930008   Date distributed: May 1, 2024