The City of Akron is set to notify thousands of its residents about issues concerning water quality standards. Recent tests conducted by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discovered that at two locations, the amount of Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) in the water has surpassed the permissible levels. The annual average of HAA5 at any of the city's 12 testing sites should not exceed 0.060 milligrams per liter (mg/L) over 12 months, however, readings at Swan Lake Road and Ascot Industrial Park have edged just above this threshold.
Around 6,600 Akron Water customers in close proximity to these locations will be receiving mailed notifications regarding the exceedance. Akron's water system, serving some 85,000 households, detected HAA5 levels of 0.0623 mg/L and 0.0627 mg/L, respectively, at the two aforementioned sites, according to the City of Akron's announcement. This event marks the first time since 2015 that Akron has breached the water standard for HAA5 at any of its routine testing sites.
Officials highlight that there is no immediate danger to health or safety, and there are no actions that consumers need to take at the moment. The EPA advises that it is long-term consumption of water with HAA5 levels above the MCL that may pose an increased cancer risk. The city also stresses that the risk from long-term, low-level exposure to HAA5 is considerably less than untreated water. Anyone with particular health concerns should consult their healthcare provider.
The City of Akron ensures its residents that although the HAA5 levels have seen an uptick, the other ten sites maintain compliance with the EPA standards. The two affected districts are isolated, so water flows in but does not move to adjacent areas. While not obligated by the Ohio EPA, notices will also be sent to residents of large apartment complexes on West Portage Trail due to their proximity to the contamination, and the local water distribution dynamics, the report states. Akron residents uncertain about whether their homes fall within the affected area can verify their status by reaching out to the city's designated helpline.
