ARE THERE CONT AMINANTS IN OUR DRINKING WATER?

As the State regulations require, we routinely test your drinking water for numerous contaminants. These contaminants include total coliform, inorganic compounds, nitrate, nitrite, lead and copper, volatile organic compounds, total trihalomethanes, and synthetic organic compounds. Table I depicts which compounds were detected in your drinking water. The State allows us to test for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of our data, though representative, are more than one year old. A supplement containing all the test results is available for viewing by contacting Ed Smith at the Water Department. Please ca11342-1668. You may request a copy of the supplement containing these results.

 

It should be noted that all drinking water, including bottled drinking water, may be reasonably expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence 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 EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline

(800-426-4791) or the Orange County Health Department at (845) 291-2331.

 

New York State Law requires water suppliers to notify their customers about the risks of Cryptosporidiosis and Giardiasis. Cryptosporidosis can be very serious for people with weak immune systems, such as chemotherapy, dialysis, or transplant patients, as well as people with Crohn's Disease or HIV infection. People with weakened immune systems should discuss with their health care
providers the need to take extra precautions such as boiling water, using a certified bottle water, or specially approved home filter. Individuals who think they may have Crytosposidisos or Giardiasis should contact their health care provider immediately. Since the water supply for the Town of Wallkill is obtained from groundwater sources, (wells) it is at a very low risk for the presence of Crytosporidum and/ or Giardia. CRYPTOSPORIDIUM AND GIARDIA HAVE NEVER BEEN DETECTED IN THE TOWN'S WATER SUPPLY.

 

Although our drinking water met or exceeded state and federal regulations, some people may be more vulnerable to disease causing microorganisms or pathogens in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV / AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice from their health care provider about their drinking water. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and other microbial pathogens are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

 

 

WHY SAVE WATER AND HOW TO AVOID WASTING IT?

Although our system has an adequate amount of water to meet present and future demands, there are a number of reasons why it is important to conserve water, especially during the present drought conditions:

·         Saving water saves energy and some of the costs associated with both of these necessities of life;

·         Saving water reduces the cost of energy required to pump water and the need to construct costly new wells, pumping systems    and water towers; and

·         Saving water lessens the strain on the water system during a dry spell or drought, helping to avoid severe water use restrictions so that essential fire fighting needs are met.

You can play a role in conserving water by becoming conscious of the amount of water your household is using, and by looking for ways to use less whenever you can. It is not hard to conserve water. Conservation tips include:

·         Automatic dishwashers use 15 gallons for every cycle, regardless of how many dishes are loaded. So get a run for your money and load it to capacity.

·         Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.

·         Check every faucet in your home for leaks. Just a slow drip can waste 15 to 20 gallons a day. Fix it up and you can save almost 6,000 gallons per year.

·         Check your toilets for leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank, watch for a few minutes to see if the color shows up in the bowl. It is not uncommon to lose up to 100 gallons a day from one of these otherwise invisible toilet leaks. Fix it and you save more than 30,000 gallons a year.

·         Use your water meter to detect hidden leaks. Simply turn off all taps and water using appliances, then check the meter after 15 minutes, if it moved, you have a leak.

There are presently five New York State Department of Health certified water operators employed by the Town of Wallkill. Each operator must receive continuing education throughout the year. We at the Town of Wallkill Water Department work around the clock to provide top quality water at every tap. We ask that all of our customers help us protect our water sources, which are the heart of our community, our way of life, and our children's future.

PLEASE CALL MY OFFICE IF YOU HA VE ANY QUESTIONS. 342-1668

Edward A. Smith Superintendent, Water and Sewer

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