2021 Brookhaven National Laboratory
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
2021
B R O O K H AV E N N AT I O N A L L A B O R AT O R Y
Water Quality
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
BNL publishes an annual water quality report to provide on-site drinking-water consumers with an over-
view of the Lab’s water quality during the previous calendar year. The purpose of this report is to inform
you about where your water comes from; what analytical tests are conducted; what they reveal; how the
results compare to New York State standards; and to educate you about the importance of preventative
measures. Educated consumers are more likely to help protect their drinking water sources.
With the exception of an action level exceedance on lead, BNL's drinking water and supply and distribution
system were in compliance with all county, state, and federal regulations regarding drinking water quality,
monitoring, operations, and reporting in 2020.
Overseeing the Lab’s water supply system, which includes five wells
dedicated to pumping drinking water and the on-site Water Treatment
Plant, BNL’s Energy & Utilities (EU) Division is committed to provid-
ing over 3,000 employees, facility users, contractors, and guests annually
with safe drinking water.
BNL’s drinking water is regularly tested using an independent labo-
ratory approved by the New York State Department of Health (NYS-
DOH). Analytical data are reviewed by the Lab’s Environmental
Protection Division (EPD) to ensure that testing results comply with all
applicable regulatory standards. In addition, EU and EPD work with
BNL’s Groundwater Protection Group to make sure our potable-water
supply is not adversely impacted by possible groundwater contamination
or remediation operations.
Where Does Our Water Come From?
The Long-Island aquifer system is recognized under the aquifer-protec- on-site Water Treatment Plant. Water
made up of three primary formations. tion program authorized by the U.S. from Well 10 is pumped directly to the
From the surface to approximately 150 Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). distribution system after disinfection
feet below is the Upper Glacial aquifer, The Lab’s five in-service drinking- and pH adjustments. Well 11 is treat-
from 150 to 1,000 feet below is the water wells draw up to 1,000 gallons ed with a granular activated carbon
Magothy aquifer, and from 1,000 to per minute, or about 1.34 million gal- filter then treated for pH adjustment
about 1,600 feet below is the Lloyd lons of water per day from the Upper and disinfection prior to entering the
aquifer. As designated by the U.S. En- Glacial aquifer to supply drinking distribution system. Last year, BNL
vironmental Protection Agency (EPA), water, process cooling water, and fire pumped approximately 368 million
Long Island’s aquifer system is one of protection. The water from three wells gallons of water.
78 “sole source” aquifers in the nation (4, 6, and 7) is processed at BNL’s
For questions about this report, or to speak with someone regarding your drinking water, please contact:
• C
hristopher Bruno, P.E. • J ason Remien • S uffolk County Department
Manager Manager of Health Services
Energy & Utilities Division Environmental Protection Division (631) 852-5810
(631) 344-8262 (631) 344-3477
Clouds cool and
condense, causing Cloud Formation
precipitation
Rain Cloud
Evaporation
while falling
Evapotranspiration Evaporation
Precipitation
Groundwater
Divide
Run-off
BNL
LONG Infiltration FIRE
ISLAND Lakes Run-off
ATLANTIC
WATER TABLE
Upper Glacial ISLAND
SOUND Percolation GREAT SOUTH BAY OCEAN
Clay Lens
Salt Water Intrusion
MAGOTHY Clay Lens
Clay Lens
RARITAN
Clay Lens
LLOYD Salt Water
Intrusion
Bedrock
Long Island Aquifer System
What’s in Our Drinking Water?
Although rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, the amount of certain contaminants in Some people may be more vulnera-
and reservoirs are all sources of tap water provided by public water systems. ble to disease-causing microorganisms
and bottled drinking water, most Long In addition, regulations from NYSDOH or pathogens in drinking water than
Island residents get their water from and the Food and Drug Administration others. Immuno-compromised persons
groundwater wells that are drilled into establish limits for contaminants in bot- such as those with cancer undergoing
the underlying aquifer system. As water tled water, which must provide the same chemotherapy, who have undergone
travels over land surfaces or through the protection for public health. organ transplants, with HIV/AIDS or
ground, it dissolves naturally occurring Source water is treated to remove other immune system disorders, some
minerals and radioactive material. Water substances or reduce their concentration elderly, and infants can be particularly
can also pick up substances resulting before the water is fit for human con- at risk from infections. These people
from the presence of animals or from sumption. Regardless, drinking water, should seek advice from their health care
human activities. Contaminants that including bottled water, may reasonably provider about their drinking water.
may be present in source water include: be expected to contain at least small Guidelines from EPA and the Cen-
microbiological contaminants; inorganic amounts of contaminants; however, that ters for Disease Control on appropriate
contaminants; pesticides and herbicides; does not necessarily indicate that the means to reduce the risk of illness from
organic chemical contaminants; and water poses a health risk. More informa- Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and other
radioactive contaminants. tion about contaminants and potential microbial pathogens are also available at
In order to ensure that tap water is health effects can be obtained by calling EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline.
safe to drink, New York State and the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
EPA prescribe regulations which limit (800) 426-4791.
2
BNL’s Source Water Assessment
As required under the 1996 Safe to industrial solvents, primarily due filtration systems at three wells to re-
Drinking Water Act, NYSDOH to point sources of contamination move PFAS before the water is released
performed an assessment of the source along transportation routes and from into the distribution system. One car-
water used by the Lab’s public water previous spills within the source area. bon filtration system was placed back
system to evaluate known and possible If industrial solvents were to impact in service in late 2020, and the filters
contamination sources. The assess- water quality at a well, the contam- at the other two wells will be back
ment includes a susceptibility rating ination would be removed by treat- in service in 2021. NYSDOH has
for each well based on the risk posed ment facilities (air-stripping or carbon granted a deferral to continue operat-
by the presence of potential sources of filtration) before the water is delivered ing one of the impacted wells until the
contamination within the well’s con- to the consumer. BNL determined that filters are back in service. The potable
tributing area and the likelihood that four of its supply wells are susceptible supply wells and water leaving the
the contaminants will travel through to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substanc- Water Treatment Plant are now tested
the environment to reach the well. es (PFAS) contamination. In August for PFAS on a quarterly basis. Follow-
Although the susceptibility rating is an 2020, NYS established drinking water ing the deferral period, if a supply well
estimate of the potential for source-wa- standards of 10 ng/L for PFAS com- cannot provide water that meets the
ter contamination, it does not mean pounds perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) drinking water standards, it would be
that the water delivered to consumers and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS). immediately removed from service.
is or will become contaminated. If a PFOS has been detected in three wells A copy of the complete assessment
contaminant is present, it does not nec- at concentrations above 10 ng/L. To may be reviewed by contacting Doug
essarily mean that there is a health risk. address this contamination, BNL has Paquette (631) 344-7046 or Jason
Results from the assessment con- restricted the operation of several wells Remien (631) 344-3477.
cluded that two on-site wells are rated and has been preparing to return to
as having a very high susceptibility service granular activated carbon
Water Conservation Measures
BNL’s water conservation program ed to reduce BNL’s water consumption. to minimize flow and specify re-circu-
has achieved dramatic reductions in For more information on BNL’s water lating water or air-cooled systems for
water use since the mid-1990's. The use efficiency and management, please new devices.
Lab continually evaluates water con- see BNL’s Site Sustainability Plan for While it is important to conserve
servation as part of facility upgrades, fiscal year 2021 at https://www.bnl.gov/ water, the EPA encourages that you
such as replacing existing conventional about/sustainability/reports.php. run your tap water for 30 seconds to
plumbing fixtures with low-flow devic- To help the Lab conserve water, start 2 minutes and only use cold water
es, or new construction. BNL’s Water by being conscious of your personal for drinking or cooking. Due to the
Management Plan describes how the use, e.g., reduce faucet flow, decrease aging infrastructure at BNL, iron and
Lab designs and operates buildings and running water while not in use, lead may leach into the water from the
facilities to be sustainable and water and report any drips, leaks, or other pipes. Flushing the water will help to
efficient. It also outlines our efforts to plumbing problems promptly to your remove any contaminants that may
meet legislative requirements by im- Facility Project Manager. Regarding have built up while the water was
plementing best-management practices process and research use, make sure sitting in the pipes.
and details the steps being implement- temperature controls operate properly
3
Water Treatment Process
BNL’s Water Treatment Plant typically sand filter made up of sand and anthra-
treats up to 2 million gallons of “raw” cite coal to remove all particles. Filtered
water per day to remove naturally water is stored in the “wet well” before it is
occurring iron and manganese from pumped into air-stripping towers, which
the groundwater. remove volatile organic compounds, if
Of the five in-service drinking-water present, from the water being treated.
wells, Wells 4, 6, and 7 provide high-in- Up to 250,000 gallons of treated water
iron source water which must be passed is stored at the clear well before its final
through a sand filter before being dis- chlorination and distribution. Pumps send
tributed around the site. This water is finished water from the Water Treatment
chlorinated and the pH is adjusted before Plant to the two elevated storage tanks.
it enters the distribution system. Chlorine Wells 10 and 11 pump water that is low
is a disinfection agent and prevents the in iron, and does not require treatment for
spread of water borne diseases. iron. Well 11 does pass through a granular
Water from Wells 4, 6, and 7 is aerated activated carbon filter (GAC) to remove
to reduce carbon dioxide gas and aid in PFAS. Wells 10 and 11 receive chlorine for
iron oxidation. Lime is added to raise the disinfection and sodium hydroxide for pH
pH to provide for proper corrosion control. correction prior to being sent to the two
A polymer is added to aid in flocculation elevated storage tanks. The water from the
in the filtration process. Flocculation, or two storage tanks is delivered on site at 55
the formation of particle aggregates which to 70 pounds of pressure per square inch
settle out of the water as sediment, begins via 45 miles of distribution pipe.
in the retention tank. To help form “floc,” For more information on the
water is sent from the retention tank to a Lab’s water treatment process, visit
slow-mix tank. the Water Quality website at
Filtration is performed using a rapid https://www.bnl.gov/water/.
Plant Upgrades BNL’s Water-Main Flush Program
On May 6, 2020, the Lab put into service In accordance with American Water are flushed twice per year to improve
the Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Works Association recommendations, the quality of the water delivered to
filters at Well #11. This project involved the unidirectional flushing of water mains facilities by the Lab’s on-site taps,
renovation of the existing Calgon Model 10 using fire hydrants within a water and to help eliminate rusty water.
filter vessels and installation of new Calgon distribution system is the most effec- Visit the Water Quality website at
F400 carbon. The renovation included the tive and economical way to cleanse and http://www.bnl.gov/water/ for some
replacement of the valves, manifold piping, improve water quality. tap-water recommendations to be
nozzles, instrumentation, chemical injection Iron can get into drinking water sure your on-site drinking water is
systems, electrical controls, and underground from corrosion of cast iron, steel, the best possible quality.
leak monitoring system. This system was and galvanized iron pipes that are
put online to remove PFOS/PFOA from the used throughout the site for water
raw water pumped from Well #11. distribution. The Lab’s water-mains
4
BNL’s 2020 Drinking Water Sampling Results
With the exception of exceeding the action level for lead at three unoccupied apartments in August, BNL’s drinking water
and the supply and distribution system were in compliance with all applicable county, state, and federal regulations regarding
drinking-water quality, monitoring, operations, and reporting in 2020. Through water sampling and testing,
results show that the compounds listed below were not detected or below the minimum detection limit (MDL).
Twenty eight out of the total 147 contaminants tested were detected and are summarized in the table starting on Page 6.
1,1-dichloroethane ammonia dicamba n-propylbenzene
1,1-dichloroethene antimony dichlorodifluoromethane nitrite
1,1-dichloropropene arsenic dieldrin odor
1,1,1-trichloroethane asbestos dinoseb oxamyl
1,1,1,2-tetrachloroethane atrazine diquat o-xylene
1,1,2-trichloroethane benzene e. coli pentachlorophenol
1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane benzo (A) pyrene endothall picloram
1,2-dichlorobenzene beryllium endrin propachlor
1,2-dichloroethane bromobenzene ethylbenzene sec-butylbenzene
1,2-dichloropropane bromochloromethane fluoride selenium
1,2,3-trichlorobenzene bromomethane freon-113 silver
1,2,3-trichloropropane butachlor glyphosate simazine
1,2,4-trichlorobenzene cadmium heptachlor strontium-90
1,2,4-trimethylbenzene carbaryl heptachlor epoxide styrene
1,3-dichlorobenzene carbofuran hexachlorobenzene tert-butylbenzene
1,3-dichloropropane carbon tetrachloride hexavalent chromium tetrachloroethene
1,3,5-trimethylbenzene cesium-137 hexachlorocyclopentadiene thalium
1,4-dichlorobenzene chlordane isopropylbenzene toluene
1,4-dichlorobutane chlorobenzene lindane total coliform bacteria
2,2-dichloropropane chlorodifluoromethane m,p-xylene total polychlorinated
2,4,-D chloroethane manganese biphenals (PCBs)
2,4,5,-TP (silvex) chloromethane mercury toxaphene
2-chlorotoluene chromium methomyl trans-1,2-dichloroethene
3-hydroxycardofuran cis-1,2-dichloroethene color methoxychlor trans-1,3-dichloropropene
4-chlorotoluene cis-1,3-dichloropropene methyl tert-butyl ether trichloroethene
4-isopropyltoluene color methylene blue active trichlorofluoromethane
alachlor cyanide (as free cyanide) substances (MBAS) tritium
aldicarb dalapon methylene chloride vinyl cloride
aldicarb sulfone di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate metolachlor
aldicarb sulfoxide di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metribuzin
aldrin dibromomethane n-butylbenzene
Contaminants on this list include results from BNL compliance and surveillance samples.
5
Nickel enters groundwater and surface water by dissolution of rocks and soils,
Types of Contaminants
By-product of drinking water chlorination needed to kill harmful organisms;
By-product of drinking water disinfection needed to kill harmful organisms.
Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic
• disinfectant and disinfection by-products:
formed when source water contains large amounts of organic matter.
LIKELY SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION
formed when disinfectants used in water
treatment plants react with bromide and/
Naturally occurring; indicative of road-salt contamination.
or natural organic matter (i.e., decaying
vegetation) present in the source water.
from atmospheric fallout, or from biological decays.
Different disinfectants produce different
Naturally occurring; road salt; water softeners.
types or amounts of disinfection by-
Naturally occuring; corrosion of plumbing.
products. Disinfection by-products for
Decay of asbestos cement water mains.
Water additive to control microbes.
which regulations have been established
have been identified in drinking water,
Erosion of natural deposits.
including trihalomethanes, haloacetic
acids, bromate, and chlorite.
Naturally occurring.
Naturally occurring.
tanks and sewage.
• inorganics: dissolved salts and metals,
which can occur naturally or result from
stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic
wastewater discharges, oil and gas
production, mining, farming, etc.
REGULATORY
LIMIT (MCL)
• microbiological: bacteria and viruses,
which may come from sewage, livestock
300
100
250
250
NS
60
80
10
4
7
2
5
operations, wildlife, etc.
• organic: natural and synthetic
compounds, including volatile organic
MCLG
DISINFECTION BY-PRODUCTS
INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS
compounds (VOCs). These chemicals
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
10
7
are by-products of industrial processes, 2
residential uses and petroleum
RANGE OF
RESULTS
< 0.02 - 0.02
0.012– 0.06
< 20 – 28.7
0.06 – 0.62
25.9 - 49.8
production, and they can also come from
< 0.5 - 3.2
< 0.5 - 1.3
42 – 76.5
0.3 – 1.4
9 - 15.5
< 2- 14
2
gas stations, stormwater runoff, septic
systems, etc.
• perfluorinated: man-made compounds
DETECTED
used in firefighting foams and stain proof
LEVEL
0.06
coatings.
28.7
0.02
0.62
76.5
49.8
15.5
3.2
0.7
1.3
14
2
• pesticides & herbicides: substances for,
respectively, eliminating problem insects
and plants, which may come from a
VIOLATION
(YES/NO)
variety of sources, such as agricultural
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
operations, stormwater runoff, residential
uses, etc.
• radioactive: naturally occurring, or from
oil and gas production, mining activities,
DETECTION
DATE OF
nuclear facilities, etc.
8/24/20
8/24/20
7/13/20
9/9/20
5/4/20
6/1/20
6/1/20
6/1/20
6/1/20
6/1/20
6/1/20
6/1/20
• synthetic organic: man-made
compounds used for a variety of
industrial and agricultural purposes.
OF MEAS.
• volatile organic: emitted by products
UNIT
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
μg/L
μg/L
μg/L
μg/L
MFL
including contaminants: paints and
lacquer; paint strippers; cleaning supplies;
pesticides, building materials and
furnishings; office equipment such as
CONTAMINANT
copiers and printers; correction fluids and
carbonless copy paper; graphics and craft
Total Trihalomethanes
Chlorine Residual, Free
materials including glues and adhesives;
Haloacetic Acids
permanent markers; and photographic
solutions.
Asbestos
Nitrates
Sulfates
Chloride
Sodium
Barium
Nickel
Zinc
Iron
6
UNIT DATE OF VIOLATION LEVEL RANGE OF REGULATORY
CONTAMINANT MCLG LIKELY SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION
OF MEAS. DETECTION (YES/NO) DETECTED RESULTS LIMIT (MCL)
PERFLUORINATED CONTAMINANTS
Released into the environment from widespread use in
PFBS (Perfluorobutanesulfonic Acid) μg/L 5/4/20 No 0.003Update on Deferral Issued for PFOS
The following notification has been shared with the Brookhaven National Laboratory population by email with
updates every three months since November 2020. This is the most recent update sent out on May 17, 2021.
Why are you receiving this notice/information?
You are receiving this notice because cant health risk. Your water continues exchange, the Department agrees to
testing of our public water system to be acceptable for all uses. defer enforcement actions, such as
found the chemical perfluorooctane- The Brookhaven National Labo- assessing fines, if the water district is
sulfonic acid (PFOS) in your drinking ratory (BNL) has submitted, and the meeting the established deadlines. We
water above New York State's maxi- New York State Department of Health are required to update the Department
mum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 (Department) has issued, a deferral to and the Suffolk County Department
ppt for PFOS. The MCLs are set well the Brookhaven National Laboratory. of Health Services (SCDHS) each
below levels known to cause health When a public water system is issued calendar quarter on the status of our
effects in animal studies. Therefore, a deferral, the water system agrees to projects. If we do not meet the agreed
consuming water with PFOS at the a schedule for corrective action and upon deadlines, the Department can
level detected does not pose a signifi- compliance with the new MCLs. In resume enforcement.
What are the health effects of PFOS?
The available information on the some of the health effects seen
health effects associated with PFOS, in animals may also occur in
like many chemicals, comes from stud- humans. The most consistent
ies of high-level exposure in animals findings in animals were ef-
or humans. Less is known about the fects on the liver and immune
chances of health effects occurring system and impaired fetal
from lower levels of exposure, such as growth and development. The
those that might occur in drinking wa- United States Environmental
ter. As a result, finding lower levels of Protection Agency considers
chemicals in drinking water prompts PFOS as having suggestive
water suppliers and regulators to take evidence for causing cancer
precautions that include notifying con- based on studies of animals
sumers and steps to reduce exposure. exposed to high levels of this
PFOS has caused a wide range of chemical over their entire
health effects when studied in animals lifetimes.
that were exposed to high levels. Addi- At the level of PFOS de-
tional studies of high-level exposures of tected in your water, exposure from well below PFOS exposures associated
PFOS in people provide evidence that drinking water and food preparation is with health effects.
What is New York State doing about PFOS in public drinking water?
The New York State Department drinking water regulation that requires PFOS. If found above the MCLs, the
of Health (NYS DOH) has adopted a all public water systems to test for water supplier must take steps to lower
MILESTONE DUE DATE STATUS COMPLETION DATE
Perform public notification for MCL exceedance November 26, 2020 Completed November 17, 2020
Procure PFOS treatment equipment and parts December 30, 2020 Completed December 30, 2020
Submit engineering plans and specifications to SCDHS and
December 31, 2020 Completed December 28, 2020
receive approval to construct PFOS treatment
Construct PFOS treatment system August 31, 2021 Completed May 10, 2021
Obtain approval from SCDHS to operate PFOS
October 31, 2021 Completed May 13, 2021
treatment system and place system in service
8the level to meet the standard. Exceed- should be taken by the water system to
ances of the MCL signal that steps reduce contaminant levels.
What is being done to remove these contaminants?
As a precaution, BNL has not used present. On May 12, 2021, the SC- went into service on May 13, 2021.
two supply wells (Well #4 and Well DHS granted BNL approval to begin While the deferral we received from
#6) and returned to service granular operating the GAC system at Supply the NYSDOH is effective until Octo-
activated carbon (GAC) filters at one Well #10, the last active water supply ber 31, 2021, Brookhaven Lab will no-
well (Well #11). Testing has demon- well that had PFOS levels above the tify the Department that Supply Well
strated that the filters are effectively new drinking water standard, after #10 was placed online in accordance
removing PFOS and low levels of the necessary upgrades, inspections, and with our standard quarterly updates
other PFAS chemicals that may be testing were completed. This system that we are obligated to provide.
Where can I get more information?
For more information, please contact Services at (631) 852-5810. health history and can provide advice
Chris Bruno at at (631) 344-8262 or If you have additional questions and assistance about understanding
Jason Remien at at (631) 344-3477. about these contaminants and your how drinking water may affect your
You can also contact the Suffolk health, talk to your health care pro- personal health.
County Department of Health vider who is most familiar with your
Chlorine Disinfectant and Its By-Products
Each day, more than 200 million in killing unwanted microorganisms in Disinfection 2020 Annual
people in the U.S. consume water that source water, they can react with naturally MRDLG
Residual Running Average
has been disinfected to kill unwanted occurring organic matter and inorganics chlorine* 0.7 mg/L 4 mg/L
microorganisms found in source water. to form disinfectant by-products which
Disinfection 2020 Annual
Worldwide, one of the most commonly may pose health risks. Under the SDWA, By-product Average
MCL
used and effective disinfectants is chlo- disinfectants and their by-products are
total
rine. A form of chlorine known as sodium regulated. The Lab had no violations in trihalo- 14 μg/L 80 μg/L
hypochlorite is used by BNL for disinfec- 2020; annual averages for chlorine resid- methanes1
tion of its potable water. ual and by-products are based on results haloacetic
Although disinfectants are effective from finished tap water. 3.2 μg/L 60 μg/L
acids (five)2
Notes:
Other Water Quality Indicators * BNL range of results for chlorine is 0.3 - 1.4 mg/L;
maximum found in Bldg. 930.
The following maximum values were indicators, there are no MCLs set for these 1
Total trihalomethanes is the sum of the concen-
tration of chloroform, bromodichloromethane,
measured in samples of well water or parameters. dibromochloromethane, and bromoform.
finished water at the BNL Water Treat- Other indicators tested, but not Haloacetic acids (five) is the sum of the concentra-
2
ment Plant in 2020. Although the Lab is detected, include cyanide and tion of mono-, di-, and trichloroacetic acids, and
mono- and dibromoacetic acids.
required to test these methylene blue active substances.
Indicator BNL Sample MCL
alkalinity †
68.2 mg/L NS
calcium †
18.2 mg/L NS
conductivity† 445 μmhos/cm NS
pH 9.2 standard units NS
Notes:
NS = drinking-water standard not specified
† = measure of water hardness or dissolved salts
9Lead and Copper Testing
The following notification was shared with the Brookhaven National Laboratory population in No
vember 2020 and will be sent out semi-annually until lead samples meet the required action level.
Brookhaven Lab will sample for lead and copper again in May 2021.
Brookhaven National Laboratory found elevated levels of lead in drinking water in some homes/build-
ings. Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and children 6 years and
younger. Please read this notice closely to see what you can do to reduce lead in your drinking water.
Health Effects of Lead
Lead can cause serious health fects of lead on the brain with lowered 2020 Lead and Cooper Sampling Results
problems if too much enters your body IQ in children. Adults with kidney Lead Copper
from drinking water or other sourc- problems and high blood pressure can Location Faucet
(μg/L) (mg/L)
es. It can cause damage to the brain be affected by low levels of lead more Apt. 11A kitchen < MDL 0.007
and kidneys, and can interfere with than healthy adults. Lead is stored in Apt. 13C kitchen < MDL 0.008
the production of red blood cells that the bones and it can be released later
Apt. 1A kitchen 19.1 0.024
carry oxygen to all parts of your body. in life. During pregnancy, the child
The greatest risk of lead exposure is to receives lead from the mother’s bones, Apt. 28D kitchen 5.6 0.012
infants, young children, and pregnant which may affect brain development. Apt. 2A kitchen 6.5 0.019
women. Scientists have linked the ef- Apt. 30A kitchen 23 0.121
Apt. 34A kitchen 7.1 0.014
Sources of Lead Apt. 36A kitchen 2.1 0.023
Lead is a common metal found in dren’s hands or their toys can come Apt. 4A kitchen 7 0.014
the environment. Drinking water is into contact with lead in paint, dust Apt. 65A kitchen 17.1 0.021
one possible source of lead exposure. and soil. Therefore, washing children’s Apt. 6C kitchen 4.1 0.01
The primary source of lead exposure hands and their toys will help reduce
Apt. 7B kitchen 7.5 0.012
for most children is lead-based paint. the potential for lead exposure from
Other sources of lead exposure include these sources. Apt. 8C kitchen < MDL 0.015
lead-contaminated dust or soil, and Plumbing materials, including pipes, Bldg. 153 bathroom < MDL 0.008
some plumbing materials. In addition, new brass faucets, fittings, and valves, Bldg. 170 kitchen 2.8 0.01
lead can be found in a number of including those advertised as “lead- Bldg. 257 bathroom 1.3 0.011
consumer products, including certain free,” may contribute lead to drinking Bldg. 258 kitchen < MDL 0.015
types of pottery, pewter, brass fixtures, water. The law currently allows pipes,
Bldg. 371 bathroom < MDL 0.029
food, and cosmetics. Other sources fittings, and fixtures with up to 0.25
Bldg. 388 kitchen 3.4 0.028
include exposure in the work place percent weighted average of lead to be
(jobs that include house painting, identified as "lead-free." Bldg. 599 kitchen 1.6 0.048
plumbing, renovation, construction, Brookhaven Lab obtains its water Notes:
auto repair, welding, electronics repair, from five potable wells onsite. These Action Level for Lead is 15 μg/L.
Action Level for Copper is 1.3 mg/L.
jewelry or pottery repair) and exposure wells pull water from the aquifer from
from certain hobbies (such as stained deep in the ground, which contains lit- Buildings and facilities built before
glass or pottery, fishing, making or tle to no lead. When water is in contact 1986 are more likely to have plumbing
shooting firearms and collecting lead with pipes [or service lines] or plumb- containing lead. New buildings may
or pewter figurines), as lead can be ing that contains lead for several hours, also have lead; even “lead-free” plumb-
carried on clothing and shoes. Chil- the lead may enter the drinking water. ing can contain some lead.
Steps You Can Take To Reduce Your Exposure To Lead In Your Water
1. Run your water to flush out lead. been used for several hours. This cook with or drink water from the
Run water for 15-30 seconds or flushes lead-containing water from hot water tap; lead dissolves more
until it becomes cold or reaches a the pipes. easily into hot water. Do not use
steady temperature before using it 2. Use cold water for cooking and water from the hot water tap to
for drinking or cooking, if it hasn’t preparing baby formula. Do not make baby formula.
103. Do not boil water to remove lead. be labeled as “lead free.” As of Jan. free certification marks on new
Boiling water will not reduce the 4, 2014, end-use brass fixtures, such fixtures.
amount of lead in water. as faucets, fittings and valves, must 5. Use bottled water or use a water
4. Replace your plumbing fixtures meet the new “lead-free” defini- filter. Bottled water is available in
if they are found to contain lead. tion of having no more than 0.25 many buildings on the Lab site.
Plumbing materials including brass percent lead on a weighted average. Filters can also be installed on
faucets, fittings, and valves, includ- Visit the National Sanitation Foun- fountains and faucets by request.
ing those advertised as “lead-free,” dation website at: http://www.nsf. A filter device must be maintained
may contribute lead to drinking org/newsroom_pdf/Lead_free_cer- and replaced by qualified personnel
water. The law previously allowed tification_marks.pdf to learn more in accordance with the manu-
end-use brass fixtures, such as fau- about lead-containing plumbing facturer’s instructions to protect
cets, with up to 8 percent lead to fixtures and how to identify lead- water quality.
Should you test your water for lead?
If you have concerns about lead getting the water in your building or Jason Remien at
in the plumbing materials in Lab tested, please contact Chris Bruno (631) 344-3477.
buildings or are interested in at (631) 344-8262
Should your child be tested for lead?
New York Public Health Law re- well-child visits, primary health care If your child has not had routine
quires primary health care providers to providers assess each child who is at well-child visits (since the age of one)
screen each child for blood lead levels least six-months of age, but under six and you are concerned about lead
at one and two years of age as part of years of age, for high lead exposure. exposure to your child, contact your
routine well-child care. In addition, at Each child found to be at risk for high local health department or healthcare
each routine well-child visit, or at least lead exposure is screened or referred for provider to find out how you can get
annually if a child has not had routine lead screening. your child tested for lead.
What Happened? What is Being Done?
As part of the EPA’s Lead and buildings will be notified of all results. of Health Services, (631) 852-5810 or
Copper Rule, Brookhaven Lab tests If necessary, apartments will be closed, scdhsweb@suffcountyny.gov; New York
20 locations on site every three years. and faucets turned off. The Lab will State Department of Health, (800)
During routine testing in August, share education materials with employ- 458-1158 Ext. 27650, or for out of state
three unoccupied apartments tested ees until we are below the action level. (518) 402-7650, or at bpwsp@health.
above the 15 parts per billion action While the Laboratory does not have state.ny.us. For more information on
level defined in the rule. As a result of lead service lines, lead may be found reducing lead exposure around your
the pandemic, most of the apartments in some of the solder and old fixtures home/building and the health effects
and dorms had been vacant for months in apartments and buildings. Exposure of lead, visit the EPA's website at
prior to testing and stagnant water can to lead from solder and fixtures can http://www.epa.gov/lead, or call the
lead to increased lead levels. usually be minimized by running the National Lead Information Center at
Brookhaven Lab has been working water for 15-30 seconds before use. (800) 424-LEAD.
proactively to minimize lead in the Old faucets are replaced as needed and
water. The five in-service wells are only new lead-free faucets are installed.
tested for lead annually and show little Historically, the apartments have
to no lead in the ground water. The been tested for lead. When elevated
Water Treatment Plant has an existing lead results are seen, fixtures and im-
corrosion control plan that maintains mediately accessible lines are replaced
the pH of the water at approximately with lead-free fixtures. If lead results
8.0 to 8.5 to minimize leaching of lead didn’t decline under the action level,
from the pipes. The current corrosion the apartments were closed.
control plan is being reviewed. These For More Information
same locations will be tested in six Call Chris Bruno at (631) 344-8262
months to determine if the Lab has or Jason Remien at (631) 344-3477
met the action level requirement. Sam- or visit https://www.bnl.gov/water/. For
pling will continue every six months more information on lead in drinking
until samples are under the action water, contact your local health de-
level. Residents and users in these partment: Suffolk County Department
11Definitions Used in this Report
• 90th percentile value: The reported copper and lead • micrograms per liter (μg/L): Equals one part of liquid in
values represent the 90th percentile. A percentile is a value one billion parts of liquid or parts per billion (ppb).
on a scale of 100 that indicates the percent of a distribution
that is equal to or below it. The 90th percentile is equal to • micromhos per centimeter (μmhos/cm): A measure
or greater than 90 percent of the lead and copper values of the ability of water to conduct electricity. Conductivity
detected in the water system. effectively measures the concentration of ions, such as
dissolved salts.
• action level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant
which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other require- • milligrams per liter (mg/L): Equals one part of liquid per
ments that a drinking-water supplier must follow. million parts of liquid, or parts per million (ppm).
• maximum contaminant level (MCL): The highest level • minimum detection limit (MDL): The lowest level to
of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs which an analytical parameter can be measured with
are set as close to the MCLG as possible. certainty by the analytical lab performing the mea-
surement. While results below the MDL are sometimes
• maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG): The level measureable, they represent values that have a reduced
of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is statistical confidence associated with them (less than
no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a 95 percent confidence).
margin of safety.
• picocuries per liter (pCi/L): Picocuries per liter is a measure
• maximum residual disinfectant level (MRDL): The high- of radioactivity in water equal to one trillionth of a curie.
est level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There
is convincing evidence that the addition of disinfectants is • nanograms per liter (ng/L): Equals one part of liquid in one
necessary for control of microbial contaminants. trillion parts of liquid or parts per trillion (ppt).
• maximum residual disinfectant level goal (MRDLG): • treatment technique (TT): A required process intended
The concentration of a drinking-water disinfectant to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
below which there is no known or expected risk to health. • volatile organic contaminants (VOCs): Organic chemicals
MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of using disinfectants that have a high vapor pressure at ordinary room tempera-
to control microbial contamination. ture. Their high vapor pressure results from a low boiling
• million fibers per liter (MFL): Million fibers per liter is a point, which causes large numbers of molecules to evaporate
measure of the presence of asbestos fibers that are longer or sublimate from the liquid or solid form of the compound
than 10 micrometers. and enter the surrounding air. VOCs include both
man-made and naturally occurring chemical compounds.
The annual BNL Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report is published by the Environmental Protection Division and the Energy & Utilities
Division, with assistance from the Stakeholder and Community Relations Office. It is distributed to approximately 3,300 on-site drinking water
consumers served daily by federal public water system No. 5111891 at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, which is man-
aged by Brookhaven Science Associates for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
ENERGY Printed on 100% Recycled PaperYou can also read
