A drinking reservoir at the water treatment facility

Q: Does Brandon add fluoride to its drinking water?

A: Yes, Brandon adds fluoride to your drinking water. Fluoride has been added to public drinking water supplies to fight tooth decay.

 

Q: What is the hardness of Brandon's drinking water?

A: Hardness is a measure of the amount of minerals, i.e. calcium and magnesium, dissolved in water. The average hardness of water is 150mg per liter.

 

Q: Why does the taste of tap water change?

A: The taste of water is caused by the minerals and naturally occurring organic substances dissolved in the water. Some of these substances impart a strong taste, while others do not. Taste in water is a complex issue involving many factors: individual preferences, taste sensitivity, seasonal changes, water source(s), salt levels, water temperature, medications, home plumbing, and many other factors. Your water is continuously tested and monitored to ensure that it is safe for consumption.

Q: I was offered to have my water tested by an individual that wants to sell me a product. Is there any validity to the test?

A: A single colorimetric test should not be used to provide the basis for safety claims. Assertions regarding water safety should be ignored when an individual wants to sell you something based on a single, quick and cheap colorimetric water test.

 

Q: Is water with chlorine safe to drink?

A: Yes. Many studies have shown that the amount of chlorine found in treated water is safe to drink. Chlorine is needed to maintain disinfection throughout the water distribution system. The potential for risk from microbial contamination outweighs any risk associated with chlorine.

Q: What is Cryptosporidium?

A: Cryptosporidium is a parasite that travels in an oocyst (hard shell) and thrives in the intestines of mammals, including humans. Cryptosporidium is widespread in the environment. Oocysts have been found in rivers and streams, lakes and resevoirs, raw and treated sewage, and treated surface waters. The organism has also been found in both wild and domesticated animals.

The Cryptosporidium organism can cause severe intestinal illnesses in humans called cryptosporidiosis. Once oocysts are ingested, a person may become ill in two to 12 days. Disease symptoms include: diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, occasional vomiting and low-grade fever. Cryptosporidiosis typically lasts 10 - 14 days, may linger off and on up to 30 days, and can persist for extended periods.

Children, the elderly, and "high risk" individuals, e.g. the terminally ill, and AIDS/HIV individuals, may be the most susceptible. It is especially important for these persons to see their physician as soon as possible so they can be properly diagnosed.

Q: How is Cryptosporidium Spread?

A: Not everyone exposed to the parasite Cryptosporidium shows signs of illness. Infection can occur from eating contaminated food, exposure to fecally contaminated environmental surfaces, e.g counters, change tables, swimming in contaminated water, and from person-to-person contact through the fecal-oral route.

Cryptosporidium can also be transmitted from one animal to another through cross-transmission. For example, organisms from cats, cattle and pigs are able to cause infection in humans, and organisms from humans can infect animals.

Q: How is our water protected against Cryptosporidium and Giardia?

A: To guard against an outbreak of Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium, our water treatment facility practices a multi-barrier approach utilizing coagulation/filtration along with chlorination and ultra-violet disinfection of the water before it leaves the facility. The parameters are monitored with collected samples submitted for analysis.