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Village of Camden Investigating Sodium in Water Supply

The Village of Camden is investigating potential higher than normal concentrations of sodium in the Village water supply. U.S. EPA has established a guideline of 20 mg/L for sodium for those individuals restricted to a total sodium intake of 500 mg/day. Exceedance of this guideline does not require treatment of the water to reduce the levels to prevent adverse health effects on public health. Rather the guideline represents a level of sodium in water that physicians and sodium sensitive individuals should be aware of in cases where sodium exposures are being carefully controlled. This notification is being provided so that individuals who are on sodium restricted diets or who wish to monitor their sodium intake for other reasons will be able to take the amount of sodium in their water into account.

The principal source of exposure to sodium is from the diet. The average American diet can contain anywhere from 2,000 mg/d to 24,000 mg/d depending on the amount of table salt added to food. Fruits, vegetables, and meats naturally contain sodium. Many foods such as dairy products and processed food products contain higher concentrations of sodium. For example, 2 slices of white bread could contain close to 300 mg of sodium, 1 frankfurter 400- 800 mg, and diet cola 20 mg of sodium. Sodium is often added during food preparation and at the table to food. Drinking water contributes only a small fraction (less than 10%) to the overall sodium intake.

Sodium is a naturally occurring common element found in soil and water. It is necessary for the normal functioning of human systems. Sodium is part of a complex physiological mechanism involved in regulating fluids in human systems. The normally functioning kidney compensates for moderate changes in sodium intake by increasing or decreasing sodium and fluid excretion in the urine. Small changes in the sodium intake do not adversely affect plasma sodium concentrations in the majority of the population.

The natural mechanisms of fluid regulation maintain a relatively constant concentration of plasma sodium. Adequate daily total sodium intakes have been estimated to range from 115 to 750 milligrams per day (mg/d) for infants, 325 to 2700 mg/d for children and 1100 to 3300 mg/d for adults. Some people, however, have difficulty regulating fluid volume as a result of several diseases, including congestive heart failure, kidney failure, and hypertension. Some individuals are genetically susceptible to hypertension, a condition that may be enhanced by elevated plasma sodium levels. Monitoring sodium intake in these individuals is important in the management of their particular malady. Persons with restricted diets should contact their physician if they have questions or concerns.

This information is supplied by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  For more information contact the Ohio EPA at (614) 644-3020 or the Village of Camden at (937) 452-3233. 

The Preble County General Health District has teamed up with Wright State University to conduct a Community Health Assessment in Preble County.  Approximately 400 Preble County residents ages 18 and older will be telephoned at random.  Calls will be made to residences each day of the week generally from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Individuals will be asked if they are willing to participate in the Community Health Assessment.  The assessment will take approximately 15 minutes.  General health related questions will be asked.  All information will remain confidential. The information provided through the survey will be used by the Preble County General Health District to develop services and programs to meet the community needs.  If you are called, please take time to assist the PCGHD to identify how to promote and improve the good health and well-being of the people living and/or working within Preble County.

Medication Disposal Day

Date:  Saturday, September 25, 2010
Time:  9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Place:  Preble County Fairgrounds
722 S. Franklin St.
Eaton, OH  45320

On Saturday, September 25, 2010 a Medication Disposal Day will be held for all Preble County.  Bring your expired and unused prescription and over-the-counter medications to the fairgrounds. Law enforcement officers will dispose of these medications in a safe, legal, and environmentally conscious manner.  For more information Click Here.