St. Cloud Water System monitoring requirements not met

For the St. Cloud Water System, we recently failed to collect the drinking water samples for annual Lead and Copper testing within the required June through September timeframe in 2024. Although this is not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we did to correct this situation. A letter was mailed to customers which is attached to the documents section of this page. 

We are required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not our drinking water meets health standards. During the months of July through September, 2024 we did not monitor or test for lead and copper and therefore cannot be sure of the quality of your drinking water during that time. 

What happened and what is being done?

The previous lead and copper sampling for Toho’s St. Cloud service area was completed in 2023, and the results were in compliance with drinking water standards (the 90th percentile value did not exceed the action level). Based upon these results, Toho was allowed to reduce monitoring frequency. Instead of the approved one-year reduced schedule, we mistakenly planned the sampling activities for a three-year reduced monitoring frequency. As such, samples were not collected or tested during the June through September 2024 sampling window. No significant operational changes have occurred since this time.

Immediately upon discovery of this missed sampling, Toho initiated sampling activities in December 2024, and the December 2024 sample results were in compliance with no exceedances. As a result of this sampling, the next compliance round of sampling will be conducted in 2026.

Health effects of lead and copper

Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems.

Copper is an essential nutrient, but some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over a relatively short amount of time could experience gastrointestinal distress. Some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over many years could suffer liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson's Disease should consult their personal doctor.

What should you do?

There is nothing you need to do. You may continue to drink the water. If a situation arises where the water is not safe to drink, you will be notified.

For more information?

For more information, please contact Environmental Compliance at 407-957-7344 or lcp@tohowater.com.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.