Tier 1 Violation

DRINKING WATER WARNING

MD0010018 Midland-Lonaconing Water System

has high turbidity levels

BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING

 

We routinely monitor your water for turbidity (cloudiness). This tells us whether we are effectively filtering the water supply. Normal turbidity levels at our plant are typically less than 0.1 turbidity units. A water sample taken January 17, 2023, showed levels of 9 turbidity units. This was above the State and federal standard of 1 turbidity unit. Because of these high levels of turbidity, there is an increased chance that the water may contain disease-causing organisms.

 

What should I do?

 

• DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water.  Boiled or bottled water should be used for, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water
• 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. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

 

What does this mean?

 

Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. These symptoms are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.

 

What happened? What is being done?

 

The Midland-Lonaconing water system is served by three treatment plants—the Koontz Filter Plant, the Gilmore-Midland Filter Plant, and the Charleston Filter Plant. A problem occurred with the treatment system at the Midland/Gilmore Filter Plant that allowed water with high turbidity to enter the distribution system. Additionally, the Midland/Gilmore and Koontz plants are not being operated to specifications, and the turbidimeters and chlorine analyzers are not working properly. New turbidimeters and chlorine analyzers are being installed 1/18/2023. The Town of Lonaconing will remove the notice when the operational issues are resolved and the Town receives approval from MDE to lift the boil water advisory.

For more information, please contact Tyler Rayner at 301-463-6266 or 35 E Main St Lonaconing, MD 21539.

 

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

 

This notice is being sent to you by Midland-Lonaconing Water System Number MD0010018.

Date distributed: 1/18/2023