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County To Host Public Meeting Regarding Ingersoll's Water Tonight

What's in Ingersoll's water? That's the question residents are hoping to have answered tonight, as Oxford County hosts a public meeting in the town. One of the ongoing concerns with the water is the fluoride level. But Oxford County Water Specialist Deb Goudreau says that level is below the provincial threshold for milligrams per litre of fluoride. "We're under 2.4mg/L in all of the wells. There are six active wells in the town, two of those are under the 1.5mg/L reporting standard, and there are four between 1.5-2.1mg/L, so we are under the 2.4mg/L". However, Ingersoll resident Heather Gingerich who is working towards a masters degree in water chemistry doesn't believe the town's water is safe for children. "My real concern is with the schools. I think the next step is to turn off all of the fountains in the schools and bring in some high quality water that we know what's in it...it's come from a reliable source. And get each kid a water bottle that's non-reactive, so that we at least know our children in our publicly funded schools are safe." Gingerich believes Ingersoll's fluoride level is too high for children to safely consume. "For children, it should be really much, much lower. 0.5mg/L, you can find that on the label of most bottled water." Public Health does messaging that advises mothers not to use Ingersoll tap water to mix infant formula, due to the naturally occurring fluoride. Water Specialist for the County, Deb Goudreau says no red flags have been raised by higher authorities. "Both the Ministry of Environment and Health and Long Term Care are fully aware of what these levels are. The County has not had any direction from any provincial or federal agency that it is unacceptable and changes need to be made." Tonight's public meeting will address other issues, including what's causing copper pipe corrosion in the town. The meeting starts at 7 o'clock in Town Council Chambers.

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