Drinking water...turn on a
faucet and it appears. We drink, cook and
clean with it. Most of us don’t even
think about whether it’s safe. However,
having access to clean, potable drinking water is one of the most important
contributions to our community’s overall health.
More than 1 billion people
worldwide do not have access to safe drinking water. The US is fortunate to have some of the
safest public drinking water supplies in the world.
The water we use daily can
come to us in two very different ways:
1. Community (public) water system or
2. Private water source, such as a well.
Public water systems are
regulated and must adhere to strict standards.
Private water sources, such as wells, are not regulated; individual
homeowners are responsible for keeping their water safe. Approximately 28% of Clinton County residents have a private water source. If you are part of
that 28%, here is how you can make sure your water is safe:
- Test your water source for coliform bacteria at least once a year using a NYS Certified Lab. If you have a newborn in your home, collection of a nitrate sample is also recommended.
- Check to see that your well has a tight fitting sanitary (waterproof) cap.
- Ensure your well casing extends above ground level to prevent flooding of the well head.
- Maximize the distance between your well and sources of contamination, such as septic systems, manure storage piles and fuel oil tanks, if possible.
Testing your water is key to knowing if your water
is safe to drink. Total
coliform bacteria is naturally present in the environment
and is used to determine the sanitary condition of a well. Although total coliform bacteria by itself doesn’t
usually make you sick, its presence tells you that other harmful bacteria, such
as E.Coli, might be able to get into your well water too. If results are positive for coliform
bacteria, the well should be properly disinfected
and retested.
During spring certain weather conditions – such as
melting snow, heavy rains and flooding – increase the chances of contaminates getting
in your private well, making Spring the perfect time to do a well water ‘checkup’.
Just like maintenance on your car or your home’s
roof, you should always ensure your water source is being properly maintained. For more information visit http://www.clintonhealth.org/wells.
For concerns or questions about your water quality, contact the CCHD’s
Environmental Health & Safety Division at 518-565-4870.
Tim
Simonette
Senior
Public Health Sanitarian
