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HAMLET — Residents of the Seaboard City were recently notified of two violations of drinking water standards.
A notification sent to residents noted that the violations do not represent an emergency.
According to the notice, trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids were found in above standard concentrations during a quarterly compliance test. Both contaminants are produced in drinking water when chemicals used to treat the water react with organic compounds.
According to the notice, trihalomethanes were found at levels of 0.115 mg/L. The standard for trihalomethanes is 0.080 mg/L. Haloacetic acids were reported at 0.063 mg/L. The standard concentration is 0.060 mg/L.
The notices specify that there is no need to boil water or to take any corrective actions but to consult your doctor if you have specific health concerns.
However, the notice also says: “If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers about drinking this water.”
Additionally, the notice contains the following warnings regarding the prolonged exposure to these compounds:
- “…some people who drink water containing haloacetic acids in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.”
- “…some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.”
According to the notice, the city is “treating our Water Lake to help control algae growth” and cleaning both of the city’s “Clearwell Tanks.” The notice states that the city hopes to have the problem rectified within “the next few months.”
