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1. Does our drinking water contain fluoride? If so, how much and can it be harmful to our health?

Fluoride is added to our drinking water supply at the Harnett County water treatment plant. It is added to promote strong teeth. The maximum contaminant level for fluoride is set by the EPA at 4 mg/L. Harnett County fluoride levels average 0.71 mg/L, well below levels set by the EPA.

2. Is our water considered hard or soft? What is the average hardness in terms of mg/L and grains?

Our water is considered moderately soft. Our water usually averages between 30-50 mg/L hardness as calcium carbonate or 1.75-2.92 grains of hardness per gallon.

3. Is our water treated with chlorine or chloramines?

Our water is treated with chloramines for 11 months out of the year. During the month of March, Harnett County Public Utilities, along with other municipalities in North Carolina, switches from chloramines to chlorine in an effort to “purge” the water distribution system. While both chlorine and chloramines are effective agents for disinfection of our water, chloramines last longer in the system while chlorine is a stronger disinfectant. By making the switch once annually, integrity of the water quality is preserved, protecting human health.