Water Treatment FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the City add fluoride to the water?
Yes, we do. In 1952, the citizens of Corvallis voted to have fluoride added to City drinking water. Several years later, a group of residents wanted the City to stop adding fluoride, so a second vote was held in 1960. Citizens voted 2-to-1 to continue adding fluoride to the water.
Fluoride, known for its cavity-fighting benefits, is of special interest to parents with young children. Studies have shown that it strengthens tooth enamel and inhibits acid production by decay-causing bacteria in dental plaque. The U.S. Public Health Service recommends a fluoride concentration of 0.7 to 1.2 ppm in drinking water. Our target fluoride level is 0.8 ppm.
Category: Water Treatment
I want to store some water for a possible emergency. Is bottled water ok to store?
Bottled water can be a good source of drinking water during an emergency, but it does not store well for long periods of time. Generally, bottled water does not contain a disinfectant, so microbes may grow in it over time. Because of this, bottled water should be treated as a perishable food product. Tap water does contain low levels of disinfectant and should be stored in capped plastic or glass containers. However, even properly stored tap water will not last indefinitely and should be replaced every 6 to 12 months.
Category: Water Treatment
Is bottled water safer than tap water?
Like tap water, the safety of bottled water depends both on the source water and the treatment process. Because bottled water is considered a food product, it is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Starting this year, the FDA will require bottled water manufacturers to test their source water and the finished product once a year; however, the quality of the finished product is not government monitored. Any bottled water that contains contaminants in excess of the allowable level is considered mislabeled unless it has a statement of substandard quality. If you use bottled water, consider it a food product and refrigerate it after opening.
The use of bottled water or home treatment devices is a personal choice, which may be based on taste preferences. If however, you use these products for health reasons, we suggest that you thoroughly research the product you are selecting to assure that it offers the level of protection you are seeking.
Category: Water Treatment
I’ve heard about dioxin. What is it?
Dioxin is one of a group of chemicals called chlorinated organics. These compounds form when chlorine reacts with organic materials, like leaves, woody material, or decaying plants, in the water. Formation of these compounds depends on several factors including: the amount of organic material present, the concentration and form of chlorine, and the amount of time the chlorine is in contact with the organic material. Dioxin is a highly complex compound that generally only forms when large quantities of organic material and chlorine are in contact for long periods of time. The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level for dioxin in drinking water is 30 parts per quadrillion (ppq). We have been testing for the presence of dioxin in city water since 1991. To date, dioxin has not been detected in our finished drinking water.
Category: Water Treatment
I’ve heard about THMs in the news lately. What are they?
When organic materials (such as the algae, leaves, or decaying plants found in untreated source water) react with the chlorine disinfectant during the treatment process, disinfection by-products can be created. Some of these by-products form a group of chemicals called trihalomethanes, or THMs. In excessive quantities, these by-products may have harmful health effects. The maximum contaminant level (MCL) of trihalomethanes allowed in drinking water is 100 parts per billion.
As part of the 1997 Taylor Plant upgrade, enhanced treatment processes and four new filters were installed to help us meet federal drinking water regulations regarding THMs. These improvements have dramatically increased the plant’s efficiency for removing particles that may contain organic material from the source water. The treatment process has also been modified so that chlorine is only added to the water in the final step of treatment. These improvements will help ensure that the formation of disinfection by-products is kept to a minimum.
Category: Water Treatment
Sometimes my water smells like chlorine. Why is that?
The Taylor and Rock Creek facilities both treat the water with chlorine. Low doses of chlorine act as a disinfectant protecting you against disease-causing microorganisms in the water. We are required by law to add disinfectant in order to meet state and federal regulatory mandates for safe drinking water.
If you find the chlorine taste unpleasant, try filling a container with water and keeping it loosely capped in the refrigerator.
Category: Water Treatment
What is the risk of Cryptosporidium in our water?
Cryptosporidium
(krip-toe-spor-ID-eum) is a microscopic organism that is naturally present in bodies of water throughout the world. Swallowing these tiny organisms can cause an intestinal illness known as cryptosporidiosis, although some persons infected with Cryptosporidium do not get sick. Symptoms include stomach cramps, upset stomach, and diarrhea. For most healthy people, the illness runs its course in a few weeks without serious consequences. However, for the elderly, young children, or for people with weakened immune systems, the disease can be life threatening.
Cryptosporidiosis can be transmitted by swallowing contaminated water or food (such as unwashed fruits and vegetables), or by touching your mouth or putting anything in your mouth that has touched the feces of a person or animal with cryptosporidioisis. This includes diapers, farm or yard equipment, and pet waste. Studies have shown that about 1/3 of the population has been recently exposed to this germ, indicating that there are many sources of exposure.
We have been testing city water for Cryptosporidium since 1994. The results indicate that no Cryptosporidium organisms have been detected. We believe the risk of contracting cryptosporidiosis from city tap water is quite low, however, if you are infected with HIV or have AIDS, are a cancer patient, are taking immunosuppressive drugs after a transplant, or were born with a weakened immune system, we encourage you to consult with your physician. Health officials may suggest that you take additional precautions, such as boiling drinking water for one minute before consuming it.
Category: Water Treatment
