NORTH SMITHFIELD – Officials with the North Smithfield Water Department are notifying customers that recent testing showed levels of one contaminant that exceeded state standards.
The tests showed Total Trihalomethanes, also known as TTHM, above the maximum level in the Slatersville Public Supply, according to a release this week from the department. People who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the standard over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer, the district noted.
“Although this was not an emergency, as our customers, you have the right to know what happened and what we did to correct the situation,” notes the release. “If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers about drinking this water.”
Total Trihalomethanes are a group of four volatile organic chemicals that are byproducts formed when chlorine, used to disinfect drinking water, reacts with natural organic matter present in the source water.
The standard for TTHM is 80 ug/l or parts per billion, and the average of samples taken at one of the system’s locations since July was 81.5 ug/l.
A public notice states that the water is still safe to drink, and that customers do not need to take any action.
Water and Sewer Supt. William Descoteaux noted that several factors can contribute to increased TTHM levels, including higher water temperatures during the summer months, which accelerates chemical reactions; increased levels of natural organic matter, which tend to rise with warmer temperatures; and water age, or the length of time water stays in the distribution system before reaching the tap.
“Our water system is supplied by a surface water source, which naturally contains more organic material than groundwater sources,” noted the release. “While effective treatment methods are used, it is not possible to remove all organic matter from the water.”
North Smithfield receives water from the Woonsocket Water system at a connection point located near the end of their distribution system. Descoteaux noted that results in longer water travel times before it reaches some areas in North Smithfield, allowing more time for chlorine to react with organic matter and form TTHMs.
“We are actively working on strategies to minimize TTHM formation, such as improving system flushing, evaluating treatment upgrades, and reducing water age in the distribution system where possible,” noted the release.
The department has reportedly collected water samples from strategic locations to understand the source of the elevated TTHMs, and is working with the Rhode Island Department of Health and engineering consultants to analyze the data and develop a response. Corrective strategies will be implemented in November.
The release noted that if a situation arises where the water is no longer safe to drink, customers will be notified within 24 hours
“We are committed to keeping the public informed throughout this process,” the release stated. “Please be assured that the safety and quality of your drinking water remain our highest priority.”
Those who want more information are instructed to contact Descoteaux at (401) 767-2200 ext. 320.
The complete notice can be found here.
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