AKRON, Ohio \u2013 The city of Akron on Wednesday announced it will notify thousands of affected customers that the city\u2019s water system recently exceeded the maximum contaminant level for haloacetic acids (HAA5) at two of 12 routine sampling locations.<\/p>\n
Some 6,600 households are affected out of the city\u2019s total 85,000 water customers, according to a city news release. Haloacetic acids are a common byproduct of the treatment\/disinfection process. The city is taking action to address the byproduct levels but said that there are no immediate health risks to water customers, according to a news release.<\/p>\n
The city is required to test water at 12 sites every quarter, as required by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Per the Ohio EPA, the average level of haloacetic acids at any site should be no higher than 0.060 mg\/L over a 12-month period. At one site on Swan Lake Road in Copley Township, the annual average was 0.0623 mg\/L. At the second site in Ascot Industrial Park near West Bath Road in Akron, the annual average was 0.0627 mg\/L, according to the release.<\/p>\n
Affected customers will be notified by mail, according to the release. Water customers can also call 3-1-1 (330-375-2311) to find out if their water is affected.<\/p>\n
Though the levels exceed the maximum contaminant level for haloacetic acids, there is not an immediate health or safety to risk and no action needs to be taken. There is no boil advisory and customers don\u2019t need to use bottled water, according to the release.<\/p>\n
Short-term adverse health effects of ingesting diluted quantities of haloacetic acids are unlikely. EPA guidance indicates that some people who drink water containing haloacetic acids in excess of the 0.060 mg\/L MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer, according to the release. Residents are advised to talk with their doctor if they have specific health concerns.<\/p>\n
The city\u2019s water supply officials believe the increased levels are due to the increase in normal biological activity and algae blooms in Lake Rockwell. When combined with chlorine, organic materials can form disinfection byproducts, such as haloacetic acids.<\/p>\n
To bring levels of haloacetic acids back to acceptable levels and improve water quality, the city is taking several actions, including adjusting treatment processes, purchasing additional activated carbon to help remove organics, improving lake-management strategies, and managing and addressing algal blooms, nutrient contributions, and zebra mussels. The city is also working with the Ohio EPA, engineers and peer utilities as it refines its approach to anticipate future seasonal or weather-related impacts, according to the release.<\/p>\n
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