Our Town Water

As many of you know, the citizenry of Centreville have been very concerned about the water that we are receiving through the public system. Recently, I received the following from our town Manager, Bob McCrory. I am posting this for your edification, without comment.
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DRINKING WATER NOTICE
Town of Centreville Has Levels of Arsenic
Above Drinking Water Standards

Our water system recently violated a new drinking water standard.  Although
this is not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what
happened, what you do, and what we are doing to correct this situation.

We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants.
Testing results for 2005 show that our system exceeds the new standard or
maximum contaminant level (MCL) for Arsenic.  The new standard for Arsenic
is 10 micrograms per liter (ug/l).  The average level of Arsenic over the
last year ranged from 20.3 ug/l at Well#5 (near the Centreville Business
Park) to 25.3 ug/l at Well #4 (near the Queen Anne's County High School).

What should I do?
You do not need to use an alternative (e.g., bottled) water supply.
However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.

What does this mean?
This is not an immediate risk. If it had been, you would have been notified
immediately. On January 23, 2006, the new Arsenic Rule became effective.
This rule changes the MCL for arsenic in drinking water from 50 micrograms
per liter (ug/l) to 10 ug/l.  Some people who drink water containing arsenic
in excess of the MCL over many years, could experience skin damage or
problems with their circulatory system, and may have an increased risk of
getting cancer (40CFR 141. 153(d)(6) and 141.154(f)).

Steps We Are Taking
The Town of Centreville will comply with the new standards for arsenic by
constructing two arsenic treatment plants at wells supplying the Town's
drinking water.   The first plant, currently under construction at North
Brook, is expected to be completed by the end of 2006.  Once on line, this
facility will provide all of the Town's water until the second plant is
completed.  The second plant will be built at the well facility in the
Centreville Business Park and is under design review by the Maryland
Department of the Environment.

Please share this information with all other people who drink this water,
especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for
example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You
can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies
by hand or mail.  For more information, please contact Jay Janney, Maryland
Environmental Service at 410-729-8350.

State Water System ID# 017-0001  Date distributed: 9/26/2006

Bob McGrory
Town Manager
Town of Centreville
101 Lawyers Row
Centreville, MD  21617
Phone: 410-758-1180
Fax: 410-758-4741
http://www.TownofCentreville. org
RMcGrory@TownofCentreville.org

Comments

[ame]

Arsenic, ARSENIC?! Jeez oh peez... I do like that play "Arsenic and Old Lace" though :-). First spinach, now this (for you anyways - though I doubt the quality of my water based on the build up I get!). Sorry, hon :-(. You gonna bottle it for a while? I hope they get this figured out soon!