PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Health has issued a do not drink notice for the water system that serves Glocester Town Hall and nearby buildings, which include the offices for school administration and the Glocester Manton Library.
The notice was issued after the water system showed manganese levels that were above the allowable limit.
According to RIDOH, water sample collected on Wednesday, March 11 had a manganese level of 3.09 mg/L, whcih is higher than the Environmental Protection Agency’s limit of 1.0 mg/L.
RIDOH noted that for most people, drinking water with high manganese levels does not pose a health risk; however, infants, older adults, and anyone with liver disease should avoid drinking water with high levels of manganese or using it to prepare food. Bottle-fed infants who drink water with a manganese level higher than 0.3 mg/L for more than 10 days may have neurological side effects.
The agency noted it recommends “out of abundance of caution” that no one drinks the water, uses it to make formula or prepare food for infants. It warns that oiling the water will increase the manganese levels and the water should not be used to prepare food, like soup, for infants, older adults, or anyone with liver disease.
Anyone with specific concerns is advised to contact a healthcare professional.
RIDOH noted that the do not drink notice will remain in effect until test results show the manganese level is within safe levels.
