Q&A: What we know about Downriver's water quality concerns

The Great Lakes Water Authority answered WDIV Local 4's questions about water quality concerns Downriver. All questions were posed by Local 4. All answers provided by GLWA.  

What is causing the sulfur smell in the water?
Taste and odor are associated with a spike in turbidity in the source water. (Editor's note: "Turbidity" is essentially dirt in the water.)

Why is the smell concentrated to the Downriver area?
Downriver communities are all served by the Southwest Water Treatment Facility.

What is being done to resolve the issue/find the problem/solution?
When taste and odor issues were raised in a number of downriver communities, GLWA expanded its testing, increasing the number of samples being taken at the Southwest Water Treatment Facility and within the distribution system. Results of this increased testing have all shown that the water meets regulatory standards and is safe. Testing has also been completed for bacteria, and all results have returned negative for bacteria in the water. In addition we tested the Southwest plant source and tap for volatile organic chemicals. The results indicated nothing unusual about the source or tap water. In addition we collected and monitored hardness, alkalinity, turbidity, fluoride, taste and odor in sample sites within the distribution system and monitored toxicity. Results indicate the water met water quality criteria except the taste and odor.

Once our investigation confirmed the taste and odor in the distribution system the treatment plant began feeding powered activated carbon to mitigate the taste and odor.

How often are you testing, what specific areas have been tested and what's left to be tested?
We are testing water for treatment 24/7 to ensure water quality.  When we receive complaints we will increase testing to investigate cause and ensure water quality.

All downriver communities were tested last Thursday and/or Friday. With an increase in calls today, additional samples are being collected in the distribution system in those communities that have had an increase in the number of complaints.

Should residents be concerned about drinking/bathing in the water as well as their pets?
No, all testing completed on the water leaving the treatment plant and in the distribution system have meet the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act regulatory requirements.  All samples were tested for toxicity and the results indicated no toxicity.

Should they drink bottled instead for the time being?
All tests have conclusively shown that the water is meeting all regulatory standards and is safe. Drinking bottled water is a personal choice.

Who should they contact with questions?
Concerned residents should contact their local municipality with questions or to report an issue.