Passaic Valley WC Lodi WD

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I just returned from the pet store. Staff tested my fish tank water and indicated ammonia presence that could harm my fish. Is there enough ammonia in my tap water to affect small fish?

While trace ammonia exists in public water systems, ammonia detected in fish tanks typically comes from fish waste and organic matter decomposition, not the source water itself.

Is lead present in my municipal water?

Most public water systems in Pennsylvania contain some leaded plumbing materials either in distribution networks or buildings. Proper corrosion control treatment minimizes lead concentrations at consumer taps. During 2010, no residential or commercial samples exceeded EPA Action Levels.

I recently installed a new dishwasher requiring an initial water "hardness" setting. What's the hardness level in our water?

Typically, Altoona system water maintains hardness values between 2-5 grains per gallon (34-85 mg/L).

Do you add fluoride to the municipal supply?

No, though natural trace amounts exist in our water. Fluoride addition to public water has been debated since 1945. The beneficial range is quite narrow—too little provides no cavity prevention, while excessive amounts can cause permanent enamel mottling, staining, and pitting.