DDW-2024-009407

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2023 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
Town of Alta
We are pleased to present you with this year's Annual Water Quality Report. This report is designed to inform you about the water quality and
services we deliver to you every day. Our constant goal is to provide you with a safe and dependable supply of drinking water. We want you to
understand the efforts we take to continually improve the water treatment process and protect our water resources.
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 can dissolve naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials,
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, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock
operations, and wildlife.
• Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or
domestic wastewater discharge, oil and gas production, mining or farming.
• Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses.
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and
petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems.
• Radioactive contaminants, which 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, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in the water
provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for
human health.
BACKGROUND
The Town of Alta (TOA) operates a water system at the headwaters of Little Cottonwood Canyon at an elevation of approximately 8,600 feet.
Our population is 228 residents, but our customer base in the winter can exceed 5,000. Our partner in the water business and in protecting the
watershed in the canyon is Salt Lake County Service Area #3 (Service Area) at Snowbird, with whom we contract for operation and maintenance
of our system. The Service Area has a full-time staff of three as well as a two-person part-time staff of night operators. The Service Area can also
supply us with water from their system in an emergency.
WATER SOURCE
Our only source of culinary water is the deep-shaft workings of the Bay City Tunnel (drainage tunnel to the famous Emma Mine) located across
the street from The Snowpine Lodge. Ground water is pumped from a 300-foot-deep vertical shaft located 1,800 feet from the portal of the
mine. This water is pumped to a storage reservoir above the tunnel that stores 350,000 gallons of water. We also have a pumping plant west of
the Alta Lodge to boost water from the Service Area in an emergency and approximately 3 miles of distribution piping. All of our contract system
operators are continually trained and are State certified in water treatment or distribution, at levels above those required by law.
These mines are part of a vast silver mining complex that dates back to 1868. There are over 100 miles of mine tunnels on the mountains above
Alta that help supply our ground water needs. Surface water is very sparse at this altitude, especially in the winter.
SOURCE PROTECTION
TOA has a Drinking Water Source Protection Plan that is available for your review. It contains information about our source protection zones,
potential contamination sources, and management strategies to protect our drinking water. The Bay City Tunnel has been determined to have a
medium susceptibility level to potential sources of contamination. The potential contamination sources that could affect the tunnel include:
roads, residential areas, and holding tanks. We have also developed management strategies to further protect our source from contamination. If
you have any questions or concerns about source protection, contact the TOA to review our source protection plan.
CROSS CONNECTION
There are many connections to our water distribution system. When connections are properly installed and maintained, the concerns are very
minimal. However, unapproved and improper piping changes or connections can adversely affect not only the availability, but also the quality of
the water. A cross connection may let polluted water or even chemicals mingle into the water supply system when not properly protected. This
not only compromises the water quality but can also affect your health. So, what can you do? Do not make or allow improper connections at
your homes. Even that unprotected garden hose lying in the puddle next to the driveway is a cross connection. The unprotected lawn sprinkler
system after you have fertilized or sprayed is also a cross connection. When the cross connection is allowed to exist at your home it will affect
you and your family first. If you’d like to learn more about helping to protect the quality of our water, contact us about ways you can help.
The Town of Alta is very pleased to report to our customers that our drinking water meets federal and state requirements.
QUESTIONS
We want our valued customers to be informed about their water utility. If you want to learn more, please attend any of our regularly scheduled

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Town Council meetings at the Alta Community Center; meeting details are on our website. For questions about this report or concerns about
your water utility, please contact the General Manager of the Service Area – Kasey Carpenter, at 801-278-9660 or TOA at 801-742-3522.
MONITORING PERIOD
TOA routinely monitors for constituents in your drinking water according to Federal and State laws. The table enclosed shows the results of our
monitoring for the period of January 1st to December 31st, 2023. All drinking water, including bottled drinking water, may be reasonably
expected to contain at least small amounts of some constituents. It's important to remember that the presence of these constituents does not
necessarily pose a health risk.
DEFINITIONS
In the table provided are many terms and abbreviations you might not be familiar with. To help you better understand these terms we have
provided the following definitions:
Non-Detects (ND) - laboratory analysis indicates that the constituent is not present.
ND/Low - High - For water systems that have multiple sources of water, the Utah Division of Drinking Water has given water systems the option of listing the test
results of the constituents in one table, instead of multiple tables. To accomplish this, the lowest and highest values detected in the multiple sources are recorded
in the same space in the report table.
Parts per million (ppm) or Milligrams per liter (mg/l) - one part per million corresponds to one minute in two years or a single penny in $10,000.
Parts per billion (ppb) or Micrograms per liter (ug/l) - one part per billion corresponds to one minute in 2,000 years, or a single penny in $10,000,000.
Parts per trillion (ppt) or Nanograms per liter (nanograms/l) - one part per trillion corresponds to one minute in 2,000,000 years, or a single penny in
$10,000,000,000.
Parts per quadrillion (ppq) or Picograms per liter (picograms/l) - one part per quadrillion corresponds to one minute in 2,000,000,000 years or one penny in
$10,000,000,000,000.
Picocuries per liter (pCi/L) - picocuries per liter is a measure of the radioactivity in water.
Millirems per year (mrem/yr) - measure of radiation absorbed by the body.
Million Fibers per Liter (MFL) - million fibers per liter is a measure of the presence of asbestos fibers that are longer than 10 micrometers.
Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) - nephelometric turbidity unit is a measure of the clarity of water. Turbidity in excess of 5 NTU is just noticeable to the average
person.
Action Level (AL) - the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.
Treatment Technique (TT) - A treatment technique is a required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) - The “Maximum Allowed” (MCL) is the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close
to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) - The “Goal” (MCLG) is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to
health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) - The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a
disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) - The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health.
MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
Date- Because of required sampling time frames i.e. yearly, 3 years, 4 years and 6 years, sampling dates may seem out-dated.
Waivers (W)- Because some chemicals are not used or stored in areas around drinking water sources, some water systems have been given waivers that exempt
them from having to take certain chemical samples, these waivers are also tied to Drinking Water Source Protection Plans.
TEST SUMMARY
Our system had no violations and your drinking water meets or exceeds all Federal and State requirements. We have learned thro ugh
monitoring and testing that some constituents have been detected. The EPA has determined that your water IS SAFE at these levels.
RADON
We constantly monitor the water supply for various constituents. We have detected radon in the water supply of the Bay City Tunnel in 1
out of 1 samples tested. There is no federal regulation for radon levels in drinking water. Exposure to air transmitted radon over a long
period of time may cause adverse health effects. Radon is a radioactive gas, which is naturally occurring in some ground water. It poses a
lung cancer risk when the gas is released from your water into the air (as occurs during showering, bathing, or washing dishes or clothes),
and a stomach cancer risk when you drink water containing radon. Radon gas released from drinking water is a relatively small part of the
total radon in air. Other sources are radon gas from soil, which enter homes through foundations, and radon inhaled directly while
smoking cigarettes. Experts are not sure exactly what the cancer risk is from a given level of radon in your drinking water. If you are
concerned about radon in your home, tests are available to determine the total exposure level. For additional information on how to
have your home tested contact Project Environment Radon Hotline [phone].
CRYPTOSPORIDIUM
We are required to test our sources of drinking water and our treated tap water for the presence of Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium is
a microbial parasite found in surface water throughout the United States. When ingested, it can cause gastrointestinal distress for
otherwise healthy people and more serious illness or death for people with weak immune systems. We did not find any Cryptospo ridium
in our source (untreated) water or finished (treated) water. We don’t believe that you need to worry about these results. We have a
modern and effective filtration plant, and as far as we know, filtration is the single best protection against Cryptosporidium.
TURBIDITY

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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.
LEAD
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking
water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The TOA is responsible for providing
safe drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for
several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for
drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may have it water tested. Information on lead in drinking water,
testing methods, and steps to minimize exposure are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
IS BOTTLED WATER BETTER?
All 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 the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and
potential health effects can be obtained through the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline [phone]) or www.epa.gov/safewater
SPECIAL HEALTH ALERT
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. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by
cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline [phone]) or
www.epa.gov/safewater
WHAT DETERMINES THE MCL LEVEL?
Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) are set at very stringent levels. To understand the possible health effects described for many
regulated constituents, a person would have to drink 2 liters of water every day at the MCL level for a lifetime to have a one-in-a-million
chance of having the described health effect.
VALUE OUR WATERSHED
The TOA receives ground water that is recently recharged by the snowmelt and surface water systems high in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Any type of pollution in these high alpine watersheds can cause long-lasting or even permanent damage to our valuable drinking water
sources and fragile ecosystems. The canyon is also a major water resource to the Salt Lake Valley. We are all stewards of this watershed
and must play an active role in the protection of it. Prevention is much cheaper than water treatment. Please keep a watchful eye and
report any watershed violations or suspicious activity to the TOA, Service Area, or SLC Department of Public Utilities. Please observe the
following best practices:
• Do not play in or near the bank of any stream, lake, reservoir, or wetlands area.
• Do not bring dogs or other pets into the canyon watersheds that are not specifically licensed for such. If they are – use good sanitary
practices while caring for the animals’ needs.
• Do not empty or drain any oil, gasoline, solvents, paints, grease, or other hazardous household or commercial contaminants into the
canyon environment – regardless of quantity.
• Do not play on or tamper with any of our water storage reservoirs or facilities on the mountain.
• Stay away from high erosion areas and do your best to plant water efficient native vegetation in areas of your property that are
susceptible to soil erosion.
• Do not remove any native vegetation or tamper with any erosion control devices.
• Use public restrooms when skiing or recreating on the mountain.
• Use only a minimal amount of salt on your driveways in the winter.
• Do not litter and keep all of your solid waste contained in animal-proof and weather-resistant enclosures or areas.

WHAT IS IN STORE FOR THE FUTURE?
In our continuing efforts to maintain a safe and dependable water supply it is always necessary to make improvements in your water
system. There are portions of the distribution system that are over 50 years old. We will continue to replace or upgrade them as needed.
The costs of some of these upgrades or improvements have been reflected in the rate structure. Rate adjustments were made thi s year in
order to address some of these larger concerns and improvements.
We at the Town of Alta work around the clock to provide top quality water to every tap. We test more often than required for
contaminants that concern us and we truly are committed to the preservation and delivery of pure water. We ask again that all our
customers help us protect our water sources and the canyon watershed. These assets are irreplaceable, and they are the heart of our
community, our way of life and our children’s future. We are pleased to keep you informed and educated on all water matters within our

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service area. We are committed to ensuring the quality of your water and will present you with this report every year. Please reach out if
you have questions.
Jen Clancy – Town Clerk and Kasey Carpenter – General Manager Salt Lake County Service Area #3
2023 TEST RESULTS
Contaminant Violati
on
Y/N
Level
Detected
Unit
Measurement
MCLG MCL Date
Sampled
Likely Source of Contamination
Microbiological Contaminants
Coliform Bacteria N 0 N/A 0 5 2023 Naturally present in the environment
Turbidity
for Ground Water
N 0.08 NTU N/A 0.3 2022 Soil runoff
Radioactive Contaminants
Alpha emitters N 0.5 pCi/1 0 15 2018 Erosion of natural deposits
Beta/photon emitters N 1.9 pCi/1 0 5 2012 Erosion of natural deposits
Radium 228 N 0.1 pCi/1 0 5 2018 Erosion of natural deposits
Radon N <300 pCi/1 N/A N/A 1992 Erosion of natural deposits
Inorganic Contaminants
Antimony - monitored more than
once per year and the result is
reported as an average for 2023
N 5.1*** ppb 6 6 2023 Discharge from petroleum refineries; fire
retardants; ceramics; electronics; solder
4.0 – 7.1
Arsenic N 0.6 – 0.6 ppb 0 10 2022 Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from
orchards; runoff from glass and electronics
production wastes
Barium N 0.019 -
0.019
ppm 2 2 2022 Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from
metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits
Cadmium N 0.7 – 0.7 ppb 5 5 2022

Corrosion of galvanized pipes; erosion of natural
deposits; discharge from metal refineries; runoff
from waste batteries and paints
Cyanide N 3.2 ppb 200 200 2022 Discharge from plastic and fertilizer factories;
Discharge from steel /metal factories
Fluoride N 0.13 ppm 4 4 2022 Erosion of natural deposits; Water additives
which promote strong teeth; Discharge from
fertilizer and aluminum factories
Mercury N 0.3-0.3 ppb 0.2 2 2016 Erosion of natural deposits; Discharge from
refineries and factories; Runoff from landfills;
Runoff from cropland.
Copper
a. 90% results
b. # of sites that exceed the AL
N
a.0.075
b.0
ppm 1.3 AL=1.3 2022 Corrosion of household plumbing systems;
erosion of natural deposits; leeching from wood
preservatives
Lead
a. 90% results
b. # of sites that exceed the AL
N
a. 2.5
b.0
ppb 0 AL=15 2022 Corrosion of household plumbing systems,
erosion of natural deposits
Nitrate (as Nitrogen) N 0.131 ppm 10 10 2023 Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic
tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits
Selenium N 1.3 ppb 50 50 2019 Discharge from petroleum and metal refineries;
erosion of natural deposits; discharge from
mines
Sodium N 1.726 ppm 500 None set
by EPA
2022 Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from
refineries and factories; runoff from landfills.
Sulfate N 6.938 ppm 1000 1000 2022 Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from
refineries and factories; runoff from landfills,
runoff from cropland
TDS (Total Dissolved solids) N 208 ppm 2000 2000 2022 Erosion of natural deposits
TOC (Total Organic Carbon) N 0.005 ppm 0 0 2018 Naturally present in the environment
Disinfection By-products
TTHM [Total trihalomethanes] N 2.54 ppb 0 80 2023 By-product of drinking water disinfection
Haloacetic Acids N ND ppb 0 60 2016 By-product of drinking water disinfection

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Chlorine N 0.45 ppm 4 4 2021 Water additive used to control microbes