Water Department Operator in Charge Dave Combs told the Journal-News “user error” caused the issue. He said levels were appropriate when the homes were retested later.
The EPA rules are stringent, and Trenton had to comply with notifications, education and other rules, officials said.
“We did retest but the EPA doesn’t recognize those results,” Combs said. “Three of the four requested to be retested so we did that, they all came back well below the action level. It’s the craziest thing and I hate that it’s so dramatized but it is.”
Combs said officials took an additional 10 samples and are awaiting those results. Because four of the 28 results they received constituted 10% of the sample, the EPA requires the city notify the public.
The city relies on the public to test their own taps because the testing requires that the kitchen or bathroom sink that is used for testing be out of commission for six hours. It is more convenient for the residents to pick when to test.
“It’s terribly frustrating, that’s why we collected 10 more samples,” Combs said. “We told the people hey you have to follow these steps. As long as these samples come back OK then this exceedance will be rescinded. We just have to be very careful who we have taking these samples for us.”
The main concern for copper and lead contamination are in homes built before 1986 when they stopped using lead solder for copper pipes. Combs said there is a simple way to lessen the contamination chance.
“If you don’t get a good flush your water has just been sitting in there absorbing lead,” Combs said noting residents should let water run 30 seconds to a minute before use.
The Ohio EPA said most communities have residents test their own water. As for the Trenton situation, spokeswoman Dina Pierce confirmed the new tests will determine next steps.
“If results show there is no exceedance, the earlier public notice would be rescinded with updated lead results,” she said. “If the exceedance is confirmed, the city would be required to issue public education information.”
Either way she said they are recommending the city “implement corrosion control treatment as part of its drinking water treatment process.”
About the Author
