Recently published newspaper and television coverage regarding micro-constituents did not take NTMWD by surprise.
Drinking water utilities across the U.S. (including NTMWD) and around the world are already testing for micro-constituents.
Scientific knowledge and studies of detectable micro-constituents present in drinking water supplies have been conducted over the past five decades.
As noted in the Associated Press article, these concentrations of micro-constituents do not pose a threat to human health based on current scientific understanding. However, it does generate public concern.
Micro-constituents can include organic compounds, pharmaceuticals and endocrine disruptors to name a few.
Micro-constituents can be found in water supply sources, groundwater supplies, and food products, storm water run-off and other sources.
Initial reports, although not final report documentation indicates that the levels of micro-constituents are at miniscule detectable values, in fact; higher levels of the same constituent can be detected and digested through food and beverage products.
Over many years of advancements, the scientific technology and laboratory practices have become more advanced to ensure water quality.
Particulates can now be measured in parts per trillion – a much more precise indicator of a presence than technology allowed in prior years. To provide a comparison:
A part per billion is one (1) second in 32 years
A part per trillion is one (1) second in 32,000 years
A part per billion is 1/2 teaspoon in an Olympic size swimming pool
A part per trillion would be 1/1000 of 1/2 teaspoon in an Olympic size swimming pool
While this is a complex science, micro-constituents are being tested through an intricate process to produce data and results. These activities are in the early stages of scientific evaluation to determine if micro-constituents pose adverse effects to human health through the drinking water supply. These results will be evaluated to determine if any health associated exposure levels can be standardized.
NTMWD would like to reassure the Member Cities, Customers and consumers that we will continue to monitor this issue and will implement all necessary and any mandatory treatment processes available to ensure water quality.
NTMWD encourages the public to help protect the watersheds of supply reservoirs and the supply system.
Additional information from North Texas
Microconstituents in Public Drinking Water