Richard D. L. Fulton

(12/13) Beginning in October, numerous Emmitsburg drinking water customers have been expressing their concerns over the brown colorization of their tap water.

According to a statement released by Emmitsburg Mayor Donald N. Briggs, the discoloration was the result of "hydrant flushings, a water leak repair, drought conditions, and an unauthorized hydrant connection." The mayor further stated, "All these situations occurred within a week of each other causing this unprecedented condition."

Briggs stated samples were taken and analyzed. Catoctin Labs, he reported, tested water samples for lead and copper, the results of which were well below state action levels, or otherwise negligible. The mayor also stated pH of the tap water was also within state guidelines. Briggs also reported that five water samples were analyzed for bacteriological content, which showed "no presence of coliform or E. coli."

Town Manager Cathy Willets told the News-Journal that Catoctin Labs conducted all of the tests that were carried-out. "All the testing has come back normal," she said. "Full spectrum tests were not conducted," she said, "because they are expensive." Full spectrum tests literally search for just about anything and everything that could possibly be found in a water sample.

Willets said turbidity testing, however, was done "in-house." According to the town's own definition (2018 Annual Water Quality Report), "Turbidity is a measurement of cloudiness of the water caused by suspended particles. We measure it because it is a good indicator of water quality and the effectiveness of our filtration (the report's italics)."

Although the tests may identify the degree of discoloration, it does not pin-point the causation. However, the town manager believes the discoloration is the result of sediment and rust.

Town Commissioner Frank Davis called the confluence of adverse events as "the Perfect Storm." Davis stated, "We can't get it to clean up, it’s so sporadic (not occurring on a town-wide basis). We've never had anything like this before," adding that town staff are taking complaints and then plotting them on a map to determine the impact areas in the hope of determining the contributing source or sources.

Commissioner Davis said the town is also bringing in "someone with more sophisticated equipment" to help isolate the problematic areas.

On December 5, a notice was also posted on the Town of Emmitsburg website stating, "If you have not contacted the town office via phone or email, please do so now. Staff is working hard to pinpoint the areas with discolored water as the majority of the town has clear water," adding, "Please report your issues to info@emmitsburgmd.gov or call 301-600-6300 and be as detailed as you can. You can also report that you have clear water as this is equally important."

The town website also stated, "Although the water may not be visually appealing, it is safe to drink and continues to meet all federal and state drinking water standards. There is no health hazard associated with the discolored water."

Lesco Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, Caldwell, NJ , noted on their website (lesco24-7.com), that, in reference to brown water, "Clean running water is necessary for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and bathing. It’s not a good idea to utilize brown water for everyday use," adding, in reference to brown water, "Contaminated water can irritate your skin, and turn your dishes and clothing an off color"

Easywater has offered to test individual tap water from concerned Emmitsburg residents for free. The tests should be to determine what is causing the discoloration of the water (turbidity). There will be no charge for the service. Easywater's website is located at www.easywater.com/residential/free-water-test/. The company will send a test kit to any resident requesting a test.