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Your complete guide to understanding Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) and what they mean for your water safety
Every community water system serving more than 15 service connections must deliver an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to its customers by July 1st each year. This report is your right under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
The highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water. Set by the EPA based on health risks and treatment feasibility. Water systems must keep contaminant levels below MCLs.
The ideal level of a contaminant with no known health risks. Often set at zero for carcinogens. MCLGs are goals, not enforceable limits. The enforceable limit is the MCL.
The concentration of lead or copper which triggers treatment requirements. If 90% of homes test below the AL, the system is in compliance. Used for lead (15 ppb) and copper (1.3 ppm).
The contaminant was either not present or below the laboratory detection limit. This is generally good - it means the contaminant is absent or at extremely low levels.
A required process to reduce contaminant levels. Used when it's not feasible to measure the contaminant directly. Examples include filtration for Cryptosporidium.
Parts per billion, parts per million, parts per trillion. These measure concentration. 1 ppb = 1 drop in a swimming pool. 1 ppm = 1 drop in a bathtub. 1 ppt = 1 drop in 20 Olympic pools.
The heart of every CCR is the contaminant data table. Here's how to interpret it:
| Contaminant | Level Found | MCL | MCLG | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TTHMs | 45 ppb | 80 ppb | 0 ppb | Chlorination byproduct |
Source: Leaches from pipes and plumbing fixtures, especially in older homes.Health Effects: Developmental delays in children, high blood pressure in adults.Action Level: 15 ppb.
Source: Formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water.Health Effects: Potential cancer risk with long-term exposure.MCLs: 80 ppb (TTHMs), 60 ppb (HAA5).
Source: Agricultural runoff, septic systems, fertilizers.Health Effects: Can cause blue baby syndrome in infants.MCL: 10 ppm.
Source: Naturally occurring in groundwater, mining, industrial waste.Health Effects: Cancer risk, cardiovascular disease.MCL: 10 ppb.
Source: Industrial discharge, firefighting foam, consumer products.Health Effects: Cancer, thyroid disease, immune system effects.EPA Limits: Vary by state; federal standards being implemented.
A Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is an annual water quality report required by the EPA that water utilities must provide to customers. It includes information about detected contaminants, their levels, EPA limits, source water, and treatment methods.
MCL stands for Maximum Contaminant Level. It is the highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water, set by the EPA based on health risks and treatment feasibility. Water systems must keep contaminant levels below MCLs.
ND means Not Detected. It indicates the contaminant was either not present or was below the laboratory detection limit. This is generally a good sign, showing the contaminant is absent or at extremely low levels.
Review your CCR every year when it arrives (by July 1st). Compare year-to-year to track changes in water quality. If you notice concerning trends or new violations, contact your water utility for more information.