Severe water quality problems in Flint Michigan have caught the eye of consumer advocates and activists around the country. In 2014, the city disconnected the city from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department and provided residents with water from the Flint River because it was cheaper. Residents noticed changes in the color, taste, and smell coming out of their taps right away. Testing showed high levels of bacteria, which forced city administrators to issue boil advisories, and to increase the amount of chlorine put into the water. That meant the water also contained high levels of "potentially carcinogenic disinfectant byproducts," according to Food & Water Watch. Because this water was more corrosive, lead leached into Flint's drinking water. And now many residents have lead … [Read more...]
Brain Eating Amoeba Found in Louisiana Water
Last Wednesday, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals found the amoeba Naegleria fowleri in St. Bernard Parish water system at a leaking sampling station. This system provides water for 44,000 residents in that parish. Louisiana has a new public drinking water surveillance program and this testing is part of that program. On July 28, 2015, the DHH issued another report stating that the Naegleria fowler amoeba was found in the Ascension Consolidated Utility District 1, which serves 1,800 residents in a small community north of Donaldsonville. A 60-day chlorine burn will be conducted at that site as well. That water system was not in compliance with the requirements for chloramine disinfectant levels. Tap water is safe for residents to drink, but, do not let the water get in … [Read more...]
Brainerd MN Will Not Chlorinate City Water Supply
The city of Brianerd, Minnesota will not chlorinate its city water supply, the public utilities commission decided this week. With a population of about 13,500 people, Brainered draws its water from an aquifer 170 feet below the city and has never added the chemical to to its water. But last month, a storm created conditions that could have contaminate the water supply with bacteria. So, the system was flushed with chlorine. With the problems created by the storm resolved, the public utilities commission had to decide whether to continue the use of chlorine. The vote on Tuesday was unanimous to end the use of the chemical. Brainerd residents are fond of the taste of their water and didn't want it altered. This was the third time in 30 years that the city's water supply was … [Read more...]
Toledo, OH Residents Urged to Not Drink or Touch the Water
The City of Toledo, Ohio has posted an urgent notice for residents of Toledo and Lucas counties who receive water from the city: do not drink or touch the water. The water is contaminated with algal toxins that boiling cannot remove. In fact, boiling will increase the concentration of the toxins. This notice applies to ALL customers of Toledo water. Water should not be consumed until the all clear is issued. Do not give this water to pets. Do not use the water for washing, showering, bathing, brushing teeth, making ice, preparing infant formula, or for cleaning. And do not use it to wash food. Filtration systems will not remove the toxins. In addition, restaurants and food facilities are being asked to temporarily suspend their operations unless they can guarantee no consumption of tap … [Read more...]
E. coli in Portland Oregon Water System Leads to Boil Notice
The Portland Water Bureau issued a Boil Water Notice to all of its customers on May 23, 2014 after E. coli was found in the drinking water supply. The affected areas include Portland Water Bureau, Burlington, City of Gresham north of I-84, Lake Grove, Lorna Portland, Palatine HIll, Rockwood, Tigard Water Service Area (including Durham, King City and Bull Mountain), Valley View, and West Slope Water Districts. The number of people affected by this notice is about 670,000. Water samples taken at three locations tested positive for E. coli over a three day period. They were collected at the outlets of Mount Tabor Reservoirs 1 and 5, and at the SE 2nd Avenue and Salmon Street water sampling station. Those reservoirs have been taken offline. All customers should boil all tap water used … [Read more...]
Focus of World Water Day 2014 is Energy
The focus of World Water Day 2014 is energy. The United Nations designated March 22, 1993 World Water Day and it has been observed annually since then as a day to focus attention on freshwater resources. Each year, a different aspect of freshwater management is highlighted. This year's focus is energy. Organizers hope this year's observance will raise awareness of the link between water and energy, contribute to the policy conversation in this area, and demonstrate how integrated approaches to these issues can achieve better results. "Particular attention will be paid to identifying best practices that can make a water- and energy-efficient 'Green Industry' a reality," according to the UN 's Water website. At least 780 million people throughout the world lack access to safe … [Read more...]
Nephros Water Filtration Products Recalled
After the news about the chemical spill in West Virginia, and coal ash in the Dan River in North Carolina, many people are looking into water filtration products. Two products have been recalled because they "pose risks to health, potentially resulting in sickness or death" according to the FDA. One person has died and one person has contracted an infection as a result of these products. The products are Nephros non-medical water filtration SafeSpout and SafeShower products. All production lots are recalled. The products were manufactured between July 2011 and September 2013 and distributed between October 2011 and October 2013. They are SafeSpout 70-0233 and 70-0238; SafeShower HH (Hand Held) 70-0237; and SafeShower FH (Fixed Head) 70-0236. Exposure to harmful bacteria could occur … [Read more...]
Hazardous Chemical Leaked into West Virginia Water Supply
More than 300,000 residents of West Virginia have been forced to use bottled water since a chemical spill contaminated the water supply in the Elk River. A Freedom Industries plant had a 40,000 gallon tank of 4-methylcyclohexane methanol next to the river. Officials say that about 7,500 gallons leaked into the river, but no one is sure. The West Virginia governor issued a State of Emergency for West Virginia American Water customers in Boone, Cabell, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Putnam and Roane counties, and President Obama signed an Emergency Declaration on January 10, 2013 to authorize federal agencies to coordinate disaster relief efforts. The West Virginia American Water Company has issued a "do not use" order; that means residents cannot use the water for drinking, … [Read more...]
E. coli Found in Lyons CO Drinking Water
After the massive flooding in Colorado, the state and several cities and municipalities warned residents to avoid flood water and issued boil orders. Now E. coli bacteria has been found in the water system in Lyons, Colorado. The town is in the foothills north of Boulder. The news was streamed over the internet on the Longmont Channel because City Hall is shut down. City administrator Victoria Simonsen said in that meeting, "we don't want you using any of the water, so it was turned off. It is critical we get that back up and get it disinfected before we would want any of you to be back." Officials said it could take up to six months before the town is livable. Lyons was previously under a "boil water" order. The contamination is most likely from raw sewage and livestock waste. For … [Read more...]
Flood Advisory Updates from Colorado
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has posted updates about the serious flooding and water safety. They are advising people to avoid potentially contaminated flood waters, since contaminants such as raw sewage and chemicals from homes, businesses, and industry may be in the water. If you come into contact with floodwaters, wash frequently with warm water and soap. Several communities have issued "boil water advisories", including Firestone, Frederick, Left Hand Water District, Lyons, and Mountain Meadow (Allenspark). Widespread outbreaks of infectious diseases after floods aren't common in this country, but they can happen. If you have been ill with three or more days of diarrhea, any bloody diarrhea, diarrhea plus a fever, or other health concerns, contact your … [Read more...]
