Water Testing Performed in 2009Consumer Confidence ReportConsumer

Confidence

Report

Why You Should Read Your Consumer Confidence Report

The Service Authority carefully monitors the water it provides to all our customers. This annual water quality report shows you the analyses of more than 130 different regulated chemical contaminants as detected in water samples taken throughout calendar year 2009. State and federal law requires water utilities to send Consumer Confidence Reports to their customers every year. As you will find upon reading this report, all of the regulated substances in your water tested below the Maximum Contaminant Level.2009

Prince William County Service AuthorityP.O. Box 2266Woodbridge, VA 22195-2266www.pwcsa.org

For more information about this report, or for any questions relating to your drinking water, please visit our Web site www.pwcsa.org or call Nathan Tice, Water Quality and Compliance Officer, at (703) 335-7980.

Dear Valued Customer,

I am pleased to present the Service Authority’s calendar year 2009 Consumer Confidence Report, our annual report detailing the quality of the water we supply to you. In the following pages, you will find that the water we provided to you last year met all state and federal water quality standards. We also experienced no water quality violations.

We are committed to providing high quality, safe and reliable service to you 24 hours a day while also working hard to protect and improve our environment. Accomplishing this requires the investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in highly advanced water and wastewater treatment, collection and transmission methods. Our wastewater treatment plants prevent many harmful pollutants from reaching our waterways, keeping lakes, rivers and streams safe for recreation and fishing and improving the health of one of the nation’s natural treasures, the Chesapeake Bay. The water treatment plants and distribution system that serve our customers must be monitored around the clock for operational performance and security to ensure our top-quality drinking water reaches homes and businesses across the county safely and efficiently.

A significant portion of the Authority’s $1.2 billion in capital assets is located underground and is not visible to our customers. As you read this Consumer Confidence Report, I hope you can gain a greater appreciation of the value of our most precious natural resource as well as the effort and dedication that goes into bringing it to you every day.

Sincerely,

Dean E. DickeyGeneral Manager

EPA Drinking Water HotlineDrinking 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 the water poses any health risk. More information on contaminants, potential health effects and United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on ways to reduce the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium or other microbial contaminants can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Important Health InformationSome people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised persons such as individuals with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, the elderly and infants may be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

PWCSA2009

For more information: www.pwcsa.org

2009

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2009 CCR

If your address ends in an... Please water on...EVEN number * Monday, Thursday and SaturdayODD number * Sunday, Tuesday and Friday

*Customers may irrigate on Wednesday as an alternate day.

Lead in Drinking WaterIf present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The Prince William County Service Authority 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 15 to 30 seconds or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature 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 at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Peak Use Season begins on the first day of May each year and extends through the end of October. By altering the days on which you irrigate and using some smart landscaping tips, you can save money on your water bill and help restore water pressure in your neighborhood during peak hours. As a result, the Service Authority is asking customers to adhere to the watering schedule below:

2 5

MESSAGE FROM THEGENERAL MANAGER

Do You Have a Cross Connection?Cross connections are unprotected connections between a potable water system and any source or system containing untreated water or a substance that may not be considered safe. Over the last several years, the American Water Works Association has documented hundreds of incidents nationwide involving cross connections that have resulted in backflow of contaminants into the potable water supply. Examples include illness caused by pesticides, antifreeze, metals, paint solvents and acid entering the supply.

To prevent contaminants from being drawn into our potable water supply through an undesirable reversal of flow in our distribution system, the Service Authority Cross Connection Control Plan requires the installation of devices between the potable water supply and source of potential contamination. All homes and businesses should have backflow protection. Please refer to our website for more information at www.pwcsa.org.

Early detection of water leaks in and around your home saves water, energy and money, which is good for you and your community. Leaky toilets are the most common source of water loss inside your home. One easy way to test a toilet for leaks is to place a couple dye tablets or a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. If the colored water from the tank leaks into the toilet bowl after a few hours, purchasing and installing a new flapper may be all that’s needed. Be sure to also carefully monitor faucets and outside fixtures for slow leaks that may not be easily noticed, but can waste up to 450 gallons of water per month! Additionally, by paying attention to unusual wet spots in your lawn you may be able to detect an underground leak on your water line. Customers are encouraged to visit the Customer Service section of www.pwcsa.org for more leak detection tips. If you need assistance regarding how to identify typical sources of leaks, please contact the Service Authority Customer Service Department by calling (703) 335-7950.

It’s easy, convenient and secure!Enjoy the benefits and convenience of managing your account online. We invite you to join the more than 20,000 Service Authority customers that have already signed up for the Authority’s online Customer Self Service program. Like them, you will be able to:

View and pay your Service Authority bill online.• Manage your account from any secure Internet connection.Pay electronically.• Save on postage by paying with E-CHECK, a FREE service - no fee. Credit and debit card payments also accepted at a transaction charge.Review your account activity.• See your billing, payment and consumption history.Go “paperless” by signing up for E-BILL.• Conveniently receive notifications directly to your email account when it’s time to pay your bill online, and “go green” by saving paper!

It’s easy to sign up! To participate, simply go to www.pwcsa.org, click on Customer Self Service, and follow the instructions for creating your new online account.

Help Protect Your Water SupplyIt is essential to ensure our water system has a reliable flow for fire suppression, that the community has an adequate, high quality and safe water supply and the appropriate access to that supply. The Service Authority’s Designated Fire Hydrant Program protects you from service interruptions, potential contamination, safety hazards that fill-ups may cause, and restricts unauthorized access to the water system. With the exception of Service Authority employees and firemen, if you observe hydrant usage from hydrants without the gray disc tag, we encourage citizens to contact us at (703) 335-7982.

Pay Your Bills and Manage Your Account Online:

The Value of Early Detection: Catching and Stopping Residential Leaks

Requested Irrigation Schedule

2009 CCR

PWCSA2009

2009 CCR 3

Source Water AssessmentThe eight groundwater wells located in the Bull Run Mountain and Evergreen System are rated as high for susceptibility to contamination. These groundwater sources are constructed in an area that tends to promote migration of contaminants with land use activities of concern in a Zone 1 assessment area, or within a 1000-ft. radius of the well site. The single well located in the Evergreen Water System is also rated high for susceptibility to contamination. This groundwater source is constructed in an area that tends to promote migration of contaminants with potential conduits to groundwater in the Zone 1 assessment area and potential sources of contamination in the Zone 1 or Zone 2 (1-mile radius of the well site) assessment areas. Copies of the Source Water Assessment can be obtained by contacting Don Pannell, Director of the Operations and Maintenance Division at (703) 335-7980.

Where Does My Water Come From?The Bull Run Mountain and Evergreen Water System is supplied from groundwater sources. The eight deep-drilled rock wells are located throughout the water system in the lower part of Bull Run Mountain. This system also supplies water to the Evergreen Water System which has an additional deep-drilled rock well on Berkeley Drive near the entrance to the Evergreen County Club. Water is also pumped from the Bull Run Mountain Lower Water System to the Bull Run Mountain Upper Water System.

Substances that Could Be in Drinking WaterTo ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the US EPA prescribes regulations limiting the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health. The sources of drinking water include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels over land surfaces 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 human activity. The good news is that each of these substances fell below regulated levels.

Microbial Contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, wildlife and natural and developed community settings, including storm water discharge.Inorganic Contaminants, such as salts and metals, which may naturally occur or may result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production and mining or farming.Pesticides and Herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, forested areas, golf courses, urban storm water runoff and residential uses.Organic Chemical Contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and may come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff and septic systems.Radioactive Contaminants, which may naturally occur or may be the result of oil and gas production, mining activities and erosion of natural deposits.

NEW – EPA’s Ground Water Rule Took Effect on December 1, 2009

New Combined Monitoring Plans were developed by the Service Authority and approved by the Virginia Department of Health to facilitate expanded monitoring requirements should we ever have to perform this new monitoring. Additionally, more progressive standards are being employed with treatment technology, surveillance systems, preventive planning and even more stringent inspection criteria. To learn more, you may visit: www.vdh.state.va.us/drinkingwater/documents/groundwaterrule.pdf

Water Treatment ProcessTreatment is limited to corrosion control using sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment. The finished water is no longer very aggressive and will promote pipe longevity while reducing the leaching of metals in the distribution system and home plumbing. Some wells may also be filtered for sediment removal. We are proud to be one of the few Virginia community water systems that does not require disinfection treatment. The Bull Run Mountain & Evergreen Water System is Virginia’s largest non-chlorinated community water supply. We pride ourselves with having pristine natural source waters. Most wells are dosed with sodium hydroxide to raise the pH and reduce the water’s natural corrosiveness. This has led to a remarkable reduction on the number of service interuptions due to line failure from corrosion and also reduced the leaching of many materials, particularly lead and copper.

For more information: www.pwcsa.org

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Regulated Substances: Table DefinitionsAL (Action Level): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.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.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.MRDL (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level): The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.MRDLG (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal): 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 contaminants.NA: Not applicable ND (Not detected): Indicates that the substance was not found by laboratory analysis.pCi/L (picocuries per liter): A measure of radioactivity.ppb (parts per billion): One part substance per billion parts water (or micrograms per liter).ppm (parts per million): One part substance per million parts water (or milligrams per liter).

Regulated Substances Table for Bull Run Mountain & Evergreen Combined Community Water SystemPWSID#’s 6153050 & 6153051

Naturally Occurring BacteriaThe simple fact is bacteria and other microorganisms inhabit our world. They can be found all around us: in our food; on our skin; in our bodies; and, in the air, soil and water. Some are harmful to us and some are not. Coliform bacteria are common in the environment and are generally not harmful themselves. The presence of this bacterial form in drinking water is a concern because it indicates that the water may be contaminated with other organisms that can cause disease. Throughout the year, we tested each month for coliform bacteria. In that time, none of the samples came back positive for the bacteria. Federal regulations now require that public water testing positive for coliform bacteria must be further analyzed for fecal coliform bacteria. Fecal coliform are present only in human and animal waste. Because these bacteria can cause illness, it is unacceptable for fecal coliform to be present in water at any concentration. Our tests indicate no fecal coliform is present in our water.

Sampling ResultsDuring the past year we have taken hundreds of water samples in order to determine the presence of any radioactive, biological, inorganic, volatile organic or synthetic organic contaminants. The table above shows only those contaminants that were detected in the water. Although all of the substances listed here are under the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), we feel it is important that you know exactly what was detected and how much of the substance was present in the water.

The state allows us to monitor for certain substances less than once per year because the concentrations of these substances do not change frequently. In these cases, the most recent sample data are included, along with the year in which the sample was taken.

Substance (Unit of Measure)

Year Sampled

MCL[MRDL]

MCLG[MRDLG]

Amount Detected

Range Low-High Violation Typical Source

Alpha Emitters (pCi/L) 2008 15 0 1.8 0.5–1.8 No Erosion of natural deposits

Barium (ppm) 2008 2 2 0.42 0.42 No Discharge of drilling wastes; metal refineries; and erosion from natural deposits

Beta/Photon Emitters1 (pCi/L)

2008 50 0 3.0 1.3–4.4 No Decay of natural and man-made deposits

Combined Radium (pCi/L)

2008 5 0 1.2 0.2–1.2 No Erosion of natural deposits

Nitrate (ppm) 2009 10 10 1.02 ND–1.02 No Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits

Tap water samples were collected from 20 sample sites throughout the community.

Substance(Unit of Measure)

YearSampled

ActionLevel MCLG

AmountDetected

(90th%tile)

Sites AboveAction Level Violation Typical Source

Copper (ppm) 2008 1.3 1.3 0.551 0 No Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives

Lead (ppb) 2008 15 0 6.97 0 No Corrosion of household plumbing systems and erosion of natural deposits

1The MCL for beta particles is 4 mrem/year. The US EPA considers 50 pCi/L to be the level of concern for beta particles.

Biological Testing: The Service Authority is pleased to report no confirmed coliform bacteria or E. coli in our water system, no violations and no other known significant biological health risks to consumers during the 2009 calendar year.

Dear Valued Customer,

I am pleased to present the Service Authority’s calendar year 2009 Consumer Confidence Report, our annual report detailing the quality of the water we supply to you. In the following pages, you will find that the water we provided to you last year met all state and federal water quality standards. We also experienced no water quality violations.

We are committed to providing high quality, safe and reliable service to you 24 hours a day while also working hard to protect and improve our environment. Accomplishing this requires the investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in highly advanced water and wastewater treatment, collection and transmission methods. Our wastewater treatment plants prevent many harmful pollutants from reaching our waterways, keeping lakes, rivers and streams safe for recreation and fishing and improving the health of one of the nation’s natural treasures, the Chesapeake Bay. The water treatment plants and distribution system that serve our customers must be monitored around the clock for operational performance and security to ensure our top-quality drinking water reaches homes and businesses across the county safely and efficiently.

A significant portion of the Authority’s $1.2 billion in capital assets is located underground and is not visible to our customers. As you read this Consumer Confidence Report, I hope you can gain a greater appreciation of the value of our most precious natural resource as well as the effort and dedication that goes into bringing it to you every day.

Sincerely,

Dean E. DickeyGeneral Manager

EPA Drinking Water HotlineDrinking 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 the water poses any health risk. More information on contaminants, potential health effects and United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on ways to reduce the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium or other microbial contaminants can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Important Health InformationSome people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised persons such as individuals with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, the elderly and infants may be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

PWCSA2009

For more information: www.pwcsa.org

2009

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ort

2009 CCR

If your address ends in an... Please water on...EVEN number * Monday, Thursday and SaturdayODD number * Sunday, Tuesday and Friday

*Customers may irrigate on Wednesday as an alternate day.

Lead in Drinking WaterIf present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The Prince William County Service Authority 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 15 to 30 seconds or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature 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 at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Peak Use Season begins on the first day of May each year and extends through the end of October. By altering the days on which you irrigate and using some smart landscaping tips, you can save money on your water bill and help restore water pressure in your neighborhood during peak hours. As a result, the Service Authority is asking customers to adhere to the watering schedule below:

2 5

MESSAGE FROM THEGENERAL MANAGER

Do You Have a Cross Connection?Cross connections are unprotected connections between a potable water system and any source or system containing untreated water or a substance that may not be considered safe. Over the last several years, the American Water Works Association has documented hundreds of incidents nationwide involving cross connections that have resulted in backflow of contaminants into the potable water supply. Examples include illness caused by pesticides, antifreeze, metals, paint solvents and acid entering the supply.

To prevent contaminants from being drawn into our potable water supply through an undesirable reversal of flow in our distribution system, the Service Authority Cross Connection Control Plan requires the installation of devices between the potable water supply and source of potential contamination. All homes and businesses should have backflow protection. Please refer to our website for more information at www.pwcsa.org.

Early detection of water leaks in and around your home saves water, energy and money, which is good for you and your community. Leaky toilets are the most common source of water loss inside your home. One easy way to test a toilet for leaks is to place a couple dye tablets or a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. If the colored water from the tank leaks into the toilet bowl after a few hours, purchasing and installing a new flapper may be all that’s needed. Be sure to also carefully monitor faucets and outside fixtures for slow leaks that may not be easily noticed, but can waste up to 450 gallons of water per month! Additionally, by paying attention to unusual wet spots in your lawn you may be able to detect an underground leak on your water line. Customers are encouraged to visit the Customer Service section of www.pwcsa.org for more leak detection tips. If you need assistance regarding how to identify typical sources of leaks, please contact the Service Authority Customer Service Department by calling (703) 335-7950.

It’s easy, convenient and secure!Enjoy the benefits and convenience of managing your account online. We invite you to join the more than 20,000 Service Authority customers that have already signed up for the Authority’s online Customer Self Service program. Like them, you will be able to:

View and pay your Service Authority bill online.• Manage your account from any secure Internet connection.Pay electronically.• Save on postage by paying with E-CHECK, a FREE service - no fee. Credit and debit card payments also accepted at a transaction charge.Review your account activity.• See your billing, payment and consumption history.Go “paperless” by signing up for E-BILL.• Conveniently receive notifications directly to your email account when it’s time to pay your bill online, and “go green” by saving paper!

It’s easy to sign up! To participate, simply go to www.pwcsa.org, click on Customer Self Service, and follow the instructions for creating your new online account.

Help Protect Your Water SupplyIt is essential to ensure our water system has a reliable flow for fire suppression, that the community has an adequate, high quality and safe water supply and the appropriate access to that supply. The Service Authority’s Designated Fire Hydrant Program protects you from service interruptions, potential contamination, safety hazards that fill-ups may cause, and restricts unauthorized access to the water system. With the exception of Service Authority employees and firemen, if you observe hydrant usage from hydrants without the gray disc tag, we encourage citizens to contact us at (703) 335-7982.

Pay Your Bills and Manage Your Account Online:

The Value of Early Detection: Catching and Stopping Residential Leaks

Requested Irrigation Schedule

2009 CCR

Water Testing Performed in 2009Consumer Confidence ReportConsumer

Confidence

Report

Why You Should Read Your Consumer Confidence Report

The Service Authority carefully monitors the water it provides to all our customers. This annual water quality report shows you the analyses of more than 130 different regulated chemical contaminants as detected in water samples taken throughout calendar year 2009. State and federal law requires water utilities to send Consumer Confidence Reports to their customers every year. As you will find upon reading this report, all of the regulated substances in your water tested below the Maximum Contaminant Level.2009

Prince William County Service AuthorityP.O. Box 2266Woodbridge, VA 22195-2266www.pwcsa.org

For more information about this report, or for any questions relating to your drinking water, please visit our Web site at www.pwcsa.org or call (703) 335-7980.