Aqua Ohio formally notified City of Marion officials late Tuesday afternoon that they would be starting to use chloramine as a secondary disinfectant. The decision to start was made after the Ohio EPA denied a request to for an extension of the current regulations.
Aqua Ohio will now use chloramine as a secondary disinfectant in order to reduce the amount of byproducts that are currently being produced throughout the water system. These byproducts have been scientifically shown to be cancer-causing agents.
Aqua Ohio said it could take up to a week for the newly introduced chloramine to spread throughout the system.
In the letter sent Tuesday, Aqua officials stated, “As a public utility, we simply cannot risk non-compliance of a promulgated health and safety regulation of the agency charged with setting the standards for safe water in Ohio.”
The OEPA, in their response to Aqua Ohio, said that if the water company violates the new regulations, punitive steps would be taken.
Water company officials restated their promise to work with Marion City Council and city officials in researching the feasibility of alternatives to chloramines and said they will follow up on any possible funding assistance from the American Water Works Association.
In the letter, Aqua Ohio reminded officials that prior to submitting alternative plans to the PUCO, the City of Marion would need to present a referendum from area residents showing actual support of expected water rate increases to pay for the alternative. Aqua Ohio, as is the case with any business, is allowed to pass on the costs of treatment plant upgrades to consumers. The PUCO makes the final determination on the amount of any rate increase. The rate increase has been stated to be as high as 25 percent.
You can read previous stories, full of facts and details about chloramine, by visiting the following links.
- Aqua Ohio’s Letter to Public Officials
- Aqua Ohio Agrees to Delay Plans as Council Requests More Time
- Water Company Pushes Back Against “Unsafe” Assertions
- City Council Tells Aqua to Wait on New Chemical, Threatens Stiff Fines
- Council Members Question Water Company’s Chemical Change
Click here to read the OEPA response and the letter Aqua Ohio sent to City officials.
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