Water Testing for Fluoride in Connecticut
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral throughout Connecticut and is fairly common in drinking water which is why water testing is sometimes a good idea.
Naturally occurring fluoride dissolves out of certain rock formations. Ongoing testing for fluoride is an important strategy for private CT well owners to safeguard the health and well being of their family.
Fluoride in water is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Food and water are the major sources of fluoride for the majority Connecticut residents.
How much fluoride is safe?
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for fluoride to 4 mg/L.
What are the symptoms of excessive fluoride in CT water?
Excessive fluoride consumption can cause yellow or brown staining of the teeth. The staining can cause mottling of the enamel, in serious cases leading to black staining or pitting of the tooth enamel. These conditions are called dental fluorosis. In addition, high fluoride intake can increase the risk of bone fractures, osteoporosis, and bone deformations, and in severe cases cause crippling skeletal fluorosis.
Whether someone will develop any of these conditions depends on the amount of fluoride consumed and the length of the exposure.
Should I test my Connecticut well for fluoride? Is it at risk?
Like many contaminants in CT drinking water, fluoride is potentially hazardous at levels or concentrations that do not impart a noticeable taste, odor, or appearance to the water. Your best course of action is to get your water tested and compile as much information as possible about your water supply source, well construction, surrounding land-use, and local geology.
Note: We recommend testing your water for more than just fluoride because there may be other contaminants in your water. At the bare minimum, the EPA recommends that private well owners in CT test their water annually for coliform bacteria, nitrate, pH, and
specific conductance.
Call us today for your water testing needs 888-558-1574.
