Ponderosa Utility Corporation operates under the regulations of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Arizona Corporation Commission (AZCC). We adhere to strict testing regulations established by ADEQ and the EPA, which limit the amounts of specific contaminants in the water to ensure that the quality of the water that is delivered to our customers is very high. Per ADEQ guidelines, we are NOT required to fluoridate or chlorinate our water to disinfect it, due to its natural purity, so we do not.
ADEQ: http://www.azdeq.gov/programs/wqd
EPA: http://www.epa.gov
AZCC: http://www.azcc.gov
Testing
Ponderosa Utility Corporation collects 2 Total Coliform (water) samples each month as required by ADEQ and the EPA at designated sample points throughout the water distribution system. All samples are then taken to the state certified, local laboratory Inner Basin Environmental (License #0807) for analysis. They utilize the Standard Method (SM) 9223.B to analyze the samples for either the presence (P) or absence (A) of Total Coliform. If a sample is found with the presence of Total Coliform, it is then tested for the presence or absence of E. coli. The test for Total Coliform and E. coli is a 24-hour test. Results are usually reported to Ponderosa Utility 24 hours after the test was started. Results received with a positive for Total Coliform, or E. coli triggers a repeat sample requirement at the original sample point and an upstream and downstream sample (a sample taken within five service connections upstream and downstream from the original sample point that tested positive). Repeat and triggered samples must be taken within 24-hours notification from the laboratory. If the repeat sample results are all absent of Total Coliform and E. coli, no further action is required.
Various combinations of positive routine and repeat samples trigger different tiers of notification. For example, a Tier 1 public notice is required for drinking water regulation violations and situations with a significant potential to have serious adverse effects on human health. This violation would put into effect a Boil Water Alert that would be hand delivered to the community and posted on our website. During this time, P.U.C would use chlorine to decontaminate the system to eliminate any potentially harmful bacteria that is present. Otherwise, we only use chlorine to disinfect a new main line before it is put into service.
Inner Basin Environmental http://www.ibelabs.com
What are Total Coliform and E. Coli bacteria?
Total Coliform is a group of bacteria that are present all around us, most of which are not dangerous to human health. The bacteria can be found in plants and soil. However, these bacteria are generally NOT present in groundwater and are an indication that more harmful organisms might be present. E. coli is a subgroup within the Total Coliform group which comes from the feces of warm-blooded animals. The presence of E. coli indicates that an immediate risk to human health exists.
Consumer Confidence Reports
Consumer Confidence Reports are required annually by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. It is a document that provides information about the quality of our drinking water. It is generated each year, before July 1st and details the water quality for the previous year. Please don’t hesitate to contact the Utility office if you have any questions about this report or the quality of your drinking water.