Not All Tap Water Is Created Equal
Many farm employees come from areas where tap water is not safe to drink—not even for brushing their teeth. As a result, there is an inherent hesitancy in trusting New York’s tap, even when it meets all safety standards. This cultural experience often leads to employees spending extra money to buy filtered or bottled water to avoid tap water altogether.
Well Water in Upstate New York
Well water in Upstate New York can sometimes be of concern to employees because of its appearance, odor, or taste. This is because Upstate New York well water has a high natural mineral content. Sometimes, those characteristics might signal the need for treatment, but other times, they can be harmless. For example:
- Brown or Yellow Ring in Sinks and Toilets: This is often caused by iron or manganese, which are naturally occurring minerals in the water supply. While it may look unusual, it does not necessarily mean the water is unsafe to drink.[i]
- Faint Sulfur Smell (Like Rotten Eggs): This is usually caused by sulfur bacteria or hydrogen sulfide gas. While it can be unpleasant, it is not necessarily harmful and can often be resolved with filtration.[ii]
- Hard Water (White Residue on Dishes or Fixtures): Hard water, rich in calcium and magnesium, is not only safe to drink but has been shown in research to provide health benefits by contributing to essential mineral intake. However, it can also lead to minor inconveniences, such as scale buildup in appliances and plumbing.[iii]
While the water quality issues mentioned above are generally harmless, other hidden factors, like bacterial or nitrate contamination, can render water unsafe to drink.[iv] This underscores the importance of routine testing of all water sources used for human consumption. The reason for routine testing is that well water quality fluctuates throughout the year. For example, seasonal changes, like snowmelt or droughts, can cause fluctuations in the water quality. To build trust between employers and employees, and to gain a comprehensive understanding of the quality of the well water, testing should be as scheduled and as consistent as it is for the water used for dairy cows. If there is a need for treatment of the well water, re-testing after water treatment is just as crucial to ensure that the quality of the water is up to state and federal standards.
Building Trust Within
Employers can take the following steps to start building trust between the employer and employees when it comes to safe consumption of the tap water and to ensure that public health is protected and maintained. Here are some ways to keep your employees informed and reassured:
- Schedule At Least Annual Water Testing: According to the New York State Health Department, well water should be tested annually for bacteria. Other contaminates should be tested every 3-5 years.[v] While this is a minimum requirement, for the reasons mentioned above, we encourage more routine testing of certain contaminants. To keep it simple, employers can test the water in the employee housing in conjunction with the dairy cow water. Click HERE for Lozier Environmental Consulting (ELAP Certified Lab) to coordinate easy pickups in Western NY.
- Post Water Testing Results: Display results in common areas like break rooms or kitchens above the sink. Use simple language and Spanish translations to ensure clarity. Transparency is key when it comes to effective communication of water safety.
- Hold Meetings or Discussions: Take time to explain the testing process, what the results mean, and reassure workers that the water is safe. If testing reveals concerns, communicate how the issue will be addressed. Offering temporary bottled water supplies or filtration systems can help maintain trust and confidence.
- Encourage Questions and Employee Input: Let employees know they can ask about water safety at any time and that their concerns will be taken seriously. Encourage workers to offer ideas on what would help them feel more comfortable with their water, such as softeners, filters, or chlorine tablets.
A little effort goes a long way in showing employees that their health and well-being matter.
Click HERE to download a bilingual (Spanish and English), easy-to-print (8.5×11) poster about New York water safety for your workplace.
For more information regarding home water testing from the EPA, click HERE.
[i] Penn State Extension: Iron and Manganese in Private Water Systems
[ii] University of Georgia Extension: Iron (Manganese) and Bacteria Sulfur in Your Well Water
[iii] McGill University: Is hard water dangerous to drink?
[iv] MN Department of Health: Nitrate in Well Water
[v] NYS Health Dept: Private Wells: Protect Your Family’s Water; Testing Schedule
Sources
Penn State Extension: Iron and Manganese in Private Water Systems
University of Georgia Extension: Iron (Manganese) and Bacteria Sulfur in Your Well Water
McGill University: Is hard water dangerous to drink?
MN Department of Health: Nitrate in Well Water
NYS Health Dept: Private Wells: Protect Your Family’s Water; Testing Schedule
By Mary Lewis, Cornell University. Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.
The post Building Trust with Clean Water: A Small Effort, A Big Impact appeared in The Ag Workforce Journal.
