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Margaret Brown Report, 2-3-98 <br />page 2 <br />If the liner is not an option or is not effective, then some sort ofpre-distribution, continuous disinfection <br />unit can be installed. Continuous chlorinators orultra-violet light units are the systems used in most <br />cases and the costs are $500-$750 for a chlorinator and $100-$1500 for an ultraviolet light. While the <br />UV light may be more expensive, it can have the advantage of alarming the user when it is not <br />functioning properly and also does not add any residual chemical to the water as is case for the <br />chlorinator". These units can also combat the presence of persistent sulfur bacteria or iron bacteria, <br />which may not cause sickness, but might make drinking the water or its use for normal household <br />functions intolerable. <br />The problem causing, inorganic characteristics commonly found in Orange County are low pH, hardness, <br />'von and suspended solids. In most all cases, these are only nuisance contaminants and do not represent <br />an immediate, short-term or lon$-term risk if consumed. They can be treated either singularly or, if <br />necessary, collectively by a myriad of systems. The systems can be as simple as an in-line sediment filter <br />to a combination of units tailored for a specific situation. Costs vary and, depending on the level and <br />complexity of treatmen, may run from tens of dollars to thousands. <br />Organic and radiological contamination are sometimes treatable and the type of treatment and cost is <br />highly variable depending on the situation. Many times, a point of use, activated charcoal filter is a <br />simple and inexpensive fix to make the water drinkable. This was the remedy recommended by State <br />toxicologists for the Kirschner well in the landfill area. In other situations where the contamination is <br />more severe or complex, though, the water supply must be abandoned and a new source of water <br />sought. This scenario is usually found when underground storage tanks leak into the groundwater and <br />gasoline or some of its breakdown products show up in surrounding wells.. <br />I hope this helps in the Board's understanding of treatment systems. In an effort to enhance this <br />understanding, I am trying to line up at a UV light and possibly a water softener for display at the 2-10- <br />98 meeting. Please advise if this is unnecessary or unwanted or if you have any further questions or <br />comments on this matter. <br />