Hendry Correction Institute

DRINKING WATER PUBLIC NOTICE
HENDRY CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTE
WATER TREATMENT PLANT

SITUATION:

Recent laboratory analyses indicate that drinking water samples from the HENDRY CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTE water treatment plant, contained a concentration of Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) higher than what is allowed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Quarterly samples collected on March 4, August 5, September 9, and October 28, 1998, indicate that the running annual average TTHM concentration was 0.1863 milligrams per liter (mg/L). The drinking water standard for TTHMs is 0.100 mg/L

HEALTH INFORMATION:

The DEP requires disinfection of drinking water to inactivate possible pathogens, because the health benefits of disinfection far outweigh its risks. However, when used in the treatment of drinking water, some disinfectants combine with organic and inorganic matter present in the water to form chemicals called disinfection byproducts (DBPs). A number of DBPs may be a health concern at certain levels of exposure. Certain DBPs including some Trihalomethanes (TIIMs) and some Haloacetic Acids (~As), have been shown to cause cancer in rats. Other DBPs have been shown to damage the liver and the nervous system, and cause reproductive or developmental defects in laboratory animals. There is also some evidence that exposure to certain DBPs may produce adverse effects in people. Recently released research results indicate possible connections between the effects of TTHMs in drinking water and pregnancy problems.

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES:

The American Water Works Association recommends that women in the early stage of pregnancy may wish to consult their physicians for advice. The American water Works Association also indicates that THM levels in tap water can be minimized by boiling the water for one full minute and then letting it cool before drinking it, or by using a home treatment device that is officially certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International as being effective for THM removal.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

The Hendry Correctional Institute water system is required to take corrective action for the TTHM MCL violation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

HENDRY CI