Water System Violates Chemical Byproduct Standards

Port LaBelle Treatment System Violates Standards For Trihalomethanes

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

Laboratory analysis for the last four quarterly samples of Total Trihalomethanes from the public drinking water system indicate concentrations of 103.03 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.

In July the water system filter membranes were cleaned, but the action was not successful at correcting the problem. The last test results were from August 8.

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