Thursday, December 17, 2015

Port LaBelle Water Again Violates Contaminant Standards

Port LaBelle Treatment System Violates Standards For Trihalomethanes

LABELLE, FL. -- The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has once again cited the Port LaBelle Utilities water treatment system for failure to keep byproducts of disinfection below contaminant safety standards.

Laboratory analysis for the last four quarterly samples of Total Trihalomethanes from the public drinking water system indicate average concentrations of 112.73 micrograms per liter from one sampled location and higher than allowed amounts from other locations. The DEP has determined the levels are higher than the 80 micrograms per liter maximum standard. It is also than the last averaged sample of 103.03 ug/Ll. The state maximum contaminant safety level is 80 ug/L.

The last test results were from October 31

In July the water system filter membranes were cleaned, but the action was not successful at correcting the problem. An independent investigation indicates reverse osmosis membranes need to be replaced and pressure relief valves installed. These corrections are planned to be completed by March 2016.


Some people who drink water with excess trihalomethanes over many years may experience problems with liver, kidneys, or central nervous system and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

The DEP and Roger Greer, administrator of the Port LaBelle Utility System say this is not an immediate risk but until the problem is corrected, those concerned may wish to use alternative sources of water such as commercial bottled water or treat water with a home water treatment device for reducing trihalomethane in drinking water.

For more information call Roger Greer at (863) 675-5376 at Port LaBelle Utilities or Patty Baron at DEP at (239) 344-5615, email: patty.baron@dep.state.fl.us

3 comments:

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  2. Anonymous8:06 AM

    Turn the chlorine down, I can detect it now. Start a flushing program and eat the costs yourself. Replace your membranes because we both know they need it. Stop using that loop back to the plant at the longest residence time. Do it all or give us free water since we pay for water that is supposed to meet the standards. Otherwise I smell a class action lawsuit. By the way when are you issuing the public notice? We never got it...

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  3. Anonymous6:43 PM

    If that us the case .Can they help the ppl to buy water cases or water treatment.... If so please e mail me at njvsny@gmail.com

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