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City says water treated and safe after TTHM running-average exceedance; notices to be mailed
Summary
DPW reported a running four-quarter TTHM average above the reportable threshold at one sampling location but said a recent spot test was much lower and the Department of Health accepted their explanation; council directed staff to include required notifications with the next billing cycle if possible.
The Department of Public Works told the city council that a four-quarter running average of total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) at a monitored site exceeded the New York State reportable level (80 micrograms per liter). DPW staff said the four-quarter running average calculated last year reached about 84.1 µg/L at a location served by the Denny’s pipe but that an immediate recent measurement at the same site was 18.5 µg/L.
DPW officials explained the earlier high reading as likely caused by lakebed disturbance during construction activities that temporarily increased organic material in the intake. The department reported the event to the New York State Department of Health and said subsequent tests have been accepted by DOH. "Our water plant does a very good job," the DPW director said; staff reiterated that treated water distributed by the plant is safe and that the required user-notification letters will emphasize that point while explaining the exceedance and potential effects.
Because the mailing would cost about $8,000 if sent independently, staff said they are trying to include the required notice with the next water bill mailing; if that is not feasible they will send a separate mailer. DPW also reported ongoing coordination with neighboring towns (Wilton and Greenfield) and DOH guidance to reduce watershed nutrient inputs that can increase TTHM formation when water is chlorinated.
Council members asked whether flushing or other immediate operational steps were required; DPW said flushing was not necessary because usage continuously turns over the system and that the anomaly appears tied to the prior dredging disturbance. The DPW director said the department expects the four-quarter running average to drop below reportable levels in the next quarter and will provide charts and historical data if councilors want additional detail.
