Dept. of Water FAQ's: Water Supply & Treatment

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Department of Water FAQ's

F.A.Q: Water Supply & Treatment

Frequently asked questions for Water Supply & Treatment

1. How do I get the lead out of my water?

2. Why does the City add flouride to my water?

3. Why are there white spots in my coffee pot(s)?

4. Why is my water cloudy (or milky)?

5. Why do you add chlorine to drinking water?

6. Why is my water rusty ?

1. How do I get the lead out of my water? - Top

The most common cause of lead in drinking water is the corrosion of plumbing fixtures and solders containing lead. The drinking water supplied to the distribution system of the City of Dayton does not contain lead at a detectable level. In addition, the treatment process adjusts the pH level and mineral content to deliver non-corrosive drinking water to the distribution system. As a precaution, lead usually can be eliminated from drinking water by allowing cold water to run until it gets as cold as it will get, before using the water for drinking or cooking. The City of Dayton Water Quality Laboratory extensively samples and tests drinking water from sites throughout the distribution system. - Updated: October 19, 2000

2. Why does the City add flouride to my water? - Top

Fluoride occurs naturally in City of Dayton well water and in groundwater throughout the United States. Our water treatment plants supplement the natural fluoride to protect teeth from dental caries (cavities). The natural fluoride is increased from approximately 0.35 parts per million to 1 part per million. After City of Dayton residents voted in favor of fluoridation the Ohio EPA required Dayton's water plants to feed fluoride continuously. - Updated: October 19, 2000

3. Why are there white spots in my coffee pot(s)? - Top

Minerals dissolved in water settle out when water is heated. The minerals will accumulate as "white spots in coffeepots". To remove these spots, fill the coffeepot with vinegar and let it sit overnight. In the morning, rinse out the coffeepot several times with water. - Updated: October 19, 2000

4. Why is my water cloudy (or milky)? - Top

"Cloudy water" is usually caused by the release of dissolved air from water. This is quite common and harmless. When watched closely, the dissolved air (cloudiness) slowly travels upward, out of solution. Cloudiness can also be caused when natural minerals in water come out of solution. - Updated: October 19, 2000

5. Why do you add chlorine to drinking water? - Top

Chlorine is added to drinking water as a disinfectant . Disinfectants destroy disease causing bacteria and viruses. Treatment plants add chlorine at a constant dosage to maintain an adequate concentration throughout the distribution system, as required by the Environmental Protection Agency. - Updated: October 19, 2000

6. Why is my water rusty ? - Top

Residents from throughout the distribution system occasionally experience reddish or brownish discolored water. This is usually caused by increased flow through water mains which dislodges iron deposits. This is usually not a health threat, but consumers should refrain from using the water until the disturbance is over. After that, the water should be allowed to run until it clears before using. - Updated: October 19, 2000

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Frequently asked questions for Water Supply & Treatment: 1. How do I get the lead out of my water?; 2. Why does the City add flouride to my water?; 3. Why are there white spots in my coffee pot(s)?; 4. Why is my water cloudy (or milky)?; 5. Why do you add chlorine to drinking water?; 6. Why is my water rusty ?

1. How do I get the lead out of my water? - Top: The most common cause of lead in drinking water is the corrosion of plumbing fixtures and solders containing lead. The drinking water supplied to the distribution system of the City of Dayton does not contain lead at a detectable level. In addition, the treatment process adjusts the pH level and mineral content to deliver non-corrosive drinking water to the distribution system. As a precaution, lead usually can be eliminated from drinking water by allowing cold water to run until it gets as cold as it will get, before using the water for drinking or cooking. The City of Dayton Water Quality Laboratory extensively samples and tests drinking water from sites throughout the distribution system. - Updated: October 19, 2000

2. Why does the City add flouride to my water? - Top: Fluoride occurs naturally in City of Dayton well water and in groundwater throughout the United States. Our water treatment plants supplement the natural fluoride to protect teeth from dental caries (cavities). The natural fluoride is increased from approximately 0.35 parts per million to 1 part per million. After City of Dayton residents voted in favor of fluoridation the Ohio EPA required Dayton's water plants to feed fluoride continuously. - Updated: October 19, 2000

3. Why are there white spots in my coffee pot(s)? - Top: Minerals dissolved in water settle out when water is heated. The minerals will accumulate as "white spots in coffeepots". To remove these spots, fill the coffeepot with vinegar and let it sit overnight. In the morning, rinse out the coffeepot several times with water. - Updated: October 19, 2000

4. Why is my water cloudy (or milky)? - Top: "Cloudy water" is usually caused by the release of dissolved air from water. This is quite common and harmless. When watched closely, the dissolved air (cloudiness) slowly travels upward, out of solution. Cloudiness can also be caused when natural minerals in water come out of solution. - Updated: October 19, 2000

5. Why do you add chlorine to drinking water? - Top: Chlorine is added to drinking water as a disinfectant . Disinfectants destroy disease causing bacteria and viruses. Treatment plants add chlorine at a constant dosage to maintain an adequate concentration throughout the distribution system, as required by the Environmental Protection Agency. - Updated: October 19, 2000

6. Why is my water rusty ? - Top: Residents from throughout the distribution system occasionally experience reddish or brownish discolored water. This is usually caused by increased flow through water mains which dislodges iron deposits. This is usually not a health threat, but consumers should refrain from using the water until the disturbance is over. After that, the water should be allowed to run until it clears before using. - Updated: October 19, 2000

For water service or bill questions call: 937-333-3550

320 W Monument Ave Dayton, OH 45402 (937) 333-3725

Send questions/comments to: waterweb@cityofdayton.org

Director: Tammi Clements

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