WQA offers drinking water suggestions after derailment

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Temporary measures can ease concerns while environmental testing continues

LISLE, Ill. – The Water Quality Association suggests temporary drinking water safety measures for residents of Ohio and Pennsylvania in the wake of a train derailment and chemical release in East Palestine, Ohio.  WQA urges healthy caution – not panic – as officials continue to test for air, water and soil contamination after the Feb. 3 derailment and fire and a subsequent chemical release and burn.

“Possible groundwater contamination is a concern, especially for residents on private well supplies,” said Eric Yeggy, WQA Technical Affairs Director. “And homeowners who get their water from municipal water systems should be alert for any instructions issued by their local officials.”

The Norfolk Southern Railroad submitted a correction plan to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency on Monday, pledging to install wells to monitor groundwater and sample soil. The EPA has said about 20 of the 50 derailed cars were carrying hazardous materials, and chemicals including vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate and ethylene glycol monobutyl ether that are “known to have been and continue to be” released to the air, soil and surface water.

The EPA announced on Monday that it had not detected contaminants at “levels of concern” in the immediate area, although testing will continue. The West Virginia subsidiary of American Water said Monday it had not detected any changes in the water at its Ohio River intake site, although the company installed a secondary intake on the Guyandotte River in case an alternate source was needed and said it had enhanced its treatment processes.

Well owners in the area are encouraged to test their systems and seek appropriate remedies as soon as possible. WQA suggests a three-step process of consulting with a local water quality expert, testing the home’s water for contaminants and then seeking products certified to treat those contaminants. On WQA’s website, consumers can find a local water treatment expert to help with this process.

Residents on public water supplies should be alert for any notices from their local water company or health officials. Those with vulnerable people in their homes – young children, pregnant women, the elderly or ill – or who have other concerns about their water safety can use bottled water for drinking or cooking as a temporary measure.

WQA is a not-for-profit trade association representing the residential, commercial, and industrial water treatment industry. WQA’s education and professional certification programs have been providing industry-standardized training and credentialing since 1977.  The WQA Gold Seal certification program has been certifying products that contribute to the safe consumption of water since 1959. The WQA Gold Seal program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). WQA publishes a consumer-friendly website, BetterWaterToday.org.

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