For the water quality characteristic I have chosen fluoride. Here in Vancouver, WA the water is fluoridated using sodium fluoride of about 0.6-0.8 milligrams per liter. Most water supplies contain naturally occurring fluoride and many communities add fluoride to water. The decision for fluoride to be added to Vancouver's drinking water occurred in 1962 and ever since then has been fluoridated in compliance with Vancouver Municipal Code and EPA standards. Fluoride is an important characteristic of water quality because communities add it to their drinking water for dental health. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, fluoridation in drinking water is a major factor for the decline of tooth decay in the US and remains the most equitable and cost-effective method of providing fluoride to the community ("Health Effects and Environmental Impact", 2013).
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Also, for children 8 years and younger, fluoride in excess increases the likelihood of developing pits in the tooth enamel as well as a range of cosmetic effects to teeth ("Basic Information about fluoride in drinking water," 2013).The EPA determines the level of contaminants in drinking water at which no adverse health effects are likely to occur and sets non-enforceable health goals based on possible health risks and exposure over a lifetime with an adequate margin of safety called the maximum contaminant level goals (MCLG). Currently, the MCLG for fluoride is 4.0mg/L. Also, the EPA set a secondary standard (SMCL) at 2.0 mg/L which are non-enforceable guidelines regulating contaminants that can cause cosmetic effects or aesthetic effects. Consequently, states are not required to comply with SMCL standards ("Basic Information about fluoride in drinking water,"
Also, for children 8 years and younger, fluoride in excess increases the likelihood of developing pits in the tooth enamel as well as a range of cosmetic effects to teeth ("Basic Information about fluoride in drinking water," 2013).The EPA determines the level of contaminants in drinking water at which no adverse health effects are likely to occur and sets non-enforceable health goals based on possible health risks and exposure over a lifetime with an adequate margin of safety called the maximum contaminant level goals (MCLG). Currently, the MCLG for fluoride is 4.0mg/L. Also, the EPA set a secondary standard (SMCL) at 2.0 mg/L which are non-enforceable guidelines regulating contaminants that can cause cosmetic effects or aesthetic effects. Consequently, states are not required to comply with SMCL standards ("Basic Information about fluoride in drinking water,"