Why are there contaminants in my drinking water?

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants, The presents of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPS) Sage Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791). The sources of drinking water (both tap and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity: microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife; inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals which can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial, or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming; pest and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses; organic Chemical Contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes, petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, septic systems; and radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

April 2008

Dear Casselton Resident:

I would like to start off thanking your for choosing Casselton to be your hometown. It’s because of people like you and your family that make our City a great place to live. I invite you to review the water quality report and the additional information we have provided regarding our city operations. Last year, the Casselton City Council worked with developers to create two new residential developments. The Council also has been working to build new roads for new businesses in the industrial park. You should even see a new pool at Nickel Park by this fall. Our city continues to grow and offer more amenities and continue to keep our small town atmosphere.

This year, our voting location has moved to the Governors’ Inn and Conference Center. I encourage everyone to get out and vote this year. If you will be out of town or too busy to vote at the June 10^th election, stop by City Hall and pick up an absentee ballot.

The other exciting news we have is about the 2010 Census. Before you know it, it will be here. The census is mandated by the U.S. Constitution and your participation in the census is required by law. It will take less than 10 minutes to complete. Don’t worry- federal laws protect the personal information you share during the census. The data collected is used to distribute Congressional seats to states, to make decisions at every level of government, and to distribute $300 billion in federal funds to communities each year. Help our community get our piece of the pie.

Finally, I encourage you to volunteer. There are many opportunities within the

City Policy

Water Restriction Policy

Pursuant to Ordinance #231, the City of Casselton hereby sets its water restriction policy as follows:

1. Every year beginning April 15, each residence with an even house number can water lawns and gardens on even-numbered days, and each residence with an odd house number can water lawns and gardens on odd-numbered days. The only exception to this rule is newly-planted or sodded lawns, which can be watered daily for the first two weeks after planting or sodding. This restriction will end October 31 of each year.

2. During a water emergency situation, as determined by the public works supervisor or the mayor, the following restrictions will go into effect:

   1. No watering of lawns and gardens (both vegetable and floral).

   2. No washing of vehicles, sidewalks or driveways.

   3. Limit use of household water usage.

Residents will be notified of a water emergency situation through appropriate media outlets, which may include radio, television, and newspaper.

This policy will be enforced by the Police Department and the Public Works Department. Residents not complying with the above policy will be given one verbal or written warning, after which if there is a still a violation of this policy, then the Public Works Department may disconnect water service to the user. Violators may also be subject to a fine not to exceed $1,000 and imprisonment not to exceed 30 days in jail or both fine and imprisonment.

Grass Clippings

Please make sure, when you mow your property that grass clippings do not end up in the street. This creates a major problem by clogging the city’s street sweeper, as well as the city’s storm sewer system. If this practice continues, the city will charge you for extra clean up required.

Sump Pumps

Sump Pumps must be discharged to the outside storm drains, NOT into the sanitary sewer.

Vacation Rate

If residents are gone for more than 2 months and would like to have the residence on $7.00 water utility vacation rate contact the City Auditor. It is the resident’s responsibility to notify the auditor before leaving for vacation.

Harold the Beagle Says:

Licensing and Control Dogs

1. Dog licenses are available at the Casselton City Hall for the fee of $4.00 annually.

2. Dog at large is defined as a dog that is off the premises of the owner and is not under the control of the owner or a member of his immediate family by leash, cord, chain, or otherwise.

All dogs found running at large, are subject to impound and the owner of said dog is responsible for all fees associated with impoundment. The owner will be cited into Casselton Municipal Court and MUST APPEAR at the schedule court date and shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500).

Cat licenses are available too at Casselton City Hall for the fee of $4.00 annually.

CITY WIDE EVENTS

Clean up week will be May 5 to May 10, 2008

The landfill will be open from 12pm to 9pm May 5 to May 9. Saturday May 10 the landfill will be open from 9am to 6pm.

THIS IS FOR CITY OF CASSELTON RESIDENTS ONLY.

Residents will be allowed to bring items to the landfill that can be accepted free of charge.

Only residential trash will be collected No commercial waste.

All clean-up trash will be collected on the regular garbage pickup day only. All trees must be bundled and tied in 4-foot lengths; logs must be no more than 4 feet long and 10 inches across. Brush will not be picked up if not properly bundled. Place trash separating all items, away from the garbage.

Items to be picked up are wood, metal, appliances, LIMIT OF 2 APPLIANCES PER HOUSHOLD and tires. No leaves, grass, porcelain, or concrete, will be picked up. These items must be hauled to the landfill.

Casselton Library Summer Reading Program

Kick off June 2, 7:00 p.m.

Open Monday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Tuesday- Friday 10 a.m.-4p.m.

Citywide Garage Sale June 7, 2008

Cass County Summerfest July 17-20, 2008

Winter Wonderland of Lights November 24, 2008

The City of Casselton is OFFERING a service to its utility customers. This service, known as the AUTOMATIC PAY PLAN, this would pay your utility bill directly from your bank account and would benefit you in several ways.

*Saves time – fewer checks to write

*Pays your utility bill conveniently and timely

*No lost or misplaced statements – payment always on time

*Saves postage

*No late charges

To sign up for this new service, please complete the following information and return with your utility bill.

Name on utility bill (Please print)_____________________________________________

Utility Account Number____________

Please take my payment directly from my: Checking ______ Savings ______

Name of Financial Institution _______________________________________________

Bank or Financial Institution Number _________________________________________

Account Number__________________________________________________________

Authorized Signature on my Account _________________________________________

Date ___________________________________________________________________

• Please attach voided check or deposit slip.

• Customer will continue to receive monthly utility statement showing the amount of automatic payment to be deducted on the 10^th of each month.

• Bill will indicate “Auto Pay” when service established.

• Questions regarding this service may be directed to the City Auditor. 347-4861.

Dear City of Casselton Residents:

RE: Mosquito Control

We request that you do not stop our driver and ask them to perform any additional work or ask them for any information. The driver has been assigned a certain task and must complete it within a certain time.

If you have a specific request or want some information regarding our operation, please feel free to call our office Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7:30 am and 4:30 pm.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Sincerely,

Kevin Mayer

Public Works Supervisor