SAMPLING RESULTS OF SOUTH COUNTY WELLS FOR THE HERBICIDE, DACTHAL FIND NO HEALTH CONCERN FOR RESIDENTS

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News Release
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462

For Release:	September 15, 2004
Contact:	Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402 Stephanie Powell 222-4700 ext. 4418

SAMPLING RESULTS OF SOUTH COUNTY WELLS FOR THE HERBICIDE, DACTHAL FIND NO HEALTH CONCERN FOR RESIDENTS
Vulnerability of Wells a Good Reminder that All Rhode Islanders Should Have Their Drinking Water Wells Privately Tested Every Year

PROVIDENCE -- The Department of Environmental Management and the Department of Health (HEALTH) announces the results of tests on 17 monitoring and private drinking water wells near turf fields in Richmond and South Kingstown.

The sampling was conducted to investigate the current level of the herbicide, Dacthal and any breakdown products or related contaminants that may be present in the groundwater. In July and August, DEM and HEALTH sampled the wells based on the US Environmental Protection Agency's latest Health Advisory Level for Dacthal, which is set at 70 parts per billion (ppb), a change from the previous level of 4,000 ppb. Between 1999 and 2002, tests showed the presence of Dacthal and/or its breakdown products in eight monitoring wells installed by the US Geological Survey (USGS) in the area.

Of the 17 wells that DEM tested, 8 were monitoring wells and 9 were drinking water wells. DEM and HEALTH found contaminants - mostly the less toxic breakdown products of Dacthal - in 13 of the wells, at levels ranging from 1.5 to 470 ppb. All levels detected in these wells are substantially below the guidelines for exposure to the breakdown product, TPA, either for long-term (5,000 ppb) or lifetime exposures (1,400 ppb). The drinking water health advisory for Dacthal in its original form (70 ppb) does not apply in this case.

These results indicate that water quality does not currently pose a health concern to residents. However, the sampling results show the drinking water wells are vulnerable to contaminants applied at the surface. Residents with wells can reduce their exposure to contaminants by installing treatment systems or installing a deeper well.

DEM and HEALTH remind all Rhode Islanders who depend on private wells for drinking water that it is prudent to have those wells tested yearly as a routine home-maintenance activity. The responsibility for such routine testing rests with the homeowner. Private wells and the groundwater that they draw from can be affected by pollution, such as runoff from roads, agricultural fields, home lawns, and failing septic systems and cesspools.

The state recommends that homeowners have their wells tested by private laboratories licensed by HEALTH. A list of licensed laboratories, as well as information on nitrates in drinking water, and other information about private wells and water testing, is available on HEALTH's website at www.health.ri.gov/environment/dwq/Home.htm.

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