TOWN OF WALLKILL – The Town of Wallkill water system has violated a drinking
water standard, the town announced.
In a notice to town residents, Town Water/Sewer Administrator Timothy
Grogan said the situation “is not an emergency.” He said there
is no “immediate risk.”
On November 13, they received notice that a sample collected on August
21 showed the system exceeded the maximum, contaminant level for Total
Trihalomethanes (TTHMs). The standard is 80 parts per billion, but “the
locational running annual average for TTHMs ended in the third quarter
of 2018 was 88.5 parts per billion.”
Grogan wrote that residents do not need to use an alternative water supply
like bottled water, but if they have specific health concerns they should
consult their doctor.
“Some people who drink water containing Trihalomethanes in excess
of the maximum contaminant level over many years may experience problems
with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have increased
risk of getting cancer,” said Grogan’s notice to town residents.
He said one specific sampling event at one location caused the average
to exceed the standards. As a result, the town is working with an engineering
firm to develop a treatment plan “that along with process control
will bring our TTHM levels back in line with health department standards.”
