Local Water System and Surface Water Source
The City of Saint Maries public water system serves over 4,000 people in Benewah County, sourcing water from surface supplies. Water from surface sources often interacts with natural algal growth, which can produce compounds known as algal toxins or cyanotoxins. These substances may occasionally enter the water system before treatment and distribution to taps.
Understanding 'Detected', 'Median', and 'Range' in Sampling Records
The EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR4) reports on algal toxins detected in the Saint Maries water system, but notably, no results exceeded the reporting levels for total microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, or anatoxin-a. The term 'detected' here means that testing instruments measured a substance, but it does not indicate a safety issue or violation. 'Median' and 'range' describe typical and observed spread in test results, helping to understand variability across samples.
Additional Questions for Commercial or Industrial Operators
While households typically focus on basic water safety and aesthetics, commercial and industrial users might consider larger volumes of water use, specific sensitivity to algal toxins based on site processes, or regulatory compliance beyond residential standards. These users may require more extensive or frequent testing to ensure their operational needs and standards are met.
Sample Size and Scope Behind the Data
The reported data comes from 16 samples taken between May and August 2019 as part of a federal survey. This sample size offers a snapshot rather than a continuous monitoring picture. Larger or more diverse sampling might reveal different trends, so residents interested in their own water quality should consider testing their household water directly for tailored results.
Maintenance Rhythm of the C-Series Algal Toxins (Cyanotoxins) Filter
The C-Series Algal Toxins (Cyanotoxins) Filter ships ready to configure for residential use, offering a targeted approach to reduce algal toxins when present. Its maintenance involves periodic filter replacement according to usage levels and water quality, helping to ensure continued effectiveness without complex upkeep.
Seasonal and Multi-Year Variation in the Sampling Record
The EPA monitoring for this system took place during a single season in 2019, covering a period from mid-May to late August. Seasonal factors influence algal toxin presence, often rising in warmer months. Multi-year data would provide a clearer picture of trends and variations over time, but currently only this seasonal data is documented for the City of Saint Maries system.
In summary, the EPA’s publicly available data for the City of Saint Maries in Benewah County shows no detections of algal toxins above reporting thresholds in 2019 sampling. This data reflects system-wide surface water conditions during late spring and summer months. For household water concerns, direct testing is necessary to assess individual tap water. The C-Series Algal Toxins (Cyanotoxins) Filter offers a configurable solution to address algal toxins if detected. For detailed records, the EPA’s SDWIS public water system reports remain the authoritative source.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2019-08-27. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR4 monitoring (2018-2020) for City of Saint Maries (ID1050024), ID: 48 results across 3 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level