February 10, 2003

Water quality tests conducted Dec. 11 on the University's water system found the public water supply had a fluoride level of 5.6 milligrams per liter, higher than the maximum contaminant level for fluoride of 4.0 milligrams per liter.

The finding constitutes a Tier I violation of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

UConn officials have revised the system's pumping schedule to correct the violation, says Michael Curran, utilities manager in UConn's facilities department.

Some people who drink water containing fluoride in excess of the maximum contaminant level over many years could get bone disease, including pain and tenderness of the bones. Fluoride in drinking water at half the maximum contaminant level or more may cause mottling of children's teeth, usually in children less than nine years old. Mottling, also known as dental fluorosis, may include brown staining and/or pitting of the teeth, and occurs only in developing teeth before they erupt from the gums.

At this time, the state Department of Health says, no additional precautions by customers/residents are necessary. Anybody with questions is asked to contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at 860.486.3613.