Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just received the results of the analysis of my well water (new house, just moved in)... The fluoride was mesured at 4.18mg/l (4 times higher than Canadian health recommends) and turbidity at 14 NTU (14 times higher than Canadian health recommends). I so far understand that there would not be any serious effects on adults but that young children should not drink this water because of the fluoride (turbidity is apparently harmless but may stain clothes 'n' stuff like that).

What about my Ball Pythons? Does anybody know what will happen to them if they drink this water? We will probably have to get a filter for the house, but I don't know when we would be able to afford to get this installed.

Any input greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Bristen.

Do as I do, and store the water for your snakes in clean, plastic containers with tops loosely fitted. The fluoride will 'gas off' within a short time and anything in suspension will gravitate to the bottom of the container.

Well, as we say, I’m no expert. But I believe that, while chlorine dissolved as a gas in water CAN escape, the fluorides you are concerned about are salts which do not. So the “off gassing” thing wouldn’t happen. I think.

Sorry, I couldn't resist...

...there's no evidence of toxicity that I'm aware of...and I think Joan is correct. My original female BP that I had for 25 years drank tap water to no ill effect. Scott J. Michaels DVM