Downriver water quality concerns prompt testing.
Water quality concerns in Downriver communities prompted the Great Lakes Water Authority to test the taps there and at least one Wayne County municipality to conduct its own review, officials said Monday.
“While we have been provided with statements from the GLWA that the issue is aesthetic, we understand that some residents are still experiencing sulphur-smelling water quality issues,” they wrote in the letter, which also was signed by Taylor City Coucilman Alex Garza and Mayor Rick Sollars.
“We understand the heightened concerns residents have regarding water quality since the water emergency in Flint.
Over the weekend, Woodhaven Patricia Odette announced on her Facebook page that the city would complete its own testing of the water supply.
“They have found the samples to be ABSENT of E Coli and Coliform Bacteria,” Odette wrote.
“We are still waiting to hear more from Detroit Water and will keep you posted when we do!
“Taste and odor are associated with a spike in turbidity in the source water,” COO Cheryl Porter said, adding the authority expanded its testing as well as increased the number of samples taken at the Southwest Water Treatment Facility serving the communities affected.
Testing for volatile organic chemicals “indicated nothing unusual about the source or tap water,” but more results “indicate the water meets water quality criteria except for taste and odor,” Porter said.
“As taste and odor complaints increased, the treatment plant began feeding powdered activated carbon to mitigate taste and odor issues.” Meanwhile, the authority is “testing water for treatment 24/7 to ensure water quality,” Porter added.