Atrazine

As of July, 1991, the EPA’s rule for Atrazine requires water utilities to demonstrate that the running annual average of samples taken must not exceed 3.0 ppb (parts per billion). Samples may from time-to-time exceed 3.0 ppb, but as long as the utility can demonstrate that its running average does not exceed the MCL (maximum contaminant level), it will be in compliance with the regulation.

Water utilities are required to test quarterly for Atrazine levels. WaterOne sends samples to be analyzed by an outside contract laboratory on a monthly basis, with the frequency increasing to once a week during the months of June, July, and the first half of August when Atrazine concentration in the Kansas and Missouri Rivers are most likely to be at a maximum.

As shown on our annual 2009 Water Quality report, based on 2008 data, the reported Atrazine level was 0.23 ppb. Our running annual average has never exceeded the EPA limit. We have always been in compliance with the EPA standard.

Atrazine is a herbicide used by farmers to kill weeds in corn and sorghum fields.  Atrazine has been associated with causing imbalances in hormone levels in laboratory animals, possibly disrupting reproductive and development processes on a short-term basis.  Following a 2002 risk assessment, EPA reported that Atrazine is not likely to be a carcinogen to humans.

Atrazine has also been going through the re-registration process at EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs.  That process has generated some new health effects data which will eventually be incorporated into the Atrazine drinking water standard. 

WaterOne drinking water meets all current federal and state regulations for Atrazine.  We are paying close attention to the research in this area and will take immediate action to address any future concerns.

Atrazine enters our streams and rivers as runoff from rainfall. WaterOne guards against Atrazine in water by using powdered activated carbon at the point-of-withdrawal from the Missouri and Kansas Rivers and at the Treatment Facilities. We have used powdered activated carbon in treating water at the Treatment Plant since 1965, at the Missouri River Intake since it was built in 1984, and at the Kansas River Intake and Facility II since 1991.

Information on Atrazine and other potential contaminants are included in our utility's annual water quality report, which is delivered to every customer each year and also available here.

WaterOne spends over a quarter of a million dollars annually to treat Atrazine.  The best and most cost-effective way to keep our drinking water clean is to protect our precious source waters from contamination.