FALL 1997
2305 East 5th Street
Duluth Minnesota 55812-1445
The Water Line has been receiving some interesting calls. Examples
range from an individual concerned about a nitrate concentration
of 50 ppm in their drinking water well (the standard is 10 ppm)
to a small community of residents living on a pond that has seen
a significant degradation in water quality within the past year.
These are the types of calls that make answering the Water Line
interesting. By providing these people with some explanations for
the causes of their problems and helping them sort t hrough the
facts of their situation, the Water Line is helping them be better
informed, so they can more effectively develop a plan of action
and connect with the correct people and agencies for assistance.
- A total of 178 calls were received in this time period.
- Aesthetic Contamination refers to drinking water problems
such as iron and sulfur bacteria, high levels of manganese,
or other drinking water odor or nuisance problems that do not
pose a health risk.
Special thanks to Carlton, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Isanti,
Itasca, Lake, Pope, Sibley, Sherburne, Steele, and Wabasha Counties
for their financial support of the Minnesota Water Line within the
past year.
question of the season
What kind of water testing can be done by a free in-home
test that is offered by many water treatment companies?
Parameters such as hardness, pH, iron, and sulfur can be tested
fairly reliably with the use of in-home portable equipment. But
not all contaminants can be analyzed in this manner. For example,
organic compounds that may be harmful to your health can not be
tested in the home. Organics need to be analyzed with sophisticated
laboratory equipment and should be done at a Minnesota Department
of Health certified lab. Also, a test for harmful bacterial needs
to be done in a certified lab. Call the Minnesota Department of
Health for a list of certified labs nearest to you or contact
the Water Line.
