The table shows that the Sonoma State University water system had no violations for primary inorganic chemicals, asbestos, nitrate, volatile organic chemicals, synthetic organic chemicals, or unregulated volatile organic chemicals.

A small number of contaminants have been detected above the detection limit but still fall below the Maximum Contaminant Level established by the Environmental Protection Agency. EPA research has determined that your water is safe to consume where contaminant levels fall below the MCL.

Sonoma State University violated the Maximum Contaminant Level for total coliform during the month of September. Coliform bacteria are not harmful in themselves; rather, they are tested for as an indicator that other more dangerous bacteria may be present such as fecal coliform or E. Coli. Fecal coliform or E. Coli are always tested concurrently with each total coliform sample. Chlorine residual samples are also taken concurrently with each total coliform sample so that lack of adequate chlorine residual can be eliminated as the cause if a positive sample were to result.

The Department of Health Services Office of Drinking Water requires that water suppliers notify water users by newspaper, television or radio if an MCL is exceeded. The following language was posted in the STAR after the September violation:

The Environmental Health & Safety Office works closely with Facilities Services and the Department of Health Services to identify the cause of any positive total coliform samples. Internal procedures, disinfection data, and sampling points in the water system are carefully reviewed to ensure that water system operations are not the cause of any positive samples. Additionally, SSU only utilizes laboratories that meet or exceed American Water Works Association (AWWA) guidelines for microbiology laboratories.

The campus water source is derived from two active wells located at the northwest corner of campus. A third well is maintained in an active state as a standby source. This water is pumped to a gaseous chlorination facility that maintains chlorine residual at a concentration above 0.20 parts per million (ppm) as a means of killing any pathogenic microorganisms that may be present. Gaseous chlorine is currently the only chemical added to SSU's drinking water supply.

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.

Contaminants that may be present in source water include: Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife; Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, that 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, that 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, that are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, agricultural application, and septic systems; and Radioactive contaminants, that 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, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the State Department of Health Services (Department) prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Department regulations also establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that provide the same protection for public health.

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 US EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

Some 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 health care providers. USEPA/Centers for Disease Control (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 (1-800-426-4791).