DDW-2024-009365

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Big Plains Water SSD – Cedar Point: UTAH27089 Has Levels of Combined Radium, Gross
Alpha Particles, Turbidity and Manganese Above Drinking Water Standards

What happened?

Our water system is in violation of drinking water standards. Although this is not an emergency,
as our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we
are doing to correct this situation.

We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. Recent testing results show
that our system exceeds the maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for the following contaminants:
• Combined Radium
• Gross Alpha Particle Activity
• Turbidity
• Manganese

The sample results, collection dates and the contaminant MCLs are given in the table below:

During the summer months there is more demand on the water system due to irrigation. For this
reason, it is necessary to turn on a third well, known as Well 59. This well contains levels of Alpha
Particles and Combined Radium above their MCLs of 15pCi/L (picocuries per liter) and 5 pCi/L.
Additionally it also contains levels of Manganese above the EPAs health advisory level of 0.3
mg/L. This well will be in service during the summer months.

What should I as a consumer do?

Based on the manganese levels and guidance from EPA, we suggest that customers
do the following:

• Do not use your tap water to prepare bottles or food (e.g. soup) for infants under six
months, the elderly or those with liver disease. Tap water may
be used to prepare foods, such as pasta, where the water is discarded prior to
consumption.

• Do not boil water you intend to drink. Boiling, freezing, or letting water stand
does not reduce manganese levels. Boiling can increase levels of manganese
because manganese remains behind (i.e., is concentrated) when the water
evaporates.

• Contact your doctor. If you have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult
with a medical professional.

What does this mean?

This is not an immediate risk. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. However
please read the following potential health impacts.

• Radium
o Radium is a naturally occurring radioactive element, and its presence in drinking water can present a significant risk to public health.
o Long-term exposure to radium is associated with an increased risk of cancer,
particularly bone cancer. The radiation emitted by radium can damage cells and
their DNA, potentially leading to the development of cancerous cells. Therefore,
regulatory standards are in place to limit radium levels in drinking water and protect
public health. Regular monitoring and appropriate water treatment are essential to
minimize exposure and ensure the safety of the drinking water supply.

• Alpha Particles
o Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit a form of radiation known as
alpha radiation. Some people who drink water containing alpha emitters in
excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting
cancer.

• Turbidity
o Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection
and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the
presence of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria,
viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps,
diarrhea, and associated headaches.

What is being done?

On February 29, 2024, the Drinking Water Board authorized a construction loan of $3,370,000
with $3,370,000 in principal forgiveness to Big Plains Water Special Service District for the
construction of a 4.5-mile transmission line to connect Apple Valley Water System with the Cedar
Point Water System. Once this project is complete, we hope to turn off the wells which currently
exceed drinking water standards and bring in water from the neighboring water system.

The transmission line project is progressing, with regular meetings held with engineers,
contractors, and the Washington County Water Conservancy District. As of July 9, 2024,
construction is planned to begin on September 30 and be completed by December 31, 2024.

We are continually collecting samples for the contaminants of concern and will continue to notify
you of sample results as they become available.

For more information, please contact Michael “Mike” Farrar at 435-877-1190 or 1777 N
Meadowlark Dr, Apple Valley, UT, 84737.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those
who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing
homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place
or distributing copies by hand or mail.

This notice is being sent to you by Big Plains Water SSD – Cedar Point: UTAH27089.
Water System ID# UTAH27089 Date distributed: July 9, 2024
Please complete this form and provide to the Division of Drinking Water within 24 hours of issuing public
notice.
CERTIFICATION OF PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
I Jenna Vizcardo, Clerk/Recorder certify that the attached public notice was issued from
(PWS Operator/Responsible Party)Big Plains Water SSD – Cedar Point: UTAH27089 to Big Plains Water
SSD – Cedar Point: UTAH27089.
The notice attached was issued by (Date) July 9 2024 for the Combined Radium MCL violation issued on
January 23 2024 and the Turbidity MCL violation issued on March 21 2024.
(Describe method of delivery – by hand, mail, etc)
mail, email, physical posting, social media and website
Signature __________________________________________ Date __________________________
Public Water System Name: Big Plains Water SSD – Cedar Point
PWS ID Number: UTAH27089
-XO\ , 2024