EPA officials have said HaloSan’s use is uncommon in public drinking water systems, if it ever has been used at all, according to emails obtained by The State.
“We are looking internally at the product and the process.’’ S.C. regulators have been unable to show how much of the chemical was injected into Denmark’s water from 2008 until this year, when Clemson pesticide regulators ordered the city to quit using it.
DHEC can’t say what caused Williams’ skin problems.
At a Nov. 19 public meeting, Denmark resident Jimmie Funches brought a small plastic bottle of water to illustrate the problem.
The state Safe Drinking Water Act allows DHEC to issue fines of $5,000 a day for each violation.
“I don’t trust them, period, and they know it,’’ said Eugene Smith, 74, who has complained about Denmark’s water for years.
Washington’s letter said Denmark’s water-quality woes were “serious,’’ asking Sellers to help address the problems so residents could “live healthier lives.’’ ‘Quit spreading rumors’ Mayor Wright says Denmark is making progress in fixing its water system, using government grants to replace old pipes and worn-out wells.
I’m just as concerned as anybody about the quality of water.’’ Denmark officials declined to tell The State how much they have spent to repair the aging water system.
Other problems that residents complain about are no different than in other communities, Wright said.
Today, Williams lives in an apartment in Orangeburg, too small for all her belongings, some of which remain in the Denmark house.