Paden City Residents Told To Avoid Using Tap Water
Ed Parsons Trending
Paden City residents are again experiencing contaminated water after it was discovered a valve at the new Air Stripper plant had failed, causing Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) to bypass the air stripper and enter the drinking water supply.
According to city officials, the issue is fixed and they are flushing the system to ensure the water is safe. A post on the Mayor's facebook page states they have issued a "do not use" order and they will inform residents as new information becomes available.
In the meantime, residents have been advised that the contaminant has been entering the water since at least July 19. The national drinking water standard is 5 parts per billion. Paden City's last sample on July 19, was at 30 ppb. Residents have been told to avoid using the water, including taking a bath or shower, washing laundry, and even running the dishwasher.
New samples were taken in the past couple of days by the Environmental Protection Agency, however no results have been received, according to city officials. As of late Monday, the "do not use" order was still in effect and residents are having to use bottled water and shower wherever they can locate a place. Paden City High School near the Band Box cleaners, where the highest concentrations of PCE originated, remains open, using bottled water and hand sanitizer.
PCE is known to impact the nervous system, kidneys, liver, and brain. City officials began handing out bottled water to residents on Aug. 18, and again Aug. 19, at the fire hall. On Aug.18, they ran out of water early, but later in the day received another shipment. Water on Aug. 19 was handed out between noon and 3 p.m.
PCE was found to contaminate Paden City soil as it migrated down through the ground and into the water aquifer. It is known as a commonly used dry cleaning solution. The Plume of PCE shifts around within the aquifer, so the 30-ppb sample collected can be expected to fluctuate lower and higher, depending on how the plume moves near the water intake.
The EPA has been testing and taking samples near the old Band Box Cleaners and in Paden City High School's parking lot much of this year. Sampling is expected to continue for the rest of the summer.
Although it is known the sample taken on July 19 was at 30 ppb it is unknown exactly how long it had been high because samples are only taken quarterly. The previous one was taken on March 10. Some residents are suggesting more frequent sampling and quicker results.
The Paden City Water Crisis Group says a University of Kentucky Health Survey is coming soon by Dr. Erin Haynes. The Water Crisis Group was formed during the initial stages of Paden City's exposure to the contaminate. They have submitted a grant to cover the costs of sampling Paden City residents' breath and blood for PCE levels.