Taking Special Precautions (2013)

Do I Need To Take Special Precautions?

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, as well as the elderly and infants are at greater risk for 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.

Information on Fluoride Addition:

Our system is one of the many drinking water systems in New York State that provides drinking water with a controlled, low level of fluoride for consumer dental health protection.  According to the United States Centers for Disease Control, fluoride is very effective in preventing cavities when present in drinking water at an optimal range from 0.8 to 1.2 mg/l (parts per million).  To ensure that the fluoride supplement in your water provides optimal dental protection, the State Department of Health requires that we monitor fluoride levels on a daily basis.  Fluoride is added to your water by the NYCDEP for the Shaft 22 Delaware Aqueduct connections and by WJWW for the Rye Lake intake.

During 2013 at Shaft 22, NYCDEP did not continuously supply fluoride due to the modifications to the fluoride delivery system, damaged equipment and construction activities.  Fluoridation on the Catskill and Delaware Aqueducts was off-line 24% of the time. The longest continuous period for which NYCDEP completely shut down the fluoride delivery was 16 days from January 1 to January 16, 2013 which took place while the system was under repairs at Delaware Shaft 18.  The New York State Dental Health Association has indicated that an intermittent interruption of fluoridation is not expected to have a significant impact on dental health.

During 2013, monitoring showed fluoride levels at our Rye Lake intake were in the optimal range 100% of the time.  None of the monitoring results showed fluoride at levels that approach the 2.2 mg/l MCL for fluoride.

Information for Non-English Speaking Residents:
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