EWEB to Begin Enhanced Monitoring for Chromium in Water

Following the release of a study that found hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) in tap water in 31 of 35 U.S. cities tested, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is recommending that all drinking water providers begin enhanced monitoring for chromium-6.

The Eugene Water & Electric Board has been monitoring for total chromium since the early 1980s, and has never detected the metal in the raw water drawn from the McKenzie River, nor has the utility detected chromium in its finished water or in the distribution system.

The utility's sampling threshold for chromium has been set to detect the metal at 10 parts per billion (0.01mg/L), while the EPA's maximum contaminant level for chromium has been set at 100 parts per billion (0.1 mg/L). EWEB will comply with the EPA recommendation and monitor for chromium at the enhanced level of 0.05 parts per billion (0.05 ug/L).

EWEB will begin the enhanced monitoring for chromium starting next week. After the initial samples are taken, EWEB will continue to take samples every quarter. The utility will collect samples of water at its Hayden Bridge intake, at the treatment plant, and from various locations in the distribution system. These samples will be sent a laboratory in California with specialized equipment capable of detecting minute levels of chromium.

Hexavalent chromium is not a regulated contaminant, but the EPA's recommendation are in response to emerging scientific evidence that chromium-6 can pose health concerns if consumed over a long period of time. Although chromium occurs naturally, it is used in manufacturing processes including stainless steel products, treated wood, pulp mills and leather products.

EWEB will continue to support research by the EPA and other government and scientific organizations to provide guidance to water utilities regarding contaminant monitoring. The EPA expects to complete its risk assessment on chromium-6 later this year.

Eugene Water & Electric Board Statement of Legacy

MISSION STATEMENT: To be an outstanding provider of energy and water products that meet customer needs and benefit the citizens of Eugene.

We meet our customers' needs by:

• Providing reliable and high quality utility products
• Providing services in a responsible manner
• Providing rates and fees that are reasonable and stable

The Organization:

• Uses an integrated planning process based on vision, strategic direction, critical success factors and results management
• Uses innovation and creativity to develop solutions to complex and challenging issues
• Is flexible, adaptive, and learns from prior experiences
• Is financially stable
• Supports excellence in the workforce by providing competitive wage, benefits and development opportunities.

EWEB meets the community's needs by:

• Dealing effectively with tension between social, economic and environmental factors
• Demonstrating concern and responsiveness to social issues involving the provision of energy and water services
• Supporting a sound economy through fiscally prudent rates
• Demonstrating sensitivity and responsiveness to environmental concerns, recognizing the importance of a healthy ecosystem to its operations

Friends, Supporters, and to the Citizens of Eugene

Thank you for re-electing me to serve on the EWEB Board for a second term. Many of you know I am dedicated to providing the community with clean water and reliable electric power at the lowest possible price.

I have returned to help the board create a vision of strategic direction and policy oversight which will help set the direction for EWEB's second 100 years of operation.

I value public utilities, and I'm dedicated to upholding the environmental stewardship and social equity values embraced by the citizens of Eugene.

Many of you have said you support upgrading the grid to accommodate distributed generation and electric vehicles. I support this effort and I actively promote appropriate technology, such as smart metering, which will help the community become informed consumers of electricity and water products.

I am socially progressive and fiscally conservative. Therefore, I insist upon sound financial management and cost controls which ensure that EWEB's expenditures benefit our local economy.

"All the wisdom in EWEB isn't found within the board of commissioners, or even with the staff, it's found in the minds and vision of her customers. This is why dialog with the citizens of Eugene is so vitally important."

Governing a public utility is not easy. I'm going to need your help and advice. Periodically I will be posting EWEB related issues to this blog for constructive comment and criticism.

Please also feel free to call me or send me e-mail.

Best Regards,

John Simpson, Commissioner At-Large
Eugene Water & Electric Board
541-357-7532
john.simpson@eweb.org