Town of Wallkill drinking water exceeds standards

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.”