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NOAA Now Predicting Above-Normal Hurricane Season

The end of this year’s El Nino could set the stage for an increased hurricane threat in the Atlantic Ocean.
After a relatively quiet start to the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season, NOAA has announced that the end of El Nino has helped increase the chances of an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season to 45%. This is up from NOAA’s May prediction of 30%. The chances of near-normal activity is now 35%, and the chances of below-normal activity has fallen to 20%.

Predicting 2-4 Major Hurricanes
NOAA forecasters are also predicting 2-4 major hurricanes this season (winds 111 mph or greater). The 2019 hurricane season ends November 30. Read more about NOAA’s updated 2019 Atlantic hurricane season outlook.

https://www.noaa.gov/media-release/noaa-increases-chance-for-above-normal-hurricane-season

The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season had 15 named storms, 8 hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes (Florence and Michael).

El Nino, characterized by warmer surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, tends to increase wind shear in the Atlantic. Wind shear helps suppress tropical cyclone development. Now that the periodic phenomenon has disappeared, things could get much more active weather-wise.

Peak of Season Still to Come, Prepare Now
With the peak hurricane months still to come (mid-August through the end of October), now is a great time to review emergency preparedness plans. High storm winds can damage the electrical grid and take water treatment plants offline, so make sure you have a potable water source available. Berkey® gravity-fed water purification systems purify raw freshwater sources with no electricity, plumbing or water pressure needed.

Sources:
NOAA: Updated 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Forecast
NOAA: Hurricanes and Tropical Storms – Annual 2018
National Geographic: How El Nino Affects the Weather

During and after a hurricane, access to clean drinking water can quickly become a major concern. Water supplies are often compromised and water frequently becomes undrinkable or stops flowing. That’s why the most important thing you can do to be prepared for a hurricane is to start planning well in advance of such an event. We’ve created a step-by-step guide on obtaining potable water before and after a hurricane.

What are hurricanes?
Hurricanes are massive swirling storms that form over warm waters and head toward land. In the western North Pacific, hurricanes are called typhoons; similar storms in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific Ocean are called cyclones.1

Hurricanes pose threat to life and property due to their storm surge, high winds, torrential rains, flooding, mudslides, and tornadoes. Scientists use a scale from 1 (least severe) to 5 (most severe) to classify hurricane strength.2 The scale also estimates potential property damage.

When is hurricane season?
Atlantic and Caribbean: June 1 to Nov. 30 with peak from mid-August to late October.
Central Pacific (Hawaii): June 1 to Nov. 30 with peak from July to September.
East Pacific: May 15 to November 30
Western North Pacific: Tropical cyclones can strike year round 3
What happens to potable water (municipalities) during/after a hurricane?
After an emergency, especially after flooding, clean drinking water may not be available. Municipalities, wells and other water systems can become absolutely overwhelmed and unable to process the sudden high influx of too much water. Flood waters can result in raw sewage, storm runoff, chemicals and other contaminants all leaking into water supplies, flooding private wells, etc. Once the water supply has been compromised, it can take days to weeks for your water to become potable again. It is always prudent to continue to purify your water even after the “all clear” is given by local water authorities, just to be on the safe side.

Private well water owners are encouraged to test their systems and contact their local or state health department or agricultural extension agent for specific advice as soon as possible. During and after flooding, well water can become contaminated with microorganisms such as bacteria, sewage, chemicals and other substances that can cause serious illnesses.4

How much water do I need in an emergency?
Individual water needs will vary, based on a person’s age, physical health, diet and activity level, as well as the climate of the affected area. The CDC offers these guidelines for planning an emergency water supply:5

Each person (and each pet) will require at least 1 gallon of drinking water per day
Pregnant and nursing women, people who are ill will require additional water
People in hot environments may need double the recommended amount
Water for food preparation and hygiene is about one gallon, per person, per day
Where can I find water in an emergency?
If you need to find water outside your home, you can use the sources below.6 Before drinking, be sure to treat the water according to the “Making Water Potable” instructions that follow below. Avoid water with floating material, an odor or dark color. Do not drink flood water or eat any food directly exposed to flood water.

Rainwater
Streams, rivers, and other moving bodies of water
Ponds and lakes
Natural springs
Potential water sources in your home include:

Water from your home’s water heater tank (part of your drinking water system, not your home heating system). To use the water in your pipes, let air into the plumbing by turning on the faucet in your home at the highest level. A small amount of water will trickle out. Then obtain water from the lowest faucet in the home.
Melted ice cubes made with water that was not contaminated
Water from your home’s toilet tank (not from the bowl), if it is clear and has not been chemically treated with toilet cleaners such as those that change the color of the water
Liquid from canned fruit and vegetables
Water from swimming pools and spas can be used for personal hygiene, cleaning, and related uses, but not for drinking
What are the potential effects related to using contaminated water?
Flood water that’s left after a hurricane can easily become a breeding ground for disease-causing organisms from sewage and toxic chemicals. Major pathogens that may be lurking in the water include: cryptosporidium, E.coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio bacteria, adenovirus, norovirus and others. Drinking this contaminated water can cause illnesses ranging from gastrointestinal distress (diarrhea, cholera, dysentery), typhoid fever, leptospirosis and Hepatitis A.7

How can I make water potable after a hurricane?
If you’ve run out of stored water and no other reliable clean water source is available, there are methods to treat water of uncertain quality.

Ideally, Prepare in Advance and Use a Gravity-Fed Purifier
Berkey® Systems are the most complete contaminant-reduction option:

They do not require you to leave where you are sheltering to find water
They travel with you easily, and does not require electricity, plumbing or tools- simply pour water into the top chamber, and gravity does all the work
They are powerful purification systems, which remove or dramatically reduce bacteria, cysts, chemicals, heavy metals like lead and mercury, radiologicals and even viruses
The filter elements do not require any complex storage or maintenance requirements
The larger capacity models provide enough purified water for drinking, cooking, bathing, hygiene, and other needs during a disaster situation

HOW TO USE YOUR BERKEY® SYSTEM IN CASES OF POTENTIALLY EXTREME VIRAL AND/OR BACTERIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION
Please note, if you are using a source of water that you believe might contain extreme viral and bacteriological contamination such as E.coli, it is recommended by the CDC, EPA and other organizations that approximately sixteen drops of plain bleach (sodium hypochlorite) or iodine per gallon be added to treat the source water before purifying. This should kill minute pathogens such as viruses, within 30 minutes.8 Simply add the drops to a pitcher of water, wait a half hour and then pour the treated water into the top chamber of your system. The disinfectant will be removed from the treated water entirely with the Berkey® system, including any odor or taste.

* Please use only room-temperature water with your system. Using boiling water can cause damage to the purification elements inside the Berkey® system.

** Berkey® systems always highly recommends using the cleanest source water available, whenever possible.

You Could Use a Water Filter, but Understand Its Limitations
The main difference between a water filter and purifier is the level of protection each provides. A water filtration system is designed to reduce or remove waterborne protozoa and bacteria, but not viruses. The primary reason is that viruses are just too small for filters to catch. A water purifier is designed to combat all three types of contaminants: viruses, pathogenic bacteria, and protozoan cysts. Viruses can easily contaminate the water supply after a natural disaster such as a hurricane.

You Could Boil Water to Kill Microorganisms
Boiling or chlorination will kill most microorganisms but will not remove other contaminants such as heavy metals, salts, and most other chemicals. A major problem with boiling water is capacity; you simply cannot treat very much water at one time. Boiling water also requires a source of fuel and a safe way to store the water while it cools. The guidelines for boiling and disinfecting water are taken directly from the CDC website:9

HOW TO BOIL YOUR WATER
If the water is cloudy:

Filter it through a clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter OR allow it to settle.
Draw off the clear water.
Bring the clear water to a rolling boil for one minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for three minutes).
Let the boiled water cool.
Store the boiled water in clean sanitized containers with tight covers.
If the water is clear:

Bring the clear water to a rolling boil for one minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for three minutes).
Let the boiled water cool.
Store the boiled water in clean sanitized containers with tight covers.
You Could Use a Disinfectant to Kill Microorganisms
Like boiling, using a disinfectant will kill most microorganisms. It does not remove other contaminants such as heavy metals, salts, and most other chemicals.

HOW TO DISINFECT YOUR WATER
Clean and disinfect water containers properly before each use. Use containers that are approved for water storage. Do not use containers previously used to store chemicals or other hazardous materials.
If the water is cloudy, filter it through a clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter OR allow it to settle.
Draw off the clear water.
When using household chlorine bleach:
Add 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops; about 0.625 milliliters) of unscented liquid household chlorine (5–6%) bleach for each gallon of clear water (or 2 drops of bleach for each liter or each quart of clear water).Add 1/4 teaspoon (or 16 drops; about 1.50 milliliters) of bleach for each gallon of cloudy water (or 4 drops of bleach for each liter or each quart of cloudy water).
Stir the mixture well.
Let it stand for 30 minutes or longer before you use it.
Store the disinfected water in clean, disinfected containers with tight covers.
When using iodine:
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Store the disinfected water in clean, disinfected containers with tight covers.
When using chlorine dioxide tablets:
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Store the disinfected water in clean, disinfected containers with tight covers.
Because the potency of bleach diminishes over time, use bleach from an unopened or newly opened bottle when possible.

You Could Attempt to Find Bottled Water
If you have run out of stored water gaining access to bottled water could be a real challenge. Potential obstacles:

You cannot leave the location where you are sheltering due to flooding
Stores are sold out, and no bottled water is available
If you can locate bottled water, be sure that it has not been exposed to flood water.10

Bottom Line: Have a Gravity-Fed Water Purification System on Your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist
During a natural disaster such as a hurricane, it is critical to have a survival water filter system available that can be used with microbiologically unsafe or questionable water. In these situations, your water solution should fit the following criteria:

Extreme tested to demonstrate effectiveness
Portable , so it can easily travel with you and your family if you need to relocate
No electricity or water pressure required to operate the filter
Capable of producing sufficient water in a timely manner, especially for large groups and areas where people may be confined for a period of time after a disaster
Quick and easy to set up without tools, allowing you to purify water in minutes
Put a final barrier system in place to purify your family’s drinking water before a hurricane or other natural disaster occurs. Do not wait for a boil alert or order.

https://www.facebook.com/1585687481759239/posts/2355830058078307/

Berkey® systems can easily purify ordinary tap water and well water, yet are powerful enough to efficiently purify raw, untreated water from sources such as remote lakes and streams.

Berkey® systems used several different independent labs, took multiple samples and performed Extreme Testing for Lead and PFC’s in order to review the effectiveness of our Black Berkey®Purification Elements. Test results for Black Berkey® Purification Elements are readily available to interested customers.

http://berkeywaterkb.com/black-berkey-purification-elements-test-results/

How should I address other hurricane preparedness essentials?
Water is only one of many things to consider when planning for a hurricane. Safety, food, clothing, shelter, communications and more all play a part. Having a comprehensive hurricane plan will help you and your family decide what to do in the event of a hurricane.

The Department of Homeland Security has compiled a variety of lists (in downloadable PDF format) to help you create your family’s emergency plan.11

Wallet Sized Emergency Communication Plan (PDF)https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1440449198497-a0623af833be9ade00cfbf6856fa678b/Family_Comm_Plan_Cards_508_20150820.pdf
Family Emergency Communication Guide (PDF)https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1440449346150-1ff18127345615d8b7e1effb4752b668/Family_Comm_Plan_508_20150820.pdf
Emergency Plan for Parents (PDF)
https://www.ready.gov/kids/parents
Emergency Plan for Kids (PDF)
https://www.ready.gov/kids/make-a-plan
Emergency Plan for Commuters (PDF)
https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/90370
Pet owners PDF
https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/90944
Steps to make a plan (PDF)
https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/108887

Visit: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan

References

(1) What is the difference between a hurricane, a cyclone, and a typhoon?
(2) National Hurricane Center- Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
(3) National Weather Service- BACKGROUND INFORMATION: THE NORTH ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON
(4) National Groundwater Association- Four steps for well owners to protect water wells, health during hurricane flooding
(5) CDC- Creating & Storing an Emergency Water Supply
(6) CDC- Keep Food and Water Safe After a Disaster or Emergency
(7) CDC- Keep Food and Water Safe After a Disaster or Emergency
(8) EPA.gov- Ground Water and Drinking Water
(9) CDC- Keep Food and Water Safe After a Disaster or Emergency
(10) FDA- Hurricanes and Floods: Key Tips for Consumers About Food and Water Safety
(11) Make a Plan

After the Hurricane: Contaminated Flood Water Precautions

When a hurricane is predicted make landfall, being prepared with an adequate supply of clean drinking water ahead of the storm becomes a priority for most people. When flood waters recede however, the danger is not necessarily over. Residents are faced with a new and daunting challenge – the contaminated water left behind. We’ll examine how the recent hurricanes in Texas and Florida have impacted the safety of drinking water, and how the aftermath of a hurricane can can provide valuable lessons for the future.

What have the recent hurricanes done to local water?
In addition to the catastrophic destruction unleashed by heavy rains, high winds and coastal storm surges, Hurricanes Harvey and Irma have also damaged wastewater treatment systems in the cities they engulfed. The result was sewage spills that put residents at potential risk for waterborne illnesses.

The EPA reports that at least 40 of the 1219 wastewater treatment centers in the areas surrounding Houston are temporarily out of commission in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. 1According to a Bloomberg report, St. Petersburg and Orlando were flooded with 500,000 gallons of wastewater after Hurricane Irma. An additional 6 million gallons seeped into the coast of Key Biscayne.2

What is sewage?
Sewage is the combination of human waste and other wastewater (including all bath and toilet waste, laundry wastewater, and kitchen waste that drains down the kitchen sink or through the dishwasher) and other similar waste that comes from domestic and commercial sources. Raw sewage is the sewage mixture before it has received any filtration or chemical disinfection.3

Raw and inadequately treated sewage contains pathogens (both bacteria and viruses) that can lead to serious health problems. The EPA reports that sewage overflows greatly increase the risks of waterborne illness when someone either comes into contact with or drinks the contaminated water.4 Children, the elderly, and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to illnesses caused by the pathogens in sewage. After a storm, authorities typically issue health advisories warning people to stay away from flood waters that are contaminated by raw sewage and to boil drinking water.

How does sewage get into the water after a hurricane?
Wastewater treatment plants (also known as sewage plants) are especially vulnerable during hurricanes because they are usually in low-lying areas. This allows treated sewage to be easily discharged into receiving waterways. When plants became flooded after the hurricanes, raw and partially-treated sewage may spill from pipes, open air basins and holding tanks and pumps. In addition, power outages during the storm may simply shut down the plant.5

Hurricanes also reveal the vulnerability of much of our aging infrastructure, which is unable to withstand damage from extreme storms. Thus, the potential for these types of spills will likely occur with future hurricanes. According to an EPA estimate, strategies to improve the nation’s wastewater pipes and infrastructure will cost an estimated $271 billion dollars.6 (Read our post, “Understanding Aging Water Infrastructure in the US” for additional information.)

Is the flood water contaminated?
An independent study organized by the New York Times found that the floodwaters in two Houston neighborhoods are contaminated with bacteria and toxins that pose a health risk to residents.7 In one Houston suburb, the study found levels of E. coli bacteria (found in human f***l waste) at over four times the level considered safe. At a second Houston location, scientists found the water was tainted with exceedingly high levels of E. coli, at levels 135 times those considered safe, as well as elevated levels of pesticides, arsenic, lead and other heavy metals. A study conducted by Texas A&M of floodwater samples from the Houston area revealed levels of E. coli — bacteria that signal the presence of f***l matter — 125 times higher than is safe for swimming.8

What precautions should I take after a hurricane?
Public health officials are strongly advising that residents impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma take certain precautions when returning to their homes. The CDC recommends the following measures to help protect your family from illnesses associated with contaminated flood water:9

Continue listening to local radio or news for the latest updates
Avoid contact with anything contaminated by flood water
Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water unless you are sure it is not contaminated
Maintain personal hygiene. Wash hands before eating and drinking, after using the restroom or changing diapers
Do not permit children to play in flood water areas or with toys that have been contaminated by flood water
If you are staying in a shelter or large group setting, take extra care to wash hands and/or use an alcohol gel
Throw out items that absorb water and cannot be cleaned and disinfected (e.g. carpeting, mattresses, cosmetics, stuffed animals and baby toys)
Throw out all food, beverages and medicines that have been exposed to flood waters and mud, including canned goods and containers with food or liquid that have been sealed shut. When in doubt, throw out
What other precautions can I take after a hurricane?
The FDA provides specific guidelines on reducing potential harm caused by flooding:10

After a flood
Personal hygiene after a disaster https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/after.html
Reentering your flooded home https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/sanitation.html
Cleanup of flood water https://wwwdev.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/after.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fdisasters%2Fmold%2Freenter.html
Mold after a disaster https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/mold/
Protection from electrical hazards after a disasterhttps://www.cdc.gov/disasters/electrical.html
Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/carbonmonoxide.html
Safe Drug Use After a Natural Disaster https://www.fda.gov/drugs/emergency-preparedness-drugs/safe-drug-use-after-natural-disaster
The Bottom Line: A Final Barrier System is Indispensable
After a hurricane, two critical concerns become evident at the point where water enters our home (point of entry): the high risk of microbial contamination and the vulnerability put on public water utilities to effectively remove them. The most effective strategy for having control over the water you consume is to have a final barrier system already in place. Purify your tap water for drinking, cooking and preparing food, and consider using purified water for hygiene purposes when you suspect potential sewage contamination to be a concern.

Berkey® systems can easily purify ordinary tap water and well water, yet are powerful enough to efficiently purify raw, untreated water from sources such as remote lakes and streams. Before and after a hurricane, the portable, gravity-fed Berkey® system provides an essential water security system for drinking, cooking and hygiene for your family.

References

(1) EPA.gov: HURRICANE HARVEY 2017
(2) Cities Swimming in Raw Sewage as Hurricanes Overwhelm Systems
(3) EPA.gov: Water and Sewage Utilities Sector (NAICS 2213)
(4) EPA.gov: LEARN: Human Health at the Beach
(5) EPA.gov: Water and Sewage Utilities Sector (NAICS 2213)
(6) EPA.gov: EPA Survey Shows $271 Billion Needed for Nation’s Wastewater Infrastructure
(7) Houston’s Floodwaters Are Tainted, Testing Shows
(8) Sewage, f***l bacteria in Hurricane Harvey floodwaters
(9) CDC.gov: 2017 HURRICANE KEY MESSAGES
(10) Hurricanes: Health and Safety

Boil Orders: What to Expect, How to Prepare

5 Quick Tips
Drinking

Disinfect water at a rolling boil for one minute at minimum.

Cooking

Dispose of any food or beverage prepared with tap water.

Washing Hands

Use properly purified or bottled water.

Bathing

If absolutely necessary, let no water enter your body.

Washing Clothes

Washing clothes should be fine to do.

What is a boil order?
A boil order is an announcement issued by your local government or water provider declaring public tap water unsafe for consumption. Consumption includes but is not limited to drinking the water, cooking with it, using it to brush teeth, etc.1

For drinking, it is recommended that water be disinfected by boiling at a rolling boil for one minute. Drinking water from an outside source, such as bottled water, is also suggested.

If you are cooking with the water, it is imperative that you dispose of any food treated or prepared with water before the boil order was issued. Until the order is lifted, only use water that has been properly purified or use bottled water. Disposable eating/cooking utensils are recommended.2 If unavailable, only use utensils that have been sanitized using boiling water.

When washing hands, use purified water, and follow the instructions given by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/crypto/bwa/public.html

Bathing with normal tap water may be done if necessary. However, it is important that no water is ingested or touches the mouth, nose, and/or eyes. It’s recommended that small children or individuals with disabilities be watched closely as they bathe to prevent accidental ingestion. People who are prone to infection or have recent surgical wounds should bathe with bottled or boiled water. Washing clothes with untreated water should be perfectly fine.3

How should I use my Berkey® system during a boil order?
The Black Berkey® Purification Elements that come standard with all Berkey® Systems have been tested to remove different bacteria as well as viral contaminants from drinking water. These purifiers will not only remove chemical and heavy metal contaminants that can be found in “clean” drinking water, but can also provide a final barrier between you and your drinking water during a boil order.

You do not need to boil your water in addition to running it through the Black Berkey® Purification Elements. Black Berkey® Purification Elements remove biological contaminants as well as heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, and other waterborne contaminants. These purifiers stand as a clean and cost-effective alternative to buying copious amounts of bottled water during an emergency.

However, as an additional precaution, if using a source of water that you believe might contain extreme viral and bacteriological contamination such as E. coli, it is recommended by the CDC, EPA and other organizations that approximately sixteen drops of plain bleach (sodium hypochlorite) or iodine per gallon be added to treat the source water before purifying. This should kill minute pathogens such as viruses, within 30 minutes.4 Simply add the drops to a pitcher of water, wait a half hour and then pour the treated water into the top chamber of your system. The disinfectant will be removed from the treated water entirely with the Berkey® system, including any odor or taste.

View coliform reduction test results at our knowledge base.

http://berkeywaterkb.com/black-berkey-purification-elements-test-results/

* Please use only room-temperature water with your system. Using boiling water can cause damage to the purification elements inside the Berkey® system.

** Berkey® systems always highly recommends using the cleanest source water available, whenever possible.

Where can I find additional information on boil orders?
Information can be found from a variety of sources. Authorities on boil orders include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department offers an excellent list that covers other frequently asked questions regarding boil orders.

https://www.tpchd.org/home/showdocument?id=1030

References

(1), (2) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (April, 2015). Public Users of Public Water Supplies.
(3) Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. (April, 2015). Boil Water Advisory Frequently Asked Questions.
(4) EPA.gov: Ground Water and Drinking Water

Fluoride and Water Filters: Understanding Effective Reduction

What is fluoride?
Fluorine (9F) is the 13th most abundant element in the earth’s crust. Proposed as an element in 1810, fluorine exists as a highly toxic gas in its standard state, and is extremely reactive. It is not found in the atmosphere, as it reacts easily to water v***r. Instead, it is most significantly found in the minerals fluorite, fluorapatite and cryolite.1

Fluoride refers to any compound that contains the element fluorine. For example, when a mineral containing fluorine is mixed with water the hydrogen and fluorine atoms combine to yield hydrogen fluoride (HF), or hydrofluoric acid.2 This is a precursor to almost all other fluorine compounds, and is used in the production of many pharmaceuticals and polymers.3 When you hear the term “fluoride” as it relates to tap water, remember that it is a general term. The particular fluoride compound used for water fluoridation depends on the selection of local water authorities.

What is water fluoridation?
Water fluoridation is the controlled addition of a fluorine compound to a public water supply.4 The three most common compounds added to drinking water are:

Sodium fluoride (NaF)- A colorless, odorless crystalline solid or white powder. It is typically manufactured by the reaction of hydrofluoric acid with sodium carbonate. Sodium fluoride dissolves easily in water, and is commonly used in fluoride toothpastes, rinses and supplements.5 Other uses include: pesticides, wood preservatives, solvents, corrosion inhibitors, and glass manufacturing.6 It is one of several compounds used for municipal water fluoridation. It is more expensive than other compounds, but reportedly easier to handle in its crystalline form.7
Fluorosilicic (Hydrofluorosilicic) acid (H2SiF6)- An inexpensive, colorless chemical byproduct of phosphate fertilizer manufacturing. When phosphoric rock is converted to soluble fertilizer, the process creates two toxic fluoride gases: hydrogen fluoride and silicon tetrafluoride. As hydrogen fluoride condenses, it is collected, “…into storage tanks and shipped to water departments throughout the country.” Because pharmaceutical and food grade Fluorosilicic acid is prohibitively expensive, most water treatment facilities utilize industrial grade Fluorosilicic acid, which commonly contains unwanted contaminants such as arsenic and lead.Fluorosilicic acid is the most commonly used additive for water fluoridation in the United States.8 Unlike Sodium fluoride, “Hydrofluorosilicic acid is easily the most dangerous chemical at your local water treatment plant. It can release hydrogen fluoride when it ev***rates, is corrosive, and can damage the lungs if breathed in, making it especially dangerous for plant employees if stored incorrectly.”9
Sodium Fluorosilicate (Na2SiF6)- A fine, white, odorless, powder made by neutralizing fluorosilicic acid with sodium chloride or sodium sulfate. It is the sodium salt of fluorosilicic acid.10 It is easier to transport than fluorosilicic acid. In addition water fluoridation, sodium fluorosilicate is used in laundry and dishwashing products, and as a rodenticide.11
Does any compound of fluorine occur naturally in water?
Calcium fluoride- As mentioned above, there are naturally-occurring minerals that contain the element fluorine.12 When the composition of soils and bedrock causes these minerals to come into contact with water, fluoride occurs naturally in drinking water. Many cities in the world do not fluoridate their water supplies because naturally-occurring calcium fluoride affects local water sources.

What does the ADA and CDC say about water fluoridation in the US?
The ADA and CDC have historically promoted the fluoridation of drinking water. However, this has become increasingly more of a controversial issue as the results of many studies, conducted both in the US and in Europe, appear to challenge the veracity of such recommendations. We suggest that readers familiarize themselves with such studies, and make up their own minds regarding water fluoridation.

What are the current drinking water standards for fluoride?
The current EPA enforceable maximum contaminant level (MCL) for fluoride in drinking water is 4.0 mg/L.13 The MCL is set to be as close as possible to the public health goal that the EPA finds may be achieved with the best use of technology, taking factors like cost into consideration.

The current EPA non-enforceable secondary standard (SMCL) for fluoride is 2.0 mg/L.Secondary standards regulate contaminants that may cause cosmetic effects (such as skin or tooth discoloration), or aesthetic effects (such as taste, odor, or color of drinking water).

According to the EPA’s Secondary Drinking Water Standards: Guidance for Nuisance Chemicals:

While SMCLs are not federally enforceable, EPA requires a special notice for exceedance of the fluoride SMCL of 2.0 mg/L. Community water systems that exceed the fluoride SMCL of 2 mg/L, but do not exceed the MCL of 4.0 mg/L for fluoride, must provide public notice to persons served no later than 12 months from the day the water system learns of the exceedance (40 CFR 141.208).14

What are the concerns and potential health risks associated with water fluoridation?
Water fluoridation in the US began in the 1940s, and has been a topic of controversy since its inception. Competing viewpoints argue whether it is a public health achievement, or an unnecessary, even dangerous, contaminant.

The US currently fluoridates over 70% of its public water supplies, making it extremely important to understand the concerns outlined below.

INCREASED FLUORIDE EXPOSURE: MODERN DENTAL PRODUCTS, PREPARED FOOD AND BEVERAGES, AND OTHER SOURCES
According to a 2013 Congressional Research Service Report for Congress15, concerns around the fluoridation of water stem in part from the increase in general fluoride exposure since The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued their original, recommended water fluoridation levels in 196216:

Because the use of fluoridated dental products and the consumption of food and beverages made with fluoridated water have increased since HHS recommended optimal levels for fluoridation, many people now may be exposed to more fluoride than had been anticipated. Consequently, questions have emerged as to whether current water fluoridation practices and levels offer the most appropriate ways to provide the expected beneficial effects of fluoride while avoiding adverse effects (most commonly, tooth mottling or pitting—dental fluorosis) that may result from ingestion of too much fluoride when teeth are developing.17

Beyond fluoridated tap water, consumers may be exposed to fluorine (the element in fluoride) through:

Dental products
Some agrichemicals
Pesticides
Herbicides
Insecticides
Soil and groundwater contamination18
Common foods and beverages (examples)19
Tea
Seafood
Wine
Juice
Jellies
Raisins
Soups
Baby food
Soda
Bottled water (varies)
Pharmaceuticals
Consumer products made with perfluorinated compounds (PFCs)20
PET scans21
Fluoride released from industry
Cigarette smoke
LACK OF CHOICE: DISREGARDING INDIVIDUAL CONSENT TO MEDICATION
Similar to concerns about the increasing, and oftentimes unknown, potential for widespread exposure to sources of fluoride, are concerns around an individual’s ability to personally control the use of fluoride in the treatment of tooth decay.

The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) explains:

Fluoridation is a violation of the individual’s right to informed consent to medication. Within a community water supply, fluoride is being added to the water of everyone, even if some people do not want it and still others do not even know about the fluoride being added to the water or about its health risks.22

Lack of Control for Susceptible Populations
Consider that while the EPA’s MCL for fluoride in drinking water is 4.0 mg/L, the actual quantity one consumes daily, and the effect it has on the individual may vary. Water fluoridation uses a one-dose-fits-all model for treatment.

Susceptible populations with low body weights, such as infants and children, and individuals who consume increased amounts of water, such as athletes, military personnel, outdoor laborers, and those with diabetes or kidney dysfunction, can be more intensely affected by fluoride. Additionally, fluoride is also known to impact each individual differently based on allergies, nutrient deficiencies, genetic factors, and other variables.

HEALTH RISKS: FLUOROSIS AND THE POTENTIAL FOR FURTHER HARM
A widely acknowledged health concern related to water fluoridation is dental fluorosis, the discoloration of tooth enamel primarily in children. This typically occurs due to a child ingesting too much fluoride toothpaste, but may also occur in areas where the fluoride levels are particularly high and potentially unregulated. Skeletal fluorosis refers to the weakening of bones, and has been observed in areas where naturally-occurring levels of calcium fluoride are dangerously high.

According to WebMD:

Fluoride is safe for most people in the amounts added to public water supplies and used in toothpastes and mouthwashes, and applied by dentists. Low doses (up to 20mg per day of elemental fluoride) of supplemental fluoride taken by mouth appear to be safe for most people. Higher doses are UNSAFE and can weaken bones and ligaments, and cause muscle weakness and nervous system problems. High doses of fluoride in children before their permanent teeth come through the gums can cause tooth discoloration.23

Beyond Fluorosis, Exposure to High Fluoride Levels a Concern
The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), a non-profit originally founded in 1984 to explore the use of mercury in dentistry, discovered that high levels of fluoride (fluoride toxicity) can impact far more than just bones:

Hundreds of research articles published over the past several decades have demonstrated potential harm to humans from fluoride at various levels of exposure, including levels currently deemed as safe. Fluoride is known to impact the cardiovascular, central nervous, digestive, endocrine, immune, integumentary, renal, respiratory, and skeletal systems, and exposure to fluoride has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, infertility, and many other adverse health outcomes, including fluoride toxicity.24

Literature in favor of water fluoridation explains that the recommended dose is an acceptable level. However, as already discussed, the list of potential sources of exposure to fluoride has grown dramatically in the last few decades, making it quite challenging to ensure populations are not overdosed.

This begs the question, how much fluoride are US populations really being exposed to in total? Consider that rates of dental fluorosis among children are on the rise. According to a 2010 report by the CDC entitled, Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2004 and the 1986-1987 National Survey of Oral Health in U.S. School Children, “In 1986-1987, 22.6% of adolescents aged 12-15 had dental fluorosis, whereas in 1999-2004, 40.7% of adolescents aged 12-15 had dental fluorosis.”25

EFFECTIVENESS QUESTIONED: WATER FLUORIDATION AS A MEANS TO TREAT TOOTH DECAY
Fluoride, which has an affinity for calcium26, primarily works to reduce tooth decay when applied topically. In other words, scrubbing fluoride toothpaste directly onto to teeth with a toothbrush is the ideal method of application.

Topical Rather than Ingested
According to an article critical of water fluoridation posted to the Scientific World Journal, and cataloged by The National Center for Biotechnology Information:

The classification of fluoride as a pollutant rather than as a nutrient or medicine is a useful starting point for analyzing the adverse effect of fluoride. No fluoride deficiency disease has ever been documented for humans. Indeed, the basis for setting an “adequate intake” of fluoride rests on the alleged ability of ingested fluoride to prevent tooth decay. However, since it is now known that the effect of fluoride is topical, the notion of an “adequate daily intake” is flawed. One of the key concerns about water fluoridation is the inability to control an individual’s dose of ingested fluoride which brings into question the concept of the “optimal dose.” Since the 1980s numerous studies have identified that adults and children are exceeding these agreed limits, contributing to a rapid rise in dental fluorosis—the first sign of fluoride toxicity.27

THE ENVIRONMENT: PETS AND WILD ANIMALS ALSO EXPOSED
Fluoride is difficult to remove from water once added. This means that overall, water sources are increasing in levels of fluoride. According to the IAOMT, “Harmful effects of fluoride, including species vulnerability, have been reported in an array of wild animals. Even domestic pets have been subjects of reports raising concerns about fluoride exposure, especially through their water and food.”28

THE MAJORITY: MOST DEVELOPED NATIONS DO NOT FLUORIDATE WATER
Most developed nations, including all of Japan and 97% of Western Europe, do not fluoridate their water.29 Comprehensive data from the World Health Organization reports that there is no “discernible difference in tooth decay between the minority of western nations that fluoridate water, and the majority that do not.”30

Most developed nations, including Japan and 97% of western Europe, do not fluoridate their water.

How can I find out if my public water system adds fluoride to the water?
Contact your water utility supplier to find out your water is fluoridated. You can locate the name and contact information of your water utility supplier on your water bill. The EPA mandates that all community water systems provide customers with an annual report on water quality, including the fluoride content.

If you own a private well, you can get information about fluoride at https://www.epa.gov/privatewells

How is fluoride different from water treatment chemicals?
There are more than 40 chemical additives that can be used to treat drinking water. Fluoride is added solely for the alleged purpose of helping prevent tooth decay. Other treatment chemicals such as chlorine and chloramine are added to disinfect, reduce turbidity or prevent the corrosion of pipes. Unlike disinfectants, fluoride is far more difficult to remove from water, requiring a specialized media (and lots of it) in order to be effective.

Read Understanding Aging Water Infrastructure in the US for a discussion of pipes and the chemical additives that may be used in water treatment.

How can I reduce fluoride in my water?
As mentioned briefly above, once added to water, fluoride is very difficult to remove. There are only a few reliable methods to do so: reverse osmosis, deionization, and filtration with the correct media. The two primary media types are activated alumina and bone char. The preferred media, and de-facto worldwide standard for fluoride filtration is activated alumina.

BONE CHAR
Bone char is made by heating the bones of cattle to 600-900 degrees Fahrenheit. It ranges from black bone char, which is created at the lower end of the temperature range, to grey and white bone char, which occur at the higher end. Black bone char is the most effective at reducing fluoride while white bone char has virtually no ability to remove fluoride. Water filtration products made with bone char are less costly to manufacture than those made with activated alumina.

Berkey® Systems does not utilize bone char for two very good reasons:

Performance- The efficiency of bone char at reducing fluoride drops precipitously at a certain gallon lifespan, which depends on the quantity of the media available. For a post filter our size, fluoride removal becomes negligible after less than 100 gallons.
BSE Concerns- More importantly, there are certain biological concerns associated with the use bone char due to Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), or Mad Cow Disease. BSE prions are not destroyed by temperatures in the 600-900 degree range; and especially not at the lower end of that range.31
ACTIVATED ALUMINA
The most logical choice for fluoride filtration is inert, non-soluble activated alumina,which neither loses its efficiency nor carries any potential risk of BSE prion exposure. Also, because it is inert, it does not require the use of antifungals.

“Activated alumina is manufactured from aluminum hydroxide by de-hydroxylating it in a way that produces a highly porous material; this material can have a surface area significantly over 200 m²/g. The compound is used as a desiccant (to keep things dry by absorbing water from the air) and as a filter of fluoride, arsenic and selenium in drinking water. It is made of aluminum oxide (alumina; Al2O3)…It has a very high surface-area-to-weight ratio, due to the many “tunnel like pores that it has.”32

Pure Aluminum and Activated Alumina are Very Different
As a consumer, it is important to know that pure aluminum and activated alumina have vastly different characteristics. Pure aluminum is water-soluble, highly reactive, and is associated with negative health effects. By contrast activated alumina is not water-soluble, very stable (inert), and not associated with negative health effects.

Activated alumina is an inert compound of aluminum and oxygen. It is a naturally-occurring inorganic, non-toxic compound known as corundum.33 Rubies and sapphires are examples of gem-quality corundum. Activated alumina is no more toxic or water-soluble than are rubies and sapphires.

What about carbon-based filter elements?
Carbon-based filter elements look similar to (though do not necessarily perform like) Black Berkey® Purification Elements. What is critical to understand is that while most carbon-based filters will initially reduce fluoride, they typically experience a drastic decline in their effectiveness usually within the first 50 gallons or less. In order to ensure long term fluoride reduction, a separate fluoride reduction filter is required, as this provides the proper amount of media (activated alumina) and proper contact time in order for effective long term fluoride reduction to take place.

CARBONIZED BONE CHAR AND CLAIMS OF FLUORIDE REDUCTION
Some carbon-based filters on the market utilize carbonized bone char, and claim high levels of fluoride reduction without revealing the percent drop-off in fluoride reduction capabilities over time. Our team had an independent lab evaluate one carbon-based element, and it reduced fluoride at just 20.8% at 50 gallons, and a mere 14.3% at 100 gallons. By contrast the Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements continued reduction at greater than 97% (see table below). Be cautious, and read on to understand how to evaluate fluoride reduction claims.

Please call 888-803-4438 to speak with a customer service representative at New Millennium Concepts, Ltd. if you have additional questions regarding how to evaluate fluoride reduction claims.

BLACK BERKEY® PURIFICATION ELEMENTS AND BERKEY PF-2™ FLUORIDE AND ARSENIC ELEMENTS
Black Berkey® Purification Elements are carbon-based elements. They remove up to 99.999% of viruses and 99.9999% of pathogenic bacteria, while also removing or dramatically reducing trihalomethanes, inorganic minerals, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, VOCs, petroleum products, perfluorinated chemicals, rust, silt, sediment and even radiologicals.34

To create an effective, durable solution for fluoride reduction specifically, New Millennium Concepts, Ltd. developed Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements. These “post filters” are used in conjunction with Black Berkey® Purification Elements, and offer:

Activated alumina- A media specifically suited for fluoride reduction
Proper contact time- Having a dedicated element allows for the proper amount of media and proper contact time
Easy replacement- Being separate, Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements may be swapped out as needed to ensure proper performance
Under normal contamination conditions, the media in a set of Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements has been calculated to reduce fluoride for up to 1,000 gallons.

How do you evaluate the effectiveness of a potential fluoride filter?
Evaluate your options for a fluoride filter by asking the following:

What media is used for fluoride reduction?
Are you comfortable with that media?
Is there sufficient amounts of this media present to effectively reduce fluoride?
What is the life expectancy of the filter element with regards to fluoride?
Does independent lab testing demonstrate percent reduction over time / gallons?
What is the percent reduction at 10 gallons? 100 gallons?
What is the end of life, or maximum gallons for your desired reduction rate?
When should the filter element be changed out?
ALSO, CONSIDER YOUR WATER SOURCE
Be aware that certain contaminants, such as a high silica content or arsenic, can reduce the effectiveness of activated alumina media.

TEST RESULTS FOR BERKEY PF-2™ FLUORIDE AND ARSENIC REDUCTION ELEMENTS
Independent lab testing reveals how Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements perform over time. Look at the first column to see the volume tested, and the last for the % fluoride reduction. It is critical to have multiple samples in order to determine the rate of “% Reduction” drop-off, and by association, the lifespan of the element.

Flouride test results table. See full report at link below.

Under normal contamination conditions, the media in a set of Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements has been calculated to reduce fluoride for up to 1,000 gallons.

MORE ON COMPOSITION AND TESTING
The proprietary fluoride reduction media in the Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements is a high yield activated alumina especially formulated for the removal of fluoride and arsenic from drinking water. This media has an unusually high surface area of more than 350 sq.m./gram of material, which allows more efficient removal of the fluoride and arsenic ions.

This high surface area is enhanced by controlled development of the pore size distribution from 30 Angstroms to 100 Angstroms, providing greater accessibility to the surface active sites through bulk diffusion. Uniform particle size, low silica content and high purity, is characteristic of the proprietary fluoride reduction media.

Sodium fluoride (NaF), sodium fluorosilicate (Na2SiF6) and calcium fluoride- The Proprietary fluoride Reduction Media will reduce all types of inorganic fluoride salts.

Fluorosilicic (Hydrofluorosilicic) acid (H2SiF6)- Testing was conducted for fluoride salts. Tests have not yet been conducted for fluorosilicic acid. However, the molecular size of fluorosilicic acid is much larger than that of fluoride salts, and fluorosilicic acid has two negative charges whereas fluoride salts only have one. The “extra” negative charge makes fluorosilicic acid easier for the media to absorb as compared to regular fluoride ions. Therefore, it is highly likely the media will perform similarly (or even better) with regards to reducing fluorosilicic acid. Nevertheless, since NMCL has no specific testing for fluorosilicic acid, we cannot make any specific claims for fluorosilicic acid reduction.

THE BOTTOM LINE
Black Berkey® Purification Elements and the Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements are powerful, proven, durable and economical. Berkey® systems are the top choice for everyone who is considering a gravity-fed system.

References

(1) Wikipedia.com- Fluorine
(2) Wikipedia.com- Hydrogen Fluoride
(3) Wikipedia.com- Hydrofluoric Acid
(4) Wikipedia.com- Water Fluoridation
(5) ADA.org: Fluoride: Topical and Systemic Supplements
(6) Sodium Fluoride
(7) Wikipedia.com- Water Fluoridation
(8) EPA.gov
(9) Designing Proper Hydrofluorosilicic Acid Storage
(10) Wikipedia.com- Water Fluoridation
(11) Sodium Hexafluorosilicate
(12) Calcium Fluoride
(13) EPA.gov: National Primary Drinking Water Regulations
(14) EPA.gov: Secondary Drinking Water Standards: Guidance for Nuisance Chemicals
(15) Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Review of Fluoridation and Regulation Issues
WHO: Fluoride in Drinking-water
(16) U.S. Lowers Recommended Fluoride Levels in Drinking Water
(17) Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Review of Fluoridation and Regulation Issues
(18) Fluoride contamination on the rise in Texas groundwater
(19) USDA- Nutrient Lists
(20) IAOMT Position Paper
(21) Wikipedia- Fluorine
(22) Top Ten Reasons to Oppose Water Fluoridation
(23) WebMD: Fluoride
(24) Top Ten Reasons to Oppose Water Fluoridation
(25) CDC.gov: Prevalence and Severity of Dental Fluorosis in the United States, 1999-2004
(26) Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Fluoride.
(27) Water Fluoridation: A Critical Review of the Physiological Effects of Ingested Fluoride as a Public Health Intervention
(28) Top Ten Reasons to Oppose Water Fluoridation
(29) U.S. Public Health Service Recommendation for Fluoride Concentration in Drinking Water for the Prevention of Dental Caries
(30) Fluoride and Oral Health
(31) CDC.gov: Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), or Mad Cow Disease
(32) Wikipedia- Activated alumina
(33) Wikipedia- Corundum
(34) Black Berkey® Purification Elements Test Results

Private Wells | US EPA