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Town of Friday Harbor
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60 Second Street
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Important Announcement about Friday Harbor Drinking WaterMarch 28, 2005 Dear Town of Friday Harbor Water User: The State of Washington recently changed some of the drinking water quality standards and while the Town is in compliance with all of the other requirements, we regret to inform you that the Town's water system currently does not meet one of the new standards. We believe that our water continues to be safe for most people to use, but you do have a right to know what has happened, what you should do, and what the Town is doing to correct the situation. Currently, we use chlorine as a disinfectant for our water. Unfortunately, when chlorine has long-term contact with any organic material, such as leaf foliage, which is present in the Trout Lake reservoir, it produces a byproduct called trihalomethanes (THM). We regularly check our water for the presence of all types of contaminants. Last year, the acceptable level for THM’s were lowered by the State, and we find we cannot meet this new standard. In particular, the 12-month average level of trihalomethanes (THM) found in the Town’s water was 82.7 micrograms/liter, while the new acceptable level is now 80.0 (down from 100 ug/L). This is not an immediate risk to your health. If it had been, we would have notified you immediately. However, some people who drink water over a long period that exceeds the acceptable level of triahalomethanes could experience problems with their liver, kidneys or central nervous system, or may have an increased risk of getting cancer. We have recently begun using powdered activated carbon in a trial program to see if this will clear up the problem. At this time we are seeking to find the most efficient and cost effective way of providing water to our users that will be safe for everyone to use. We will continue to explore different treatment options until we provide water that meets all State and Federal standards. We will continue to keep you informed of our progress. Sincerely, Gary Boothman, Mayor C. King Fitch, Town Administrator Disinfection Byproduct Levels Above Drinking Water Standards
02/25/2008 |
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Neither the Town of Friday Harbor nor any agency, officer, or employee of the
Town warrants the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information
presented here, and shall not be held liable for any losses caused by such
reliance on the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of such information. |
