Barberton Warns Of Problems With Drinking Water; Still Considered Safe

Barberton water customers have been alerted about problems with the drinking water supply but have been told it is still safe to drink.The city’s water supply fails to meet state and federal standards for two suspected carcinogens that are byproducts of the water-disinfection process.The issue in Barberton is a problem that occasionally pops up in drinking water supplies that rely on lakes and streams.Barberton typically produces between 4 million and 4.5 million gallons of water per day from its reservoir on Wolf Creek, a Tuscarawas River tributary, for 29,000 customers in the city and in parts of Norton and Coventry Township.What happens is that naturally occurring organic material in the water reacts with chlorine used in the treatment process to kill germs, producing trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids and two other disinfectant byproducts.Barberton is “investigating and taking the necessary steps to correct the problem as soon as possible,” the city said in a notice sent to residents with their bills and also posted on the Utilities page of the city’s website.Current levels of trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids “do not pose an immediate risk to your health,” the city said.The alert warned, however, that long-term exposure to high levels of trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids can increase the risk of cancer of the liver, kidneys and central nervous system.While alternative sources, such as bottled water, are not deemed necessary at this time, the city said that people with specific health concerns should consult with their physicians.Barberton’s average trihalomethane level over the last four quarters was 92 parts per billion.