Page 11 - Summer-2024-BPU Connection-WQR

Definitions: Kansas Department of
Health & Environment
Action Level (AL) - the concentration of a contaminant,
which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that Bureau of Water ……………………… (785) 296-5500
a water system must follow.
Web site: www.kdheks.gov/water/
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) - the highest level of a
Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua
contaminant allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to
beber. Tradúzcalo ó hable con alguien que lo entienda bien. Te 2009-2024
the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG—see below)
as feasible, using the best available treatment technology. Board of Public Utilities está de acuerdo con tadas las regulaciones
gubermentales para su agua.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) - the level of a
contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known Kansas City Board of Public Utilities
or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety. 540 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City, Kansas 66101
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) - the
(913) 573-9000
highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water.
www.bpu.com
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) –
the level of disinfectant in drinking water below which there What you should know about
is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs allow for a lead in drinking water
margin of safety. If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems,
MFL – million fibers per liter. especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking
water is primarily from materials and components associated with
Micromhos per Centimeter (μmhos/cm) – a measure of
service lines and home plumbing. The Kansas City Board of Public
the ability of water to carry electric current.
Utilities is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but
Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) - a measure of the cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components.
clarity of water. Turbidity in excess of 5 NTUs is just noticeable When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize
to the average person. 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
Non-Detect (ND) - laboratory analysis indicates that the
contaminant is not detected with present technology. concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water
tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and
Not applicable (N/A) – the data does not apply for this
steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from EPA’s Safe
contaminant and category.
Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 or at http://www.epa.gov/
Parts per Million (ppm) - one part per million corresponds safewater/lead.
to one minute in two years, or one grain of salt in six ounces of
Some People who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess
tomato juice. It is the same as milligrams per liter, mg/L.
of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver,
Parts per Billion (ppb) - one part per billion corresponds to kidneys, or central nervous systems, and may have an increased risk of
one minute in 2,000 years, or one grain of salt in 55 gallons of getting cancer.
tomato juice. It is the same as micrograms per liter, μg/L.
Picocuries per Liter (pCi/L) - a measure of the radioactivity The value of your tap water

in water. Water is one of our most precious natural resources, and plays a critical
role in our daily lives. There are a number of benefits to the safe reliable
Running Annual Average (RAA) - an average of sample
drinking water you enjoy, including:
results obtained over the most current 12 months and used to
determine compliance with MCL’s Public Health – Safe water runs below our streets and to our
homes, business, and workplaces 24 hours a day. BPU operates its own
SMCL – Secondary Maximum Contaminant level (or optimal
testing laboratory to monitor raw water quality as well as ensure water
range) set by KDHE.
quality leaving the plant and in the distribution system, monitoring for
Standard Units (S.U.) – a measuring unit for pH, based on
contaminants and meeting the regulations for water safety and quality.
hydrogen ion concentration.
Fire Protection – In most communities, water flowing to fire
Treatment Technique (TT) - a treatment technique is a
hydrants is transported by the same system of mains, pumps, and
required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant
storage tanks that deliver drinking water. One of the greatest values
in drinking water.
of BPU’s water infrastructure is the fire protection it provides our
Useful phone numbers at BPU: community. BPU currently services and maintains 6,242 fire hydrants
in our community.
Water Processing Division …………… (913) 573-9272
Economic Support – In most communities, water flowing to
General BPU number, fire hydrants is transported by the same system of mains, pumps, and
Monday – Friday (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) …… (913) 573-9000 storage tanks that deliver drinking water. One of the greatest values
of BPU’s water infrastructure is the fire protection it provides our
Customer Service (to turn service on or off,
or for billing questions by telephone) community. BPU currently services and maintains 6,242 fire hydrants
in our community.
Monday - Friday (7 a.m. to 6 p.m.) …… (913) 573-9190
Quality of Life – Three percent of the tap water people use for
Water Trouble ………………………… 913) 573-9622
drinking, with the other 97 percent used for other purposes including
Electric Trouble………………………… 913) 573-9522
outdoor watering, bathroom uses, clothes washing, etc. Tap water is so
Environmental Protection Agency much a part of our daily lives, most take it for granted. From making
orange juice to washing fruit, from watering a garden to washing a car,
Safe Drinking Water Hotline ………… (800) 426-4791 within BPU’s water service territory the water you need is always there
when you need it – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Web site: www.epa.gov/safewater
SUMMER 2024 | 11