Welcome to Our October Newsletter |
|
Cool nights and crisp mornings, colorful foliage, apple picking, pumpkin carving... Fall is here. |
|
In this Edition
Lead Testing In Maine Schools
Water Testing Opportunity for Hampstead Residents
Manchester Fisher Cats Outing
Industry News
|
|
We care what you think! Please take our survey and lets us know how we are doing. Click the link below for the office you use most frequently.
|
|
Lead Testing in Maine Schools
Written by: Maia Ferris - Maine Drinking Water Program Rule Specialist
|
|
Lead in drinking water remains a health concern for many Americans today. Young children in particular are more vulnerable to the effects of lead exposure, which can negatively affect brain development and cause learning disabilities and behavior problems. As water sits unused for long periods, lead material from plumbing can slowly dissolve into the water, resulting in elevated levels; the longer the water sits, the higher the potential lead level. Because of this, buildings that see infrequent or sporadic water usage (such as schools) may be more at risk for elevated lead in their drinking water after long school breaks or weekends.
In June 2021, Governor Janet Mills signed rules into law that require all Maine K-12 schools to test their water for lead. During the 2021-2022 academic year, every water fixture at a school that can be used for drinking or cooking must be tested. Fixtures falling into this category may include, but are not limited to, drinking water fountains, kitchen kettles, food prep sinks, classroom sinks, and restroom handwash sinks. The purpose of the school lead testing program is to help identify school water fixtures that contain lead materials. Schools may also voluntarily collect additional samples to determine if there is lead present in their building’s internal plumbing or coming from the water supply line.
The Maine CDC Drinking Water Program (DWP) has partnered with A&L Laboratory to make lead water test kits available to any school required to participate in this program. From October 1, 2021, to May 31, 2022, schools may order sample kits from A&L Laboratory at no cost. School staff will need to familiarize themselves with proper sampling technique to successfully complete this program.
|
|
Water Testing Opportunity for Hampstead Residents
Written by: Stephanie Spyvee - Hampstead Water Resource Committee- Chair
|
|
Did you know that well water should be tested regularly? Some Hampstead residents have their water supplied by Hampstead Area Water Company which is required to test the water frequently and report the results to NHDES, whereas private well owners are responsible for monitoring the safety of their own drinking water. Routine testing for the most common contaminants is highly recommended for all private wells. NHDES suggests yearly testing for bacteria and nitrates, and every 3-5 years for minerals and arsenic. When was the last time you checked yours?
The Hampstead Water Resource Committee, as part of their community outreach program, has arranged an opportunity for Hampstead residents to submit samples for water testing at a discounted rate during the week of October 4-8, 2021. The usual cost for the standard test with arsenic is $85 but, in partnership with Granite State Analytical, it will be offered for only $50. Arsenic is a particular concern in our area so it is important to know if you have high levels in your water. Follow this link to learn more: Is There Arsenic in Your drinking Water?
Residents may pick up a water sample kit with instructions from the Hampstead Town Hall and then return the kit to the same location. The samples will be picked up each afternoon by Granite State Analytical. Payment can be made by check or credit card, payable to Granite State Analytical. Copies of the Hampstead Well Water Guide will also be available at the same time.
The basic water test measures: Coliform Bacteria, E. coli Bacteria, pH, Hardness, Nitrate, Nitrite, Chloride, Calcium, Sodium, Iron, Manganese, Magnesium, Fluoride, and Arsenic. All water test results will be private to the well owner/resident. Testing for other contaminants that you may have heard of, such as Radon and PFAS can be arranged directly through Granite State Analytical or any other accredited lab after you receive your initial results.
If you have any questions about preparing the water sample or if the cost of the testing is a hardship, please contact the Hampstead Water Resource Committee at hwrc.all@gmail.com.
|
|
Manchester Fisher Cats Outing
Written by: John Lyons - Granite State Analytical - President
|
|
Granite State Analytical (GSA) was a proud sponsor of New Hampshire Water Works’ (NHWWA) Young Professionals Manchester Fisher Cats Outing in August. It was an opportunity to connect with friends and colleagues in the water industry and a fun night out. GSA has sponsored this event since its inception 4 years ago. Well, except for last year!
It was so nice to be able to get out and enjoy an event with other people again after a long winter of isolation. Nate Domingues, GSA Certified Water Operator, enjoyed his first experience at the event. “It was great! I got to throw out the first pitch, the food was good, I think everyone had a great time!”
Our thanks to the NHWWA Young Professionals for organizing the event! NHWWA is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to be the most knowledgeable, trusted, and widely referenced source for training, ideas and information on water services and supportive policies and programs in New Hampshire. If you are a water professional interested in being involved in NHWWA, please contact Boyd Smith, President and CEO at bsmith@nhwwa.org.
Pictured above (l. to r.) are Nate Domingues, Whitney Pendergast, Corbin Kennedy, Shaunna Palumbo, John Lyons, and Crystal Eyring.
|
|
NEWS THROUGHOUT OUR INDUSTRY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
