April 27, 2009
For Immediate Release
THERE ARE NO LONGER ANY MDC CUSTOMERS UNDER A BOIL WATER ADVISORY AND THIS RELEASE CONCLUDES THE BOIL WATER ADVISORY FOR ALL CUSTOMERS THAT HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THIS NOTICE.
The “copepods” and “rotifers” that were discovered in MDC’s distribution system are common environmental organisms that are routinely found in surface waters. The presence of these organisms is unusual in filtered drinking water, however they are not considered a health risk. MDC, at the request of DPH, issued a precautionary boil water notice in order for the MDC to further investigate this unusual occurrence.
The distribution system throughout the affected areas has been tested thoroughly since the original discovery of these organisms. All treatment process information and analytical data including Giardia, Cryptosporidium, total coliform, and other bacteriological and microscopic analyses were forwarded to DPH on Sunday, April 26, 2009 for their review. All tests met water quality standards. Based upon the review of this data, the DPH has rescinded its precautionary notice.
While it is recognized that these organisms are common in nature, MDC will continue to address any further occurrence through monitoring for the presence of these organisms in our reservoirs, treatment plants, and distribution system. It is evident that elevated chlorine levels are successful in controlling the presence of these organisms and they can be flushed out of the system if they are detected in the future. It is important to be assured that these organisms are not a health risk.
The MDC is beginning its seasonal flushing program and in agreement with DPH, will prioritize the flushing to the affected towns, starting in Bloomfield. During the flushing operations, customers may experience cloudy or discolored water. The condition is temporary and does not pose a health hazard. We recommend you run the cold water in your bathtub or shower until the water runs clear.
The MDC has a long uninterrupted record of providing its customers with quality drinking water that meets all regulated water quality parameters. Updated information can be found on the District’s website www.themdc.com. Customers who have questions may contact the Metropolitan District at 278-7850 extension 3600. Additional information is also available on DPH’s website: www.ct.gov/dph or by phone at 509-8000.
The MDC is a nonprofit municipal corporation chartered by the Connecticut General Assembly in 1929. The MDC provides water, sewer and household hazardous waste collection services to its member municipalities: Bloomfield, East Hartford, Hartford, Newington, Rocky Hill, West Hartford, Wethersfield and Windsor.
For Press Inquiries Only Contact:
Melissa Bengtson
MDC Public Relations
Office: (860) 278-7850, ext. 3221
Cell: (860) 706-3745
Email: mbengtson@themdc.com