Ensuring Safe Water for Sharon Springs

By Alexis Pencar

The Village of Sharon Springs has just recently released its annual drinking water quality report for 2024, providing residents with crucial information about the quality and safety of their drinking water. This annual report is an integral part of yearly reporting for health and well being of residents.

The Village's primary water sources are two reservoirs, with an additional deep well for emergencies. The water is filtered, disinfected with chlorine, and treated with a corrosion inhibitor. In 2024, tests detected 13 contaminants from reservoirs and 20 from the well, all within safety limits.

Over the past year, the Village collected numerous samples to ensure water quality that included: Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Alkalinity, with an additional 107 parameters. This testing revealed some violations, including sulfate in the well and turbidity, or cloudiness, in filters. However, health effects information and corrective actions are detailed in the full report available online at https://www4.schohariecounty-ny.gov/

While most residents can safely consume the water, vulnerable populations, such as those with weakened immune systems, like young children or elderly, should consult healthcare providers. The report outlines potential health effects of contaminants like lead, copper, nitrate, and radon, emphasizing precautionary measures.

Compliance with disinfection by-products, including Haloacetic Acids and Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM), is maintained. Long-term exposure to these by-products at high levels can increase health risks, such as cancer. Additional Information on chloride, sodium, zinc, barium, radon, iron, manganese, and other contaminants is provided in the full report. The Village ensures through these annual reports that all detected levels are within safety limits, with ongoing monitoring and compliance.

The Village received waivers for monitoring certain inorganic contaminants and asbestos due to consistently low detection levels, and according to the full report, there has been compliance with the Revised Total Coliform Bacteria Rule since 2016 assures safe drinking water.

On the topic of water, residents are always encouraged to conserve water to save energy and reduce costs overall. Great tips include repairing leaks, using dishwashers efficiently, and being mindful of water usage. Conservation by all helps maintain adequate supply and reduces strain during dry spells for the community. The Village continues to improve the water system, keep in mind, rate adjustments could be necessary for those ongoing improvements.

Would you like to find out more or get involved? Regular meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 6:00 PM located at the Sharon Community Building (129 Main Street Sharon Springs, NY 13459). Residents are encouraged to participate and stay informed. Ensuring safe drinking water is a collective effort, and the Village of Sharon Springs remains committed to providing high-quality water to its residents.