Full Notification

GLWA Emergency Water Notification

January 16, 2017
"Taste and odor are associated with a spike in turbidity in the source water. When taste and odor issues were raised in a number of downriver communities, the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) expanded its testing, increasing the number of samples being taken at the Southwest Water Treatment Facility (which serves the communities affected) and within the distribution system. Results of this increased testing have all shown that the water meets the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Act regulatory standards and is safe.
Testing has also been completed for bacteria, and all results have returned negative for bacteria in the water. In addition we tested the Southwest Water Treatment Facility source and tap for volatile organic chemicals. The results indicated nothing unusual about the source or tap water. Furthermore, we collected and monitored for hardness, alkalinity, turbidity, fluoride, taste and odor in sample sites within the distribution system and monitored toxicity. Results indicate the water meets water quality criteria except for taste and odor.
As taste and odor complaints increased, the treatment plant began feeding powdered activated carbon to mitigate taste and odor issues.
The Authority is testing water for treatment 24/7 to ensure water quality. Typically, when we receive complaints we will increase testing to investigate cause and ensure water quality. With that in mind, all downriver communities were tested last Thursday and/or Friday. With an increase in calls, additional samples are being collected in the distribution system in those communities that have had an increase in the number of complaints.
Concerned residents should contact their local municipality with questions or to report an issue."
--Cheryl Porter, COO, GLWA
STATEMENT: Update on downriver communities’ water quality

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