Aberdeen issues water treatment notice after turbidity levels exceed standards

An increase in runoff and clay particles in water entering the Aberdeen's water treatment plant are factors that led the city to issue a public notice that the plant did not meet treatment requirements in April.

Although testing did not meet standards, it was not an emergency situation, according to the notice. However, the water could have caused problems for those who have compromised immune systems, infants and the elderly.

According to the notice, turbidity levels in Aberdeen's water were too high. Turbidity has no adverse affects on health, according to the notice, but it can interfere with disinfection.

"Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms," per the notice. "These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. These symptoms are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice."

According to the notice, the turbidity levels were low, but their persistence was a concern.

While treatment options were being reviewed, some particles made their way past the plant's filtration system, which caused turbidity levels to exceed industry standards. According to the notice, 7% of turbidity measurements were more than 0.3 turbidity units. The industry standard allows for no more than 5%.

Normal turbidity at the treatment plant is 0.15 units, according to the notice.

Spring runoff caused the soft water conditions, leading to the treatment issues.

"The water gets so soft and it also picks up clay particles," water treatment plant manager Bob Braun said, referring to spring runoff.

He said the water also developed a smell, which was treated with carbon, and because the runoff made the water so soft, the plant had to increase production and incorporate a mixture of well water to run the through the water-softening basins.

While that was being done, the plant stopped and started the treatment process. Water would be treated until the storage basins were full and then stop for a bit, Braun said.

He said the treatment plant worked with a consultant who advised on the best process of not only removing the clay particles, but also the carbon.

This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: Increased softness in runoff causes treatment challenges for Aberdeen