Annual Drinking Water Quality Report MT0000274 Annual Water Quality Report for the period of January 1 to December 31, 2024 City of Libby This report is intended to provide you with important information about your drinking water and the efforts made by the water system to provide safe drinking water This report is intended to provide you with important information about your drinking water and the efforts made by the water system to provide safe drinking water. This annual drinking water report will NOT BE MAILED out to individual customers. A copy of this report can be picked up at the City Hall. For more information regarding this report please contact Jeff Haugen at 406-293-2067. Public Participation Opportunities: Libby City Council Meetings. Sources of Drinking Water 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 activity. Drinking 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 water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPAS Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791. Contaminants that may be present in source water include: Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife. Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming. Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses. Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems. Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations that limit the number of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health. Annual Drinking Water Quality ReportSome people may be more vulnerable to contaminants 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 about drinking water from their healthcare providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800426-4791). If 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. We are responsible for providing high-quality drinking water, but we cannotcontrol 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 30 seconds to 2 minutes 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 are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead. Asbestos Monitoring: Our Water system has been granted a waiver for asbestos sampling. As our customers, you have a right to know why we are not sampling for asbestos. We are required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminates on a regular basis. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of that drinking water has or has not met health standard. We will not conduct monitoring for asbestos because we have been granted a waiver by DEQ. This waiver is based on our certification that there is no asbestos concrete pipe in the distribution system. Source Water Information for City of Libby which is classified as a Surface Water system The source water assessment report for your water system provides additional information on your source water's susceptibility to contamination. To access this report please go to: https://deq.mt.gov/water/Programs/dw-sourcewater On the webpage scroll down and look under the subtitle "Montana Source Water Protection Viewer" and click the blue box with the same name. This will open the Montana Source Water Protection Viewer in a new tab on your internet browser. Once in there, click the grey box called "Source Water Reports" at the top. City of Libby utilizes the listed water sources below: Water Source Name INTAKE LOWER FLOWER CREEK RESERVOIR RESERVOIR 2 LOWER FLOWER CREEK RESERVOIR 1 UPPER Water Source Type Source Water Intake Reservoir FLOWER CREEK Reservoir Water Quality Test Results Definitions Definitions: The following tables contain scientific terms and measures, some of which may require explanation. Action Level: The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow. Avg: Regulatory compliance with some MCLS is based on running an annual average of monthly samples. Level 1 Assessment: A Level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system. Level 2 Assessment: A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions. Maximum Contaminant Level or MCL: The highest level of contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLS are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology. Maximum Contaminant Level Goal or 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 or MRDL: The highest level of disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that the addition of a disinfectant is necessary for the control of microbial contaminants. Maximum residual disinfectant level goal or 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 contaminants. N/A: Not applicable. ND: Not detectable at testing limit. Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) - Measure of the clarity or cloudiness of water. Turbidity more than 5 NTU is just noticeable to the typical person. Picocuries per liter (pCi/L) - Measure of the radioactivity in water. ppb: micrograms per liter or parts per billion or one ounce in 7,350,000 gallons of water. ppm: milligrams per liter or parts per million or one ounce in 7,350 gallons of water. Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level (SMCL): SMCLS are established as guidelines to assist public water systems in managing their drinking water for aesthetic considerations, such as taste, color, and odor. These contaminants are not considered to present a risk to human health at the SMCL. Treatment Technique or TT: A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water. The State of Montana DEQ requires us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants are not expected to vary significantly from year to year, or the system is not considered vulnerable to this type of contamination. Therefore, some of our data, though representative, may be more than one-year-old. Lead and Copper Action 90th Lead and Date MCLG (AL) Copper Sampled Level Percentile Sites Units Violation Likely Source of Contamination Over AL Copper 09- 232022 1.3 1.3 0.2 0 ppm N Lead 232022 ° 5 ppb Regulated Contaminants Chlorine Description of Water Treatment Process: Your water is treated in a "treatment train" (a series of processes applied in a sequence) that includes coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. Coagulation removes dirt and other particles suspended in the source water by adding chemicals (coagulants) to form tiny sticky particles called "floc," which attract the dirt particles. Flocculation (the formation of larger flocs from smaller Corrosion of household plumbing flocs) is achieved using gentle, constant mixing. The systems; Erosion of natural Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching from wood preservatives; Corrosion of household plumbing systems. Regulated Contaminants Contaminant Group: Disinfectants and Disinfection By-Products Highest Collection Year Level Detected Range of MCLG MCL Units Violation MADLG MROL-4 2024 0.70 58-31 4 N deposits. Likely Source of Contamination heavy particles settle naturally out of the water in a sedimentation basin. The clear water then moves to the filtration process where the water passes through coal, sand, and garnet that remove even smaller particles. A small amount of chlorine is used to kill bacteria and other microorganisms (viruses, cysts, etc.) that may be in the water before water is stored and distributed to homes and businesses in the community. Water additive used to Water Conservation Tips control microbes The chlorine highest level detected reflects the highest running annual average calculated each month during the CCR year. The range is the min/max of the monthly average during the COR year. Haloacetic Acids (HAAS) Trihalomethanes (TTHM) No goal 2024 25 15-25 total No goal 24 17-24 Did you know that the average U.S. household uses approximately 400 gallons of water per day or 100 gallons per person per day? Luckily, there are many By-product of drinking low-cost and no cost ways to conserve water. Small changes can make a big difference-try one today and soon it will become second nature. N water disinfection ppb N By-product of drinking water disinfection Contaminant Group: Inorganic Contaminants Regulated Contaminants Collection Year Highest Detected Fluoride 2020 0.03 MCL Units Violation Likely Source of Contamination 4 4 ppm N Erosion of natural deposits Water additive which Discharge from fertler Total Organic Carbon The percentage of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal was measured each month and the system met all TOC removal requirements set, unless a TOC violation is noted in the violations section Turbidity Date Limit (Treatment Level Detected Violation Source Technique) Contamination Highest single measurement (NTU) 2024 0.500 NTU 0.236 N Soll runoff 2024 At least 95% 100 N Take short showers. A 5-minute shower uses 4 to 5 gallons of water compared to up to 50 gallons for a bath. Shut off water while brushing your teeth, washing your hair and shaving and save up to 500 gallons a month. Use a water-efficient showerhead. They're inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month. Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month. Water plants only when necessary. Fix leaky toilets and faucets. Faucet washers are inexpensive and take only a few minutes to replace. To check your toilet for a leak, place a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing. you have a leak. Fixing it or replacing it with a new, more efficient model can save up to 1,000 gallons a month. Lowest monthly% Sell runoff meeting Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water. We monitor it because it is a good indicator of the effectiveness of our filtration system Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered. Apply water only as fast as the soil can absorb it and during the cooler parts of the day to reduce evaporation. Teach your kids about water conservation to ensure a future generation that uses water wisely. Make it a family effort to reduce next month's water bill! Visit www.epa.gov/watersense for more information Annual Drinking Water Quality Report MT0000274 Annual Water Quality Report for the period of January 1 to December 31 , 2024 City of Libby This report is intended to provide you with important information about your drinking water and the efforts made by the water system to provide safe drinking water This report is intended to provide you with important information about your drinking water and the efforts made by the water system to provide safe drinking water . This annual drinking water report will NOT BE MAILED out to individual customers . A copy of this report can be picked up at the City Hall . For more information regarding this report please contact Jeff Haugen at 406-293-2067 . Public Participation Opportunities : Libby City Council Meetings . Sources of Drinking Water 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 activity . Drinking 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 water poses a health risk . More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPAS Safe Drinking Water Hotline at ( 800 ) 426-4791 . Contaminants that may be present in source water include : Microbial contaminants , such as viruses and bacteria , which may come from sewage treatment plants , septic systems , agricultural livestock operations , and wildlife . Inorganic contaminants , such as salts and metals , which can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff , industrial or domestic wastewater discharges , oil and gas production , mining , or farming . Pesticides and herbicides , which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture , urban stormwater runoff , and residential uses . Organic chemical contaminants , including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals , which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production , and can also come from gas stations , urban stormwater runoff , and septic systems . Radioactive contaminants , which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities . In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink , EPA prescribes regulations that limit the number of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems . FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health . Annual Drinking Water Quality ReportSome people may be more vulnerable to contaminants 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 about drinking water from their healthcare providers . EPA / CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline ( 800426-4791 ) . If 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 . We are responsible for providing high - quality drinking water , but we cannotcontrol 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 30 seconds to 2 minutes 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 are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead . Asbestos Monitoring : Our Water system has been granted a waiver for asbestos sampling . As our customers , you have a right to know why we are not sampling for asbestos . We are required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminates on a regular basis . Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of that drinking water has or has not met health standard . We will not conduct monitoring for asbestos because we have been granted a waiver by DEQ . This waiver is based on our certification that there is no asbestos concrete pipe in the distribution system . Source Water Information for City of Libby which is classified as a Surface Water system The source water assessment report for your water system provides additional information on your source water's susceptibility to contamination . To access this report please go to : https://deq.mt.gov/water/Programs/dw-sourcewater On the webpage scroll down and look under the subtitle " Montana Source Water Protection Viewer " and click the blue box with the same name . This will open the Montana Source Water Protection Viewer in a new tab on your internet browser . Once in there , click the grey box called " Source Water Reports " at the top . City of Libby utilizes the listed water sources below : Water Source Name INTAKE LOWER FLOWER CREEK RESERVOIR RESERVOIR 2 LOWER FLOWER CREEK RESERVOIR 1 UPPER Water Source Type Source Water Intake Reservoir FLOWER CREEK Reservoir Water Quality Test Results Definitions Definitions : The following tables contain scientific terms and measures , some of which may require explanation . Action Level : The concentration of a contaminant which , if exceeded , triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow . Avg : Regulatory compliance with some MCLS is based on running an annual average of monthly samples . Level 1 Assessment : A Level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine ( if possible ) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system . Level 2 Assessment : A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine ( if possible ) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and / or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions . Maximum Contaminant Level or MCL : The highest level of contaminant that is allowed in drinking water . MCLS are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology . Maximum Contaminant Level Goal or 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 or MRDL : The highest level of disinfectant allowed in drinking water . There is convincing evidence that the addition of a disinfectant is necessary for the control of microbial contaminants . Maximum residual disinfectant level goal or 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 contaminants . N / A : Not applicable . ND : Not detectable at testing limit . Nephelometric Turbidity Unit ( NTU ) - Measure of the clarity or cloudiness of water . Turbidity more than 5 NTU is just noticeable to the typical person . Picocuries per liter ( pCi / L ) - Measure of the radioactivity in water . ppb : micrograms per liter or parts per billion or one ounce in 7,350,000 gallons of water . ppm : milligrams per liter or parts per million or one ounce in 7,350 gallons of water . Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level ( SMCL ) : SMCLS are established as guidelines to assist public water systems in managing their drinking water for aesthetic considerations , such as taste , color , and odor . These contaminants are not considered to present a risk to human health at the SMCL . Treatment Technique or TT : A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water . The State of Montana DEQ requires us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants are not expected to vary significantly from year to year , or the system is not considered vulnerable to this type of contamination . Therefore , some of our data , though representative , may be more than one - year - old . Lead and Copper Action 90th Lead and Date MCLG ( AL ) Copper Sampled Level Percentile Sites Units Violation Likely Source of Contamination Over AL Copper 09- 232022 1.3 1.3 0.2 0 ppm N Lead 232022 ° 5 ppb Regulated Contaminants Chlorine Description of Water Treatment Process : Your water is treated in a " treatment train " ( a series of processes applied in a sequence ) that includes coagulation , flocculation , sedimentation , filtration , and disinfection . Coagulation removes dirt and other particles suspended in the source water by adding chemicals ( coagulants ) to form tiny sticky particles called " floc , " which attract the dirt particles . Flocculation ( the formation of larger flocs from smaller Corrosion of household plumbing flocs ) is achieved using gentle , constant mixing . The systems ; Erosion of natural Erosion of natural deposits ; Leaching from wood preservatives ; Corrosion of household plumbing systems . Regulated Contaminants Contaminant Group : Disinfectants and Disinfection By - Products Highest Collection Year Level Detected Range of MCLG MCL Units Violation MADLG MROL - 4 2024 0.70 58-31 4 N deposits . Likely Source of Contamination heavy particles settle naturally out of the water in a sedimentation basin . The clear water then moves to the filtration process where the water passes through coal , sand , and garnet that remove even smaller particles . A small amount of chlorine is used to kill bacteria and other microorganisms ( viruses , cysts , etc. ) that may be in the water before water is stored and distributed to homes and businesses in the community . Water additive used to Water Conservation Tips control microbes The chlorine highest level detected reflects the highest running annual average calculated each month during the CCR year . The range is the min / max of the monthly average during the COR year . Haloacetic Acids ( HAAS ) Trihalomethanes ( TTHM ) No goal 2024 25 15-25 total No goal 24 17-24 Did you know that the average U.S. household uses approximately 400 gallons of water per day or 100 gallons per person per day ? Luckily , there are many By - product of drinking low - cost and no cost ways to conserve water . Small changes can make a big difference - try one today and soon it will become second nature . N water disinfection ppb N By - product of drinking water disinfection Contaminant Group : Inorganic Contaminants Regulated Contaminants Collection Year Highest Detected Fluoride 2020 0.03 MCL Units Violation Likely Source of Contamination 4 4 ppm N Erosion of natural deposits Water additive which Discharge from fertler Total Organic Carbon The percentage of Total Organic Carbon ( TOC ) removal was measured each month and the system met all TOC removal requirements set , unless a TOC violation is noted in the violations section Turbidity Date Limit ( Treatment Level Detected Violation Source Technique ) Contamination Highest single measurement ( NTU ) 2024 0.500 NTU 0.236 N Soll runoff 2024 At least 95 % 100 N Take short showers . A 5 - minute shower uses 4 to 5 gallons of water compared to up to 50 gallons for a bath . Shut off water while brushing your teeth , washing your hair and shaving and save up to 500 gallons a month . Use a water - efficient showerhead . They're inexpensive , easy to install , and can save you up to 750 gallons a month . Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full . You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month . Water plants only when necessary . Fix leaky toilets and faucets . Faucet washers are inexpensive and take only a few minutes to replace . To check your toilet for a leak , place a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait . If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing . you have a leak . Fixing it or replacing it with a new , more efficient model can save up to 1,000 gallons a month . Lowest monthly % Sell runoff meeting Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water . We monitor it because it is a good indicator of the effectiveness of our filtration system Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered . Apply water only as fast as the soil can absorb it and during the cooler parts of the day to reduce evaporation . Teach your kids about water conservation to ensure a future generation that uses water wisely . Make it a family effort to reduce next month's water bill ! Visit www.epa.gov/watersense for more information