DENMARK — For 10 years, some residents in Denmark have been suspicious of the rust-colored water coming from their taps.
The substance, known as HaloSan, was not approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to disinfect drinking water.
CNN was told by the state that it has been adding HaloSan to the water in Denmark since 2008.
An EPA risk assessment from 2007 shows that HaloSan can be a "significant eye and skin irritant."
The state Department of Health and Environmental Control says it required daily monitoring, "performed by the certified system operator," of "any chemical" added to the drinking water, ensuring that the maximum dosage is not exceeded.
We prioritize the ones that should be replaced first," he told CNN.
But, the couple says there have been concerns about skin rashes and kidney problems among residents for years, although a link has not been made directly to the water.
But Edwards says he couldn’t let go of a nagging feeling that there was something missing, especially after finding red flags, like a 2010 local newspaper story where a city official declared the water had safe lead levels nine days before the testing was conducted.
Wright, Denmark’s mayor, later told CNN that officials were relying on 3-year-old data when talking to the newspaper because that was what was available at the time.
I would be extremely foolish if I didn’t make certain it was safe.