Notice
Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority
June 5, 2019 * Shore Haven Water System * Public Water Supply: PWS ID # 1302807
Information:
Shore Haven Public Water System is required to test quarterly for radiological contaminants, including radium and gross alpha activity. Compliance with the maximum contaminant level is determined by a running annual average which is the average of sample analytical results for samples taken at a particular monitoring location during the previous four calendar quarters. The fourth quarter 2018 sampling result for gross alpha activity (excluding radon and uranium) of 41.2 picocuries per liter was unusually high. Despite the fact that all other quarterly results preceding and following the December 2018 sampling result were below the maximum contaminant level, the water system has been in violation of the maximum contaminant level for gross alpha activity for the fourth quarter of 2018 and the first quarter of 2019. The maximum contaminant level for gross alpha activity (excluding radon and uranium) is 15 picocuries per liter. The gross alpha activity (excluding radon and uranium) for the fourth quarter 2018 and the first quarter 2019 for the Shore Haven Public Water System were 17 picocuries per liter and 18 picocuries per liter respectively.
Shore Haven Public Water System uses ion exchange to reduce the radiological contaminants in the drinking water. The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health has requested that we submit a report explaining the cause of the high gross alpha sample result in December 2018.
Shore Haven Public Water System is also in violation of the public notification law for failure to notify you within 30 days of the gross alpha activity maximum contaminant level exceedance for the fourth quarter 2018 and the first quarter 2019.
The following steps are being taken to correct the problem:
We believe the December sample is indicative of a problem with the sample collection or the treatment equipment. The equipment appears to be functioning correctly as confirmed by subsequent sampling. We are closely monitoring the treatment plant and continued routine sampling.
Preventative measures you may choose to take:
Some people may wish to take practical measures which will reduce their exposure. Bottled water may be used for drinking
General Health Effects Information:
Gross Alpha: Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit a form of radiation known as alpha radiation. Some people who drink water containing alpha emitters in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
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.
For further information please contact: Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority 845-486-3601
Dutchess County Behavioral and Community Health Environmental Health Services 845-486-3404
https://www.dutchessny.gov/
