Langston residents cautioned about contaminated water
By Leethaniel Brumfield, III
Issue date: 10/1/08 Section: News
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits the TTHMs to 80 parts per billion (ppb) or 0.080 milligrams per liter (mg/L) in treated water, which signifies total TTHMs. The total TTHMs for Langston PWA for this period was 0.163 mg/L. For HAA5, the EPA restricts the level to 60 ppb or 0.060 mg/L. The HAA5 for Langston PWA for this period was 0.114 mg/L.
In the notice, Langston PWA insists that even though the level of total TTHMs in drinking water were more than twice the EPA's accepted limit, and the level of HAA5 was slightly under twice what the EPA designates as safe, there are no immediate risks-if so, residents would have been notified right away. However, they caution residents that drinking water containing TTHMs and HAA5 in excess of accepted levels over many years may result in liver, kidney, or nervous system damage, as well as cancer. In addition, they do not suggest that residents use bottled water alternatives, but they do feel that those with specific health concerns should consult their personal physician. In the notice, the PWA also encouraged residents to publicize this information by informing others and by posting and distributing the notice.
This is not the first notice that Langston residents have received regarding drinking water conditions not being satisfactory. In fact, during the 2007 fall semester, a similar story was written about the contaminated drinking water in The LU Gazette. PWA officials seemed reluctant to discuss the problem then, and the newspaper was not able to receive answers in a timely manner for this story.
Many Langston students wonder why the quality of their water supply remains an issue.
"It's sad to know that not only Langston University students, faculty, and staff that live in The Langton Commons are subjected to these harsh water conditions but also their children," said Thurman Young, a freshman management information systems major from Covington, Louis.
Those interested in voicing their concerns can attend the next Langston City Hall meeting, which will take place at Langston City Hall on Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m. Langston PWA officials can be reached at (405) 466-2271.
In the notice, Langston PWA insists that even though the level of total TTHMs in drinking water were more than twice the EPA's accepted limit, and the level of HAA5 was slightly under twice what the EPA designates as safe, there are no immediate risks-if so, residents would have been notified right away. However, they caution residents that drinking water containing TTHMs and HAA5 in excess of accepted levels over many years may result in liver, kidney, or nervous system damage, as well as cancer. In addition, they do not suggest that residents use bottled water alternatives, but they do feel that those with specific health concerns should consult their personal physician. In the notice, the PWA also encouraged residents to publicize this information by informing others and by posting and distributing the notice.
This is not the first notice that Langston residents have received regarding drinking water conditions not being satisfactory. In fact, during the 2007 fall semester, a similar story was written about the contaminated drinking water in The LU Gazette. PWA officials seemed reluctant to discuss the problem then, and the newspaper was not able to receive answers in a timely manner for this story.
Many Langston students wonder why the quality of their water supply remains an issue.
"It's sad to know that not only Langston University students, faculty, and staff that live in The Langton Commons are subjected to these harsh water conditions but also their children," said Thurman Young, a freshman management information systems major from Covington, Louis.
Those interested in voicing their concerns can attend the next Langston City Hall meeting, which will take place at Langston City Hall on Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m. Langston PWA officials can be reached at (405) 466-2271.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Hamilton
posted 10/01/08 @ 11:30 AM CST
Most U.S. cities chlorinate their drinking water which kills all of the bacteria and have been doing so for about 100 years. Maybe Langston needs to develop a better chlorination program?
udrankwhat
posted 10/01/08 @ 11:28 PM CST
Chlorine does not kill "all of the bacteria". It suppresses well; but, slime molds continue to be a problem within large piped systems, and Legionella continues to reinfest Hospital systems following rigorous clean-up/burn-out regimens. (Continued…)
Snopes
posted 10/24/08 @ 4:02 PM CST
I would say that chlorine does, for the most part, kill most the bacteria and any other water-born illnesses. It's one of the few systems in place that actually protects the water even as it travels over long distances, so even if there are problems within the large piped systems, chlorine provides the greatest chances for the water not to be negatively affected on its journey. (Continued…)
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