[Press Release] : Level of trihalomethanes in Columbia water increases

[Press Releases]

You have received this message because you subscribe to the City of
Columbia’s Web Mail service. To view linked material click on provided
links or copy and paste them into your browser's address menu.
______________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2008

Contacts:  
Connie Kacprowicz, Public Information Specialist, (573) 874-7325
Floyd Turner, Manager of Water Operations, (573) 874-6210
Barry Kirchhoff, Water Plant Superintendent, (573) 445-3517
Everett Baker, Environmental Engineer, Missouri Department of Natural
Resources, (660) 385-8000

Level of trihalomethanes in Columbia water increases

	(Columbia, MO) -- For more than three decades, Columbia’s
water met or exceeded all standards set by the Environmental Protection
Agency. Columbia’s water is tested more frequently and more thoroughly
than is required by law. More than 4,000 tests are run each year on
samples from 39 locations throughout Columbia. Through this testing the
utility staff became aware of a problem and is working to ensure that
Columbia’s water continues to be a high quality resource for the
community.
	In 2007, Columbia’s water exceeded the maximum contaminant
level for total trihalomethanes (TTHM). The average reported
concentration for 2007 is 0.0823 milligrams per liter. The maximum
contaminant level for total trihalomethanes is 0.08 milligrams per
liter. In 2001, the Environmental Protection Agency lowered the maximum
contaminant level from 0.1 milligrams per liter to 0.08 milligrams per
liter.
	There is not an immediate danger in consuming Columbia’s
water. Trihalomethanes are a by-product of the disinfection process.
They are formed when chlorine breaks down organic material in the water.
Organic materials in the water can come from natural materials in the
environment. Chlorine is added to the water to kill bacteria, viruses
and other organisms that could cause serious waterborne illnesses and
death.
	Trihalomethanes present problems over a long period of time. The
city of Columbia is working with the Missouri Department of Natural
Resources and the University of Missouri to find a solution to the
problem and lower the levels of trihalomethanes.
	Long-term exposure to levels of trihalomethanes that meet the
maximum contaminant level is a health concern. A person consuming two
liters of water per day for over 70 years could result in three to four
cancers per 10,000 people, according to the Missouri Department of
Natural Resources. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that
people drinking water exceeding the standards for trihalomethanes might
also experience problems with their liver, kidneys or central nervous
system. 
	The city of Columbia has been working with the Missouri
Department of Natural Resources to lower the level of trihalomethanes in
our water supply. The city is entering into an agreement with the
University of Missouri’s Water Resources Research Center to identify
and correct any problems. The University’s research will take several
months and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources will have to
approve any changes to the treatment process. Possible solutions will be
presented to the Columbia City Council and action will be taken. 
	Columbia Water & Light noticed that the levels of
trihalomethanes were rising from the previous year’s average level of
0.0704 milligrams per liter at the end of 2007 and contacted the
Missouri Department of Natural Resources. As was recommended, the amount
of chlorine added at the treatment plant was lowered to reduce the
formation of trihalomethanes. Chlorine cannot be completely eliminated
at this time due to the risk of other waterborne illnesses forming. The
city will continue to work under the supervision of the Missouri
Department of Natural Resources to discover the cause and determine a
solution to lower the level of trihalomethanes.
	The Missouri Department of Natural Resources requires that the
city of Columbia send a letter to all water customers outlining the
information listed above. The letters are expected to be delivered to
the post office on May 7. This information is also on the city of
Columbia’s Web site at www.GoColumbiaMo.com. Customers can contact
Columbia Water and Light by sending an e-mail to wlmail at GoColumbiaMo.com
or by calling (573) 874-7325. The Missouri Department of Natural
Resources Northeast Regional Office can also be contacted for more
information at (660) 385-8000.

- 30 -
______________________________________________________

Archived press releases can be viewed online at: 
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Public_Comm/Public_Information/Press_Releases/

______________________________________________________

If you would like to stop receiving messages, modify list options, or
subscribe to other lists visit the Web Mail section of our Web site and
follow the instructions provided. 

http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Web_Mail/index.php