Definitions and Abbreviations: 

Sample dates reflect the most recent required sample. Most samples are required every three years. 

<: less than
Action level: the concentration of a contaminant that, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a community water system shall follow
C/100 ml: colonies per 100 milliliters
Gr/gal: Grains Per Gallon: measure of water hardness
EPA: United States Environmental Protection Agency
MCL: Maximum Contaminant Level: The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCL’s 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. MCLG’s allow for a margin of safety.
µg/L: micrograms per liter: a unit of measurement equal to ppb
mg/L: milligrams per liter: a unit of measurement equal to ppm
MRDL: Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level goal: The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLG’s do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
NA: not applicable
ND: none detected
NR: not required
NTU: Nephelometric Turbidity Unit: measure of how light is scattered by particulate matter in water
pCi/L: pico-Curies per Liter: a measure of radioactivity
ppb: parts per billion: a unit of measurement equal to micrograms per liter (µg/L). 1 ppb (or 1 µg/L) is comparable to one penny in $10,000,000.
ppm: parts per million: a unit of measurement equal to milligrams per liter (mg/L). 1 ppm (or 1 mg/L) is comparable to one penny in $10,000.
SD: single detect
TT: Treatment Technique: a required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water

2003 Violations †

In 2004, the City of Peoria notified Maricopa County Environmental Services Department (MCESD) that after a review of the City’s water quality data, the water system failed to obtain one sample for diquat analysis on the prescribed schedule for Synthetic Organic Compounds (SOC) at one location, 8200 W. Tierra Buena, in 2003. This failure to monitor regulated drinking water contaminants is in violation of the Safe Drinking Water Rules. The City has collected SOC samples on February 5, 2004. Laboratory results are complete and there was no detection of diquat. The City of Peoria will continue monitoring SOCs at this location per regulations, which is quarterly in 2004.

†The City also has hired a consultant to review our overall sampling program and installed computer software to assist in compliance sample tracking. Public water systems are required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), and MCESD to monitor the drinking water for Synthetic Organic Compounds.

 For more information: City of Peoria: 623-773-7286 or waterquality@peoriaaz.gov EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791 (toll free)