By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
Madison County Department of Health is urging the county’s residents to test their drinking water for harmful contaminants.
The department’s division of environmental health services is currently offering free testing of residential wells and other individual onsite water systems.
According to the department of health, the quality and safety of a water supply can change throughout the year.
“Over 32 percent of Madison County residents rely on individual water systems,” said Environmental Health Director Geoffrey Snyder. “But few test their well water at a frequency that ensures their drinking water is safe.”
Natural geological conditions, as well as industrial, agricultural and human activities can impact drinking water quality.
Additionally, contamination levels are dependent upon a number of factors, including how a water supply system was constructed; where the system is located; its distance from sources of contamination such as septic systems, agricultural activity and surface water; how well the water source is protected; and how well the components of the water treatment system are maintained.
According to Environmental Health Director Geoffrey Snyder, water-testing appointments are scheduled at the convenience of the homeowners.
During each appointment, a trained specialist performs an assessment of the water system and collects water samples.
Samples are then sent to a certified lab for testing. The county’s water specialist provides the homeowner with a water quality report and a review of the laboratory analysis, along with recommendations for improving and protecting the water source.
Through its Individual Water Program, the health department completed over 400 well assessments between 2016 and 2018.
The results revealed the presence of coliform bacteria in 39 percent of the water systems tested. The presence of the bacteria indicates that a water system may be vulnerable to contamination.
Among the systems that tested positive for coliform bacteria, six percent tested positive for E. coli bacteria. Naturally occurring arsenic was also detected at various levels in 26 percent of the home water systems tested.
Commonly tested contaminants include coliform bacteria, lead, manganese, sodium, nitrate, nitrite, iron and arsenic. Commonly tested water characteristics include pH, alkalinity, turbidity and hardness.
Primary funding for the free water-testing program is provided through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Madison County Department of Health.
“The CDC Safe Watch grant has provided the help needed to improve the services this Health Department provides to residential well owners, and to educate well owners on measures they can take to protect their water source from contaminants,” Snyder said.
The CDC recommends that individual water systems be tested yearly for bacteria and nitrates, and at least every three years for other contaminants.
Residents should also test their systems following a noticeable change in water smell, taste or color; after working on the water system; when expecting a baby; in the event of standing water around the well base; and if the well cap is not secure.
Madison County residents on public water are advised to request an annual water quality report from the company listed on their monthly water bill.
The health department’s website features interactive maps showing known sources of potential contamination and geographical areas likely to have higher levels of arsenic, nitrates and other harmful contaminants. To view the maps, visit ny-madisoncounty.civicplus.com.
To learn more about the free water testing service and to determine eligibility, call Madison County Health Department’s Water Specialist at 315-366-2526 or email [email protected].
