Hinkley chromium clean-up could take more than a century
By KAREN JONAS, staff writer
HINKLEY • The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board will be deciding soon if an expansion to the treatment of the chromium 6 water plume in Hinkley will be put into place, but residents probably won’t see the results in their lifetimes.
Pacific Gas and Electric is proposing to expand its current operation of injecting the chromium 6 tainted water with ethanol to convert it to the less dangerous chromium 3. In a feasibility study done by the water board, the ethanol treatment would probably take about 150 years to restore chromium 6 levels to the naturally occurring levels of 3.1 parts per billion.
The feasibility study done by the water board shows that the removal of the chromium 6 tainted groundwater will take more than 100 years, even with the most effective treatment.
PG&E is currently injecting ethanol into the plume in order to convert the chromium 6 into chromium 3, which is much less toxic. The company pumps contaminated water out and sprays it onto alfalfa plants so that it will not be spread through the air. PG&E also injects clean water as part of the program to cleanse the groundwater.
The expanded program will include increased pumping and will occur over a larger area, said Lauri Kemper, assistant executive officer for the Lahontan water board.
Kemper said the program was chosen out of five different alternatives because PG&E had tested a variety of treatments over the years, and the ethanol treatment worked best with higher concentrations of chromium 6.
The plume of contaminated water has been slowly growing and is now about two miles long and nearly a mile wide.
PG&E has been ordered by the water board to clean up the chromium 6, but the plume continues to grow.
Jeff Smith, a spokesman for PG&E, said PG&E was committed to the clean-up in Hinkley.
“We’ll do whatever is necessary to clean up the Hinkley area,” said Smith.
Carmela Gonzalez, a Hinkley resident who has been trying to get Hinkley’s water cleaned up, said that the proposed effort was not good enough.
“The public needs to say that over a hundred years is out of control,” said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez urged residents of Hinkley to attend a public information hearing that will be held on Wednesday
“The public needs to contact the water board,” said Gonzalez.
The Hinkley water situation became famous after legal aide Erin Brockovich helped win a settlement against PG&E worth $333 million for the residents of Hinkley who had been sickened by tainted water. The battle became the source of the Oscar-winning film “Erin Brockovich.”
PG&E used chromium 6 over fifty years ago to prevent rust in cooling water towers in Hinkley. The wastewater was discharged into unlined ponds, where it eventually seeped into the groundwater in Hinkley.
Chromium 6 has been shown to cause oral and intestinal tumors in rats and mice when ingested, according to studies done by the National Toxicology Program.
Contact the writer:
(760) 256-4122
or kjonas@desertdispatch.com
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Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Private wells contaminated
(Best Syndication News) Barstow, CA - Groundwater in a limited area of Barstow that serves individual wells contains perchlorate above the California drinking water standard (maximum contaminant level or MCL). Property owners with wells in an area between I-15, the Mojave River, Old Highway 58 and Leona Road will receive individual notification if their wells have been tested for perchlorate. Contamination above the MCL has been found in two residential wells on River Road, south of Poplar Street. No other residential wells tested show perchlorate contamination.
The CA Department of Public Health has determined that the water being provided by Golden State Water is safe.
The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (Water Board) has evaluated the results of analysis of 26 representative private wells in the vicinity of the public water supply wells that caused the now rescinded "Do Not Drink" alert for customers of Golden State Water Company. Based on the latest test results, it appears the perchlorate groundwater contamination is currently limited to the area mentioned above.
Based on these limited results, groundwater in areas surrounding the affected area shown in the attachment is likely not contaminated with perchlorate.
The Water Board, with the assistance of federal, state and local entities, has initiated an investigation of the former Mojave River Pyrotechnics Company as a potential source of the perchlorate contamination. This company ceased operation in the mid 1980's. The location of this operation provides additional evidence that private wells outside of the area described above map are not likely contaminated with perchlorate.
The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board's mission is to preserve, enhance and restore California's water resources and ensure their proper allocation and efficient use for the benefit of present and future generations.
By: Harold Singer
Investigation into perchlorate source could take months
Investigation into perchlorate source could take months
By KAREN JONAS, staff writer
BARSTOW • Water board officials will continue their investigation into locating the source of the perchlorate contamination of Barstow’s tap water but say it is a long and complex process that could take months.
The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board is heading up the investigation and has already named a potential source of the contamination. Singer said scientists are investigating the site of Mojave River Pyrotechnics to determine if the perchlorate contamination originated from the former company, which closed in the 1980s.
The water board is testing private wells to get more information about the source of contamination. After testing a total of 26 private wells for perchlorates, Harold Singer, the board’s executive officer, said two wells showed levels of perchlorates higher than those allowed by state drinking water standards.
Singer said investigations into the source of a contaminant usually start with looking for companies in the area that might have used the chemical for business either in the past or at present. Mojave River Pyrotechnics used to produce fireworks, which contain perchlorates.
The Lahontan water board will be conducting further tests of private wells in the area this week so that they can more accurately pinpoint the source of contamination. The Mojave Water Agency and Golden State Water Company will also be working with the Lahontan water board to find a source.
Lance Eckhart, principal hydrogeologist for MWA, said determining the extent of a plume of contaminated water can be difficult when drawing water from wells because wells are often drilled into different aquifers, or bodies of groundwater underneath the surface. Eckhart said there could be multiple layers of aquifers underneath the surface and a well could be drawing water from multiple aquifers, depending on how deep the aquifers lie and how deeply the well is drilled.
Determining the flow of groundwater can also help accurately pinpoint a source of water contamination. Singer said the water board would be doing an analysis of groundwater flows to see how quickly the groundwater was flowing to determine how quickly the contaminant could have spread. Eckhart said the natural flow of groundwater was slow, but said it could move faster if the water was being pumped.
Finding the source of the contamination means that the water company can determine the person or company responsible for the contamination. Singer said the water company would then have the company that polluted the water pay for further investigation of the extent of the plume. He said if there was not a responsible party for the contamination, then different state and federal programs would help continue the investigation.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Perchlorate contamination found in residential wells
BARSTOW – Additional tests have disclosed that the perchlorate contamination in the drinking water extended beyond wells used by the Golden State Water Company.
The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board said the groundwater contamination also showed up in individual residential wells. At least two wells along River Road tested positive.
Property owners with wells in an area between I-15, the Mojave River, Old Highway 58 and Leona Road will receive individual notification if their wells have been tested for perchlorate.
Based on the latest test results, it appears the perchlorate groundwater contamination is currently limited, according to the water board.
The State Department of Public Health has determined that the water being provided by Golden State Water is safe. But, an investigation into the source of the contamination continues. (INT)
The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board said the groundwater contamination also showed up in individual residential wells. At least two wells along River Road tested positive.
Property owners with wells in an area between I-15, the Mojave River, Old Highway 58 and Leona Road will receive individual notification if their wells have been tested for perchlorate.
Based on the latest test results, it appears the perchlorate groundwater contamination is currently limited, according to the water board.
The State Department of Public Health has determined that the water being provided by Golden State Water is safe. But, an investigation into the source of the contamination continues. (INT)
Story Date: November 25, 2010
Barstow veterans thankful water now safe to drink
Posted: 11/26/2010 05:03:24 AM PST
Barstow's water supplies were officially unsafe for about one week after the discovery of perchlorate, a contaminant used in the manufacture of rocket fuel, weapons and fireworks, was discovered in nearby wells.
"They told us not to bathe, wash clothes, brush teeth, anything," said Ramiro "Rudy" Rueda, a 77-year-old Army and Air Force veteran who served during the Korean War.
Rueda has lived at the Veterans Home of California, Barstow since February 1996, he said.
He and some other residents described the past few days' lack of drinking water as a minor convenience. The experience was not the first time he and other combat veterans there had to survive without pristine water supplies.
"I was in World War II, and we used to have pills sometimes for the water," said George Warren, an 88-year old veteran of the U.S. Army Forces in the Pacific Theater.
Warren served as an aircrew member aboard B-24 and B-25 bomber aircraft and still has the metal aircrew badge he earned in 1943.
While at war with Japan, he and his compatriots had to make do with whatever water was available in places such as Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Okinawa.
Barstow's do not drink order was issued Nov. 19, and the Veterans Home was the last
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The OK announcement for the Veterans Home came out around noon Wednesday, about 14 hours after the rest of Barstow was freed from the do not drink order.
Veterans Home staffers also received instructions to flush out water pipes, ice-makers and filtration equipment.
While the order was in effect, Veterans Home administrators relied on emergency water supplies and stocked up on bottles and 5-gallon containers of the liquid to keep the center, which serves 189 veterans, running.
The kitchen required 70 gallons of bottled water per day, administrator Art Robles said.
By Thursday, some of the remaining containers were stashed out while the veterans gathered to dine on turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, and other traditional foods.
"It's good. The food is always good here, and this is excellent," said Warren, whose plate was stacked high with the day's repast.
Warren also said he had a big stack of laundry that piled up while water was off limits.
The perchlorate contamination was discovered last week when test results of water supplies sampled in August at Marine Corps Logistics Base came back positive for perchlorate. A retest showed perchlorate levels were above the legal maximum.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency on Saturday, and city and state officials distributed bottled water to Barstow dwellers while the do not drink order was in place.
The cancellation of that order has not convinced all Barstow residents that their tap water is safe for drinking and other other domestic uses.
Top Hat Liquor on Main Street sold its entire stock of bottled water on Friday, manager Mike Elkamel said. Sales have slowed down, but he said some customers are still unwilling to drink from the tap.
"They don't trust what the media said, that the water is safe," Elkamel said.
Arturo Martinez, a 51-year-old Federal Aviation Administration employee, is but one person in Barstow who is still suspicious of the town's drinking water.
"I don't feel comfortable drinking the water," he said. "I'm not going to cook with it. To be honest with you, it's a done deal.
"Most people are not satisfied because they have to shower in the water," Martinez added. "We're not even brushing our teeth with the water. We're using bottled water."
- andrew.edwards@inlandnewspapers.com, 909-386-3921
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Interesting comment
to flushing the water system in Barstow:
So, when I flush my system, am I going to get credit for that water or do I have to pay for it??
So, when I flush my system, am I going to get credit for that water or do I have to pay for it??
Adding insult to injury.
This was also printed in the Desert Dispatch
November 23, 2010
Rate increase approved for water company
By KAREN JONAS, staff writer
BARSTOW • The California Public Utility Commission approved a rate increase for Golden State Water Company customers on Friday that will affect Barstow customers starting the first week of December.
The average rate for users in Barstow will go up 12.7 percent, according to Rebecca Long, community customer service representative for GSWC.
Long said that customers are typically billed every other month, so they would probably see the first part of the rate increase in January. Long said the average increase would be about $6.90 a month.
The GSWC began negotiations with the utility commission in 2008 to raise rates for customers throughout two of the regions it covers in Southern California in order to provide for new infrastructure, including new wells.
Representatives did not know on Tuesday if Barstow would have any new infrastructure as a result of the recent perchlorate contamination.
November 23, 2010
Rate increase approved for water company
By KAREN JONAS, staff writer
BARSTOW • The California Public Utility Commission approved a rate increase for Golden State Water Company customers on Friday that will affect Barstow customers starting the first week of December.
The average rate for users in Barstow will go up 12.7 percent, according to Rebecca Long, community customer service representative for GSWC.
Long said that customers are typically billed every other month, so they would probably see the first part of the rate increase in January. Long said the average increase would be about $6.90 a month.
The GSWC began negotiations with the utility commission in 2008 to raise rates for customers throughout two of the regions it covers in Southern California in order to provide for new infrastructure, including new wells.
Representatives did not know on Tuesday if Barstow would have any new infrastructure as a result of the recent perchlorate contamination.
Wednesday November 24, 2010 Barstow's water restrictions lifted
BARSTOW – The California Department of Public Health has lifted the Do Not Drink Water Advisory for all customers in the Barstow water system, excluding the Veterans Home of Barstow. This is based on data that confirmed the system meets drinking water standards.
Residents should take the following steps before consuming water in their home or using their water for cooking:
1. Flush all hot and cold water taps for five minutes.
2. Flush all hot water into bathtub or shower until it turns cold.
3. Remove all ice from any ice makers.
Residents should take the following steps before consuming water in their home or using their water for cooking:
1. Flush all hot and cold water taps for five minutes.
2. Flush all hot water into bathtub or shower until it turns cold.
3. Remove all ice from any ice makers.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
What can percholorate do? Here's a bit of an answer.
Information about perchlorate exposure
Comments 11
November 22, 2010 10:59 AM
From Staff Reports
BARSTOW • San Bernardino County’s Department of Public Health has released a statement describing the effect of perchlorates on the body for the benfefit of Barstow residents concerned about their exposure:
The release in part reads:
“The county and the state do not know how much perchlorate residents have consumed. However, even though the levels detected last week — 4 to 97 parts per billion — exceed state guidelines, these levels would most likely not have a health impact on even the most sensitive individual.
“Any effects from perchlorate exposure are long-term. People exposed to perchlorate do not experience immediate symptoms. Adverse health effects associated with perchlorate exposure at harmful levels are expected to be similar to those caused by iodine deficiency in humans. In those cases signs include: impairment in physical development, behavior, movement, speech, hearing, vision, and intelligence. Fever and nausea are NOT symptoms of perchlorate exposure.
“People concerned about having been exposed to perchlorate do not require emergency medical attention. People concerned about having been exposed to perchlorate should advise their doctors, who in turn will determine whether testing and treatment are necessary.
“Perchlorate is a chemical that can interfere with human thyroid gland function, potentially causing symptoms of thyroid gland dysfunction and affecting fetal growth during pregnancy. The most sensitive individuals include pregnant women and their fetuses, lactating women, especially those who are getting less than a sufficient amount of iodine, infants, and individuals with thyroid problems.”
Comments 11
November 22, 2010 10:59 AM
From Staff Reports
BARSTOW • San Bernardino County’s Department of Public Health has released a statement describing the effect of perchlorates on the body for the benfefit of Barstow residents concerned about their exposure:
The release in part reads:
“The county and the state do not know how much perchlorate residents have consumed. However, even though the levels detected last week — 4 to 97 parts per billion — exceed state guidelines, these levels would most likely not have a health impact on even the most sensitive individual.
“Any effects from perchlorate exposure are long-term. People exposed to perchlorate do not experience immediate symptoms. Adverse health effects associated with perchlorate exposure at harmful levels are expected to be similar to those caused by iodine deficiency in humans. In those cases signs include: impairment in physical development, behavior, movement, speech, hearing, vision, and intelligence. Fever and nausea are NOT symptoms of perchlorate exposure.
“People concerned about having been exposed to perchlorate do not require emergency medical attention. People concerned about having been exposed to perchlorate should advise their doctors, who in turn will determine whether testing and treatment are necessary.
“Perchlorate is a chemical that can interfere with human thyroid gland function, potentially causing symptoms of thyroid gland dysfunction and affecting fetal growth during pregnancy. The most sensitive individuals include pregnant women and their fetuses, lactating women, especially those who are getting less than a sufficient amount of iodine, infants, and individuals with thyroid problems.”
Investigation for perchlorate contamination begins November 23, 2010 3:40 PM
Investigation for perchlorate contamination begins
Comments 0
Flushing process damages apartment
November 23, 2010 3:40 PM
By KAREN JONAS, staff writer
BARSTOW • An investigation into the source of the chemical contamination of the water in Barstow began Tuesday as the costs continued mounting for the city and the water flushing left one local woman unable to enter her apartment.
The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board started investigations on Tuesday into the source of the perchlorate contamination, said Harold Singer, executive officer for the Lahontan Water Board.
Golden State Water Company notified Barstow residents on Friday afternoon that the levels of the chemical perchlorate were higher than the maximum contaminant levels set by the state. Some residents were notified on Sunday and Monday that they could begin drinking tap water again, but the majority of residents were still told to drink bottled water until further notice.
Singer said that it could take months to find the source of the contamination and there was a possibility that the board would be unable to locate the source. The board sent out three teams on Tuesday to sample private wells in an area near the contaminated GSWC well.
The results should be available sometime on Wednesday, said Singer. He said the investigation would attempt to locate both the source and the location of the plume of contaminated water.
One resident was forced to vacate her apartment on Tuesday because the water flushing washed out a retaining wall, which weakened the foundation of the single residence building.
The water system was being flushed in order to bring down the perchlorate levels in Barstow’s water. Water hydrants were opened and water poured down the streets and into storm drains. Mark Murphy, emergency coordination manager for the city of Barstow said the perchlorates in the water flushed down storm drains would eventually wind up in the Mojave River basin, where it would be diluted with the much larger pool of water.
Colleen Davis lives in the affected apartment in the 400 block of West Fredericks Street. She noticed that her retaining wall had collapsed on Monday afternoon and was told later that afternoon that her home had been red-tagged and could not be occupied.
Davis was worried about her cats on Tuesday morning and called Barstow’s building department for permission to go inside in order to feed them.
Davis has been a resident of Barstow for 39 years and has lived in her apartment for two years. She said that her landlord is currently paying for her to stay at a motel and hopes to move into a vacant apartment at the same property soon.
“It’s kind of unnerving,” said Davis. “I’m not used to something like this.”
The real estate company that rents out the property said Tuesday they would not be able to comment on the issue until they had spoken to both the renter and the City of Barstow.
Mark Murphy, the emergency coordination manager for the city, estimated that the city had spent well over $100,000 as of Monday since the water crisis began on Friday. Murphy said that $52,000 of the money spent was on bottled water for residents that had been ordered on Friday.
Murphy said that GSWC has been providing all of the bottled water to residents since noon on Saturday. He estimated that a total of 200,000 gallons had been given out by both the water company and the city.
Rebecca Long, community customer service representative for GSWC, said that about 200,000 bottles of water in various sizes had been given out by the water company.
Murphy said that the state will most likely be reimbursing most of the funds to the city because Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency. Murphy said that the city will most likely recover about 75 percent of the money spent that it has spent during the emergency.
Residents in the following areas can begin drinking tap water again after flushing their water systems:
• Residents living south of Interstate 15 and west of D Street.
• Residents living north of Interstate 15 and west of H Street/Avenue H.
• All residents living north of the Mojave River.
Flushing procedure
1. Flush all hot and cold water taps for five minutes.
2. Flush all hot water into bathtub or shower until it turns cold.
3. Remove all ice from any ice makers.
Comments 0
Flushing process damages apartment
November 23, 2010 3:40 PM
By KAREN JONAS, staff writer
BARSTOW • An investigation into the source of the chemical contamination of the water in Barstow began Tuesday as the costs continued mounting for the city and the water flushing left one local woman unable to enter her apartment.
The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board started investigations on Tuesday into the source of the perchlorate contamination, said Harold Singer, executive officer for the Lahontan Water Board.
Golden State Water Company notified Barstow residents on Friday afternoon that the levels of the chemical perchlorate were higher than the maximum contaminant levels set by the state. Some residents were notified on Sunday and Monday that they could begin drinking tap water again, but the majority of residents were still told to drink bottled water until further notice.
Singer said that it could take months to find the source of the contamination and there was a possibility that the board would be unable to locate the source. The board sent out three teams on Tuesday to sample private wells in an area near the contaminated GSWC well.
The results should be available sometime on Wednesday, said Singer. He said the investigation would attempt to locate both the source and the location of the plume of contaminated water.
One resident was forced to vacate her apartment on Tuesday because the water flushing washed out a retaining wall, which weakened the foundation of the single residence building.
The water system was being flushed in order to bring down the perchlorate levels in Barstow’s water. Water hydrants were opened and water poured down the streets and into storm drains. Mark Murphy, emergency coordination manager for the city of Barstow said the perchlorates in the water flushed down storm drains would eventually wind up in the Mojave River basin, where it would be diluted with the much larger pool of water.
Colleen Davis lives in the affected apartment in the 400 block of West Fredericks Street. She noticed that her retaining wall had collapsed on Monday afternoon and was told later that afternoon that her home had been red-tagged and could not be occupied.
Davis was worried about her cats on Tuesday morning and called Barstow’s building department for permission to go inside in order to feed them.
Davis has been a resident of Barstow for 39 years and has lived in her apartment for two years. She said that her landlord is currently paying for her to stay at a motel and hopes to move into a vacant apartment at the same property soon.
“It’s kind of unnerving,” said Davis. “I’m not used to something like this.”
The real estate company that rents out the property said Tuesday they would not be able to comment on the issue until they had spoken to both the renter and the City of Barstow.
Mark Murphy, the emergency coordination manager for the city, estimated that the city had spent well over $100,000 as of Monday since the water crisis began on Friday. Murphy said that $52,000 of the money spent was on bottled water for residents that had been ordered on Friday.
Murphy said that GSWC has been providing all of the bottled water to residents since noon on Saturday. He estimated that a total of 200,000 gallons had been given out by both the water company and the city.
Rebecca Long, community customer service representative for GSWC, said that about 200,000 bottles of water in various sizes had been given out by the water company.
Murphy said that the state will most likely be reimbursing most of the funds to the city because Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency. Murphy said that the city will most likely recover about 75 percent of the money spent that it has spent during the emergency.
Residents in the following areas can begin drinking tap water again after flushing their water systems:
• Residents living south of Interstate 15 and west of D Street.
• Residents living north of Interstate 15 and west of H Street/Avenue H.
• All residents living north of the Mojave River.
Flushing procedure
1. Flush all hot and cold water taps for five minutes.
2. Flush all hot water into bathtub or shower until it turns cold.
3. Remove all ice from any ice makers.
Morning of day 5. November 23, 2010
Barstow water emergency continues
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10:00 PM PST on Monday, November 22, 2010
By DAVID DANELSKI and LAURIE LUCAS
The Press-Enterprise
Barstow endured its fourth day of a water emergency Monday, but the city's mayor said he expects all tap water to be safe to drink by Thanksgiving Day.
An advisory not to drink or cook with tap water -- issued Friday after chemical contamination was found -- remained in effect in the eastern part of the city, although restrictions had been lifted in areas to the west and north.
People again stood in line for free bottled water, or stocked up at area grocery stores as Golden State Water Co. continued flushing the contamination from its delivery system.
On Monday evening, Mayor Joe Gomez said Golden State is making good progress and should be able to lift all the restrictions by Thursday. The company did not return phone calls Monday.
Golden State, which serves more than 40,000 people in and near Barstow, shut down a well contaminated with the chemical perchlorate, an ingredient of rocket fuel and munitions, on Friday as soon as the problem was detected. The source of the chemical is unknown.
The San Bernardino County Public Health Department issued an advisory Monday to let people know that perchlorate does not cause sudden illness and that it is unlikely the contamination in Barstow affected anyone's health.
Residents interviewed Monday were playing it safe, however.
Hester McCarty, 60, said she ended up buying bottled water because all the sites offering giveaways were mobbed. "I thought, 'Heck, I'll go to the grocery stores.' "
She has seven gallons and four cases of individual bottles on hand.
"We usually drink bottled water because we have an older home and a lot of minerals in the tap water," McCarty said.
As experts advised, she has been taking cool showers to avoid ingesting the chemicals from steam.
Barstow Community Hospital, licensed for 56 beds, was still waiting to turn on the tap as of Monday afternoon.
"We discontinued tap water for cooking and drinking, drained the ice machine and went to all bottled water," spokesman John Rader said.
"It's been an operational issue more than anything else," Rader said. "It hasn't had a significant impact on patient care."
Patients had the option of showering or bathing or using baby wipes.
Military Finds Problem
The Barstow area "do not drink" order came after routine tests of tap water at the nearby Marine Corps Logistics Base found perchlorate at levels above the state limit, base spokesman Robert Jackson said.
The base, the city of Barstow and outlying areas all are served by Golden State. The military notified the water company of the elevated contamination, prompting immediate tests of its wells. Perchlorate was found in three of its 20 Barstow wells, although only one of the three was in use, according to a company spokesman.
State law allows no more than 6 parts per billion of perchlorate in public water supplies. All three tap water samples from the Marine base contained more than three times that concentration, Jackson said.
In sufficient concentrations, perchlorate is known to disrupt the thyroid gland's ability to absorb iodide, needed to make the hormones that guide brain and nerve development of fetuses and babies. It also can be harmful to people with iodine deficiencies.
Perchlorate is an explosive salt used to manufacture rocket fuels, fireworks and other explosives. In the Inland area, groundwater contamination has been tied to pollution from Cold War-era defense plants, munitions storage facilities, fireworks manufacturing and some fertilizers.
Harold Singer, executive officer of the California Water Quality Control Board's Lahontan region, said his agency will investigate the source of the Barstow contamination. No major perchlorate users are known in the area, he said.
The agency also will look for contamination in unregulated, privately owned wells, Singer said.
Business Not As Usual
Meanwhile, businesses in Barstow, a stop for travelers between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, were suffering.
Sandy Dinapoli, who with her husband, Nick, owns Dinapoli's Fire House restaurant, said business has tanked, despite the sign they've posted saying that they're using only bottled water. She said the back of their restaurant is stacked with so many pallets of bottled water that it resembles a grocery store loading dock.
They had no time to wait in line for the free bottled water and instead went to the grocery to stock up.
"It's a bummer," she said. "We got hit really hard and had to scramble. ... We had to throw out so much of our products."
Everything, including the pizza dough, bread, soups and sauces, is made from scratch. "On Saturday, we spent the whole day re-prepping everything that touches the water," Dinapoli said. "It's been so stressful. We've had to fend for ourselves."
A
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10:00 PM PST on Monday, November 22, 2010
By DAVID DANELSKI and LAURIE LUCAS
The Press-Enterprise
Barstow endured its fourth day of a water emergency Monday, but the city's mayor said he expects all tap water to be safe to drink by Thanksgiving Day.
An advisory not to drink or cook with tap water -- issued Friday after chemical contamination was found -- remained in effect in the eastern part of the city, although restrictions had been lifted in areas to the west and north.
People again stood in line for free bottled water, or stocked up at area grocery stores as Golden State Water Co. continued flushing the contamination from its delivery system.
On Monday evening, Mayor Joe Gomez said Golden State is making good progress and should be able to lift all the restrictions by Thursday. The company did not return phone calls Monday.
Golden State, which serves more than 40,000 people in and near Barstow, shut down a well contaminated with the chemical perchlorate, an ingredient of rocket fuel and munitions, on Friday as soon as the problem was detected. The source of the chemical is unknown.
The San Bernardino County Public Health Department issued an advisory Monday to let people know that perchlorate does not cause sudden illness and that it is unlikely the contamination in Barstow affected anyone's health.
Residents interviewed Monday were playing it safe, however.
Hester McCarty, 60, said she ended up buying bottled water because all the sites offering giveaways were mobbed. "I thought, 'Heck, I'll go to the grocery stores.' "
She has seven gallons and four cases of individual bottles on hand.
"We usually drink bottled water because we have an older home and a lot of minerals in the tap water," McCarty said.
As experts advised, she has been taking cool showers to avoid ingesting the chemicals from steam.
Barstow Community Hospital, licensed for 56 beds, was still waiting to turn on the tap as of Monday afternoon.
"We discontinued tap water for cooking and drinking, drained the ice machine and went to all bottled water," spokesman John Rader said.
"It's been an operational issue more than anything else," Rader said. "It hasn't had a significant impact on patient care."
Patients had the option of showering or bathing or using baby wipes.
Military Finds Problem
The Barstow area "do not drink" order came after routine tests of tap water at the nearby Marine Corps Logistics Base found perchlorate at levels above the state limit, base spokesman Robert Jackson said.
The base, the city of Barstow and outlying areas all are served by Golden State. The military notified the water company of the elevated contamination, prompting immediate tests of its wells. Perchlorate was found in three of its 20 Barstow wells, although only one of the three was in use, according to a company spokesman.
State law allows no more than 6 parts per billion of perchlorate in public water supplies. All three tap water samples from the Marine base contained more than three times that concentration, Jackson said.
In sufficient concentrations, perchlorate is known to disrupt the thyroid gland's ability to absorb iodide, needed to make the hormones that guide brain and nerve development of fetuses and babies. It also can be harmful to people with iodine deficiencies.
Perchlorate is an explosive salt used to manufacture rocket fuels, fireworks and other explosives. In the Inland area, groundwater contamination has been tied to pollution from Cold War-era defense plants, munitions storage facilities, fireworks manufacturing and some fertilizers.
Harold Singer, executive officer of the California Water Quality Control Board's Lahontan region, said his agency will investigate the source of the Barstow contamination. No major perchlorate users are known in the area, he said.
The agency also will look for contamination in unregulated, privately owned wells, Singer said.
Business Not As Usual
Meanwhile, businesses in Barstow, a stop for travelers between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, were suffering.
Sandy Dinapoli, who with her husband, Nick, owns Dinapoli's Fire House restaurant, said business has tanked, despite the sign they've posted saying that they're using only bottled water. She said the back of their restaurant is stacked with so many pallets of bottled water that it resembles a grocery store loading dock.
They had no time to wait in line for the free bottled water and instead went to the grocery to stock up.
"It's a bummer," she said. "We got hit really hard and had to scramble. ... We had to throw out so much of our products."
Everything, including the pizza dough, bread, soups and sauces, is made from scratch. "On Saturday, we spent the whole day re-prepping everything that touches the water," Dinapoli said. "It's been so stressful. We've had to fend for ourselves."
A
Monday, November 22, 2010
November 22, 2010 Desert Dispatch - afternoon
More areas removed from water use restrictions
From Staff Reports
Enlarge Photo
The California Department of Public Health has allowed Golden State Water Company (GSWC) to lift its Do Not Drink Water Alert for another part of its Barstow water system based on data that confirmed this portion of the system is no longer impacted by the contamination. The following areas are no longer under the advisory as of 1:00 Monday, Nov. 22:North of the Mojave River:
• Customers north of the Mojave River and north of the intersection of Irwin and 1st Ave.
More areas removed from water use restrictions
From Staff Reports
Enlarge Photo
The California Department of Public Health has allowed Golden State Water Company (GSWC) to lift its Do Not Drink Water Alert for another part of its Barstow water system based on data that confirmed this portion of the system is no longer impacted by the contamination. The following areas are no longer under the advisory as of 1:00 Monday, Nov. 22:
North of the Mojave River:
• Customers north of the Mojave River and north of the intersection of Irwin and 1st Ave.
• Customers located west of, but not including, H Street/Ave. H.
South of Interstate 15:
• Customers west of, and including, D Street
The alert remains in effect for all customers located on and east of H Street/Ave. H in Barstow and south of the Mojave River until further notice.
Before customers resume drinking water, they must first:
• Flush all hot and cold water taps in the home for approximately 5 minutes.
• Flush hot water into your tub until water turns cold.
• Remove any ice from icemakers.
After customers in this section of the water system complete the flushing of their lines, it is no longer necessary for them to use bottle water.
Customers south of the Mojave River, those located on and east of H Street/Ave. H, and those east of D Street south of Interstate 15 should continue to not use the water for drinking, cooking or ingestion. Other uses, such as washing clothes and showering are considered safe.
From Staff Reports
Enlarge Photo
The California Department of Public Health has allowed Golden State Water Company (GSWC) to lift its Do Not Drink Water Alert for another part of its Barstow water system based on data that confirmed this portion of the system is no longer impacted by the contamination. The following areas are no longer under the advisory as of 1:00 Monday, Nov. 22:North of the Mojave River:
• Customers north of the Mojave River and north of the intersection of Irwin and 1st Ave.
More areas removed from water use restrictions
From Staff Reports
Enlarge Photo
The California Department of Public Health has allowed Golden State Water Company (GSWC) to lift its Do Not Drink Water Alert for another part of its Barstow water system based on data that confirmed this portion of the system is no longer impacted by the contamination. The following areas are no longer under the advisory as of 1:00 Monday, Nov. 22:
North of the Mojave River:
• Customers north of the Mojave River and north of the intersection of Irwin and 1st Ave.
• Customers located west of, but not including, H Street/Ave. H.
South of Interstate 15:
• Customers west of, and including, D Street
The alert remains in effect for all customers located on and east of H Street/Ave. H in Barstow and south of the Mojave River until further notice.
Before customers resume drinking water, they must first:
• Flush all hot and cold water taps in the home for approximately 5 minutes.
• Flush hot water into your tub until water turns cold.
• Remove any ice from icemakers.
After customers in this section of the water system complete the flushing of their lines, it is no longer necessary for them to use bottle water.
Customers south of the Mojave River, those located on and east of H Street/Ave. H, and those east of D Street south of Interstate 15 should continue to not use the water for drinking, cooking or ingestion. Other uses, such as washing clothes and showering are considered safe.
Water advisory ends for western Barstow
Comments 0
November 22, 2010 9:23 AM
AARON DOME, Staff Writer
BARSTOW • A water advisory has ended for some areas of Barstow while the majority of area residents are still being advised not to consume tap water until further notice.
In a release, Golden State Water Co. said Barstow-area residents west of H Avenue may drink tap water after following a flushing procedure for their homes.
“Data has confirmed this portion of the system is no longer impacted by the contamination,” according to the release.
Barstow area residents east of H Avenue may be using bottled water for drinking and cooking through this week as Golden State Water company continues to flush the water system and tests for perchlorate contamination.
Levels of perchlorate above the state guideline of six parts per billion were discovered in three municipal water wells on Friday. Perchlorate is used in rocket fuel and pyrotechnics. Two of the wells were not in service and the active well, near the intersection of Soapmine Road and Old Highway 58, has been shut off. Studies have shown perchlorate exposure may block the reduce thyroid gland function. The thyroid gland regulates body metabolism.
In a best-case scenario, tap water could be declared safe to drink by Tuesday evening, although it unlikely, said Mark Murphy, emergency operations manager for the city.
“What we’re looking at is two 72-hour events,” Murphy said. “If it’s one, I’ll be surprised.”
Murphy said that if the water tests after the first purge come out with perchlorate levels under the state maximum, the system will likely be flushed again and tested to be certain. If a second round of tests show acceptable levels, the water will be deemed safe.
Water being flushed from the system is being sent to the city’s sewage treatment plant where it will go to percolation ponds and seep back into the ground. Murphy said that the treatment process will dilute the water sufficiently to bring perchlorate levels down.
“It’s the drop in the bucket theory,” Murphy said. “It’s my understanding that there are ways to remove perchlorate from water, but it’s very expensive.”
The city, in cooperation with Golden State Water Co., will continue to provide bottled water for the duration of the crisis. Water will continue to be available at Barstow Community College around the clock and at other locations during the day.
Barstow area restaurants had to quickly adapt to using bottled water for cooking and drinking or close their doors. County health officials — who say most restaurants remain open — have been traveling to area restaurants and advising them of what they must do to protect their customers.
Comments 0
November 22, 2010 9:23 AM
AARON DOME, Staff Writer
BARSTOW • A water advisory has ended for some areas of Barstow while the majority of area residents are still being advised not to consume tap water until further notice.
In a release, Golden State Water Co. said Barstow-area residents west of H Avenue may drink tap water after following a flushing procedure for their homes.
“Data has confirmed this portion of the system is no longer impacted by the contamination,” according to the release.
Barstow area residents east of H Avenue may be using bottled water for drinking and cooking through this week as Golden State Water company continues to flush the water system and tests for perchlorate contamination.
Levels of perchlorate above the state guideline of six parts per billion were discovered in three municipal water wells on Friday. Perchlorate is used in rocket fuel and pyrotechnics. Two of the wells were not in service and the active well, near the intersection of Soapmine Road and Old Highway 58, has been shut off. Studies have shown perchlorate exposure may block the reduce thyroid gland function. The thyroid gland regulates body metabolism.
In a best-case scenario, tap water could be declared safe to drink by Tuesday evening, although it unlikely, said Mark Murphy, emergency operations manager for the city.
“What we’re looking at is two 72-hour events,” Murphy said. “If it’s one, I’ll be surprised.”
Murphy said that if the water tests after the first purge come out with perchlorate levels under the state maximum, the system will likely be flushed again and tested to be certain. If a second round of tests show acceptable levels, the water will be deemed safe.
Water being flushed from the system is being sent to the city’s sewage treatment plant where it will go to percolation ponds and seep back into the ground. Murphy said that the treatment process will dilute the water sufficiently to bring perchlorate levels down.
“It’s the drop in the bucket theory,” Murphy said. “It’s my understanding that there are ways to remove perchlorate from water, but it’s very expensive.”
The city, in cooperation with Golden State Water Co., will continue to provide bottled water for the duration of the crisis. Water will continue to be available at Barstow Community College around the clock and at other locations during the day.
Barstow area restaurants had to quickly adapt to using bottled water for cooking and drinking or close their doors. County health officials — who say most restaurants remain open — have been traveling to area restaurants and advising them of what they must do to protect their customers.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- At the beginning of November, Eyewitness News reported that families of local railworkers were upset because BNSF Railroad wanted to move around 100 workers from Bakersfield to Barstow.
Now they're saying there's another reason to stay put.
Residents in San Bernadino County were warned late last week not to drink the tap water after Barstow's water supply was found to have traces of a toxic chemical that's used to make rocket fuel and explosives.
Residents were told boiling the water would not help in reducing the chemical level in the water. Instead, residents were urged to take advantage of the free water bottles that were being distributed around the area.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency for the county after the contaminated tap water was found.
On Sunday, officials have lifted restrictions drinking water for about half of Barstow's residents.
As for the railworkers and their families they said the contaminated water is one more reason to not be transferred.
The railroad's plan is to move workers from Bakersfield, Los Angeles and Needles toits Barstow operation.
There's no definite timeline on when the transfer will happen.
Now they're saying there's another reason to stay put.
Residents in San Bernadino County were warned late last week not to drink the tap water after Barstow's water supply was found to have traces of a toxic chemical that's used to make rocket fuel and explosives.
Residents were told boiling the water would not help in reducing the chemical level in the water. Instead, residents were urged to take advantage of the free water bottles that were being distributed around the area.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency for the county after the contaminated tap water was found.
On Sunday, officials have lifted restrictions drinking water for about half of Barstow's residents.
As for the railworkers and their families they said the contaminated water is one more reason to not be transferred.
The railroad's plan is to move workers from Bakersfield, Los Angeles and Needles toits Barstow operation.
There's no definite timeline on when the transfer will happen.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
From AP 11/21/10 - evening
Some water restrictions lifted in Barstow
The Associated Press
BARSTOW
Officials are lifting some drinking water restrictions in Barstow, where excessive levels of a chemical were found three days ago.
Golden State Water Company spokesman John Dewey says regular service was restored Sunday for about 3,000 of the company's nearly 9,000 business and residential connections.
They have been told they can drink water after running it for five minutes at every tap, and running hot water until it runs cold.
Dewey could not say how many people were affected. State officials said the original shutdown affected about 40,000.
On Thursday, water samples showed levels of perchlorate (purr-KLOR'-ate) a chemical found in rocket fuel above the maximum level of six parts per billion.
Travelers between Southern California from Las Vegas have been frustrated by closed restrooms and restaurants.
Published: Sunday, November 21, 2010 18:01 PST
© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
The Associated Press
BARSTOW
Officials are lifting some drinking water restrictions in Barstow, where excessive levels of a chemical were found three days ago.
Golden State Water Company spokesman John Dewey says regular service was restored Sunday for about 3,000 of the company's nearly 9,000 business and residential connections.
They have been told they can drink water after running it for five minutes at every tap, and running hot water until it runs cold.
Dewey could not say how many people were affected. State officials said the original shutdown affected about 40,000.
On Thursday, water samples showed levels of perchlorate (purr-KLOR'-ate) a chemical found in rocket fuel above the maximum level of six parts per billion.
Travelers between Southern California from Las Vegas have been frustrated by closed restrooms and restaurants.
Published: Sunday, November 21, 2010 18:01 PST
© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
From Desert Dispatch 11/21/10 - evening
Water advisory ends for western Barstow area
Comments 6
Golden State Water Co. still testing rest of supply
November 21, 2010 4:47 PM
By AARON DOME, staff writer
Updated at 7:15 p.m. with information from City of Barstow water presentation
BARSTOW • A water advisory has ended for some areas of Barstow while the majority of area residents are still being advised not to consume tap water until further notice.
Golden State Water Co. spokesman John Dewey said Barstow, Lenwood, and Grandview residents west of H Avenue and south of the Mojave River may drink tap water after following a flushing procedure for their homes.
Barstow area residents east of H Avenue may be using bottled water for drinking and cooking through this week as Golden State Water Company continues to flush the water system and test for perchlorate contamination.
Levels of perchlorate 15 times the state maximum of six parts per billion were discovered in an active municipal well Friday. Perchlorate is used in rocket fuel and pyrotechnics.
Two other city wells not in service had levels of perchlorate slightly higher than state limits. Studies have shown perchlorate exposure may reduce thyroid gland function. The thyroid gland regulates body metabolism.
Dewey said Golden State Water is currently working with the Lahontan Regional Water Control Board to find the cause of the contamination.
In a best-case scenario tap water could be declared safe to drink by Tuesday evening, although it unlikely, said Mark Murphy, emergency operations manager for the city.
“What we’re looking at is two 72-hour events,” said Murphy. “If it’s one, I’ll be surprised.”
Murphy said that if the water tests after the first purge come out with perchlorate levels under the state maximum, the system will likely be flushed again and tested to be certain. If a second round of tests show acceptable levels, the water will deemed safe.
Water being flushed from the system is being sent to the city’s sewage treatment plant where it will go to percolation ponds and seep back into the ground. Murphy said that the treatment process will dilute the water sufficiently to bring perchlorate levels down.
“It’s the drop in the bucket theory,” said Murphy. “It’s my understanding that there are ways to remove perchlorate from water, but it’s very expensive.”
The city in cooperation with Golden State Water will continue to provide bottled water for the duration of the crisis. The Cora Harper Fitness Center on Barstow Road will now be the 24-hour water pickup site.
Barstow area restaurants had to quickly adapt to using bottled water for cooking and drinking or close their doors. County health officials — who say most restaurants remain open — have been traveling to area restaurants and advising them of what they must do to protect their customers.
Casa Jimenez, a Mexican restaurant in Barstow Road, closed Friday afternoon and re-opened on Sunday morning, said server Adriana Jimenez. Like all restaurants that remain open,
Casa Jimenez is serving customers bottled water and using bottled water for cooking. Jimenez said she was in the Los Angeles area on Friday afternoon and bought bottled water for the restaurant there.
“We had to throw away all of the food we had prepared on Friday,” said Jimenez. “I’m not sure how much money we lost, we’re normally really busy on Saturday night. It’s normally a lot busier now, too.”
Nick Markou, owner of Mega Tom’s Burgers on Main Street, said he closed his restaurant for a few hours on Friday afternoon after he learned of water contamination. He estimated his Sunday morning business was down 50 percent. Markou said he was disappointed the city didn’t call businesses directly to tell them about the contamination.
“I didn’t find out until four or five in the afternoon,” said Markou. “I went to Victorville to buy water.”
Markou said he spent $600 on bottled water so far.
Barstow resident Marie Massey said she used to live in Hinkley and is frustrated that she has to deal with contaminated water again after Hinkley’s chromium 6 water contamination problems. Massey thought the city should have warned area grocery stores of the problem but is pleased overall with the city’s reaction.
“I’m glad they didn’t wait 30 years before they told us,” said Massey.
Massey said she thought the current treatment plan sounds good and hopes the source of the contamination is found soon.
Ceri Satur, also from Barstow, said she was only mildly inconvenienced by the contamination.
“I went out and got some free water,” said Satur. “It was a little scary the first few hours. I just want to know how long it’s been going on and if it will have an effect on people’s health.”
Contact the writer:
(760) 256-4126 or adome@desertdispatch.com
Flushing procedure
Barstow area residents west of H Avenue may drink tap water after performing the following procedure:
1. Flush all hot and cold water taps for five minutes
2. Flush all hot water into bathtub or shower until it turns cold
3. Remove all ice from any ice makers
Comments 6
Golden State Water Co. still testing rest of supply
November 21, 2010 4:47 PM
By AARON DOME, staff writer
Updated at 7:15 p.m. with information from City of Barstow water presentation
BARSTOW • A water advisory has ended for some areas of Barstow while the majority of area residents are still being advised not to consume tap water until further notice.
Golden State Water Co. spokesman John Dewey said Barstow, Lenwood, and Grandview residents west of H Avenue and south of the Mojave River may drink tap water after following a flushing procedure for their homes.
Barstow area residents east of H Avenue may be using bottled water for drinking and cooking through this week as Golden State Water Company continues to flush the water system and test for perchlorate contamination.
Levels of perchlorate 15 times the state maximum of six parts per billion were discovered in an active municipal well Friday. Perchlorate is used in rocket fuel and pyrotechnics.
Two other city wells not in service had levels of perchlorate slightly higher than state limits. Studies have shown perchlorate exposure may reduce thyroid gland function. The thyroid gland regulates body metabolism.
Dewey said Golden State Water is currently working with the Lahontan Regional Water Control Board to find the cause of the contamination.
In a best-case scenario tap water could be declared safe to drink by Tuesday evening, although it unlikely, said Mark Murphy, emergency operations manager for the city.
“What we’re looking at is two 72-hour events,” said Murphy. “If it’s one, I’ll be surprised.”
Murphy said that if the water tests after the first purge come out with perchlorate levels under the state maximum, the system will likely be flushed again and tested to be certain. If a second round of tests show acceptable levels, the water will deemed safe.
Water being flushed from the system is being sent to the city’s sewage treatment plant where it will go to percolation ponds and seep back into the ground. Murphy said that the treatment process will dilute the water sufficiently to bring perchlorate levels down.
“It’s the drop in the bucket theory,” said Murphy. “It’s my understanding that there are ways to remove perchlorate from water, but it’s very expensive.”
The city in cooperation with Golden State Water will continue to provide bottled water for the duration of the crisis. The Cora Harper Fitness Center on Barstow Road will now be the 24-hour water pickup site.
Barstow area restaurants had to quickly adapt to using bottled water for cooking and drinking or close their doors. County health officials — who say most restaurants remain open — have been traveling to area restaurants and advising them of what they must do to protect their customers.
Casa Jimenez, a Mexican restaurant in Barstow Road, closed Friday afternoon and re-opened on Sunday morning, said server Adriana Jimenez. Like all restaurants that remain open,
Casa Jimenez is serving customers bottled water and using bottled water for cooking. Jimenez said she was in the Los Angeles area on Friday afternoon and bought bottled water for the restaurant there.
“We had to throw away all of the food we had prepared on Friday,” said Jimenez. “I’m not sure how much money we lost, we’re normally really busy on Saturday night. It’s normally a lot busier now, too.”
Nick Markou, owner of Mega Tom’s Burgers on Main Street, said he closed his restaurant for a few hours on Friday afternoon after he learned of water contamination. He estimated his Sunday morning business was down 50 percent. Markou said he was disappointed the city didn’t call businesses directly to tell them about the contamination.
“I didn’t find out until four or five in the afternoon,” said Markou. “I went to Victorville to buy water.”
Markou said he spent $600 on bottled water so far.
Barstow resident Marie Massey said she used to live in Hinkley and is frustrated that she has to deal with contaminated water again after Hinkley’s chromium 6 water contamination problems. Massey thought the city should have warned area grocery stores of the problem but is pleased overall with the city’s reaction.
“I’m glad they didn’t wait 30 years before they told us,” said Massey.
Massey said she thought the current treatment plan sounds good and hopes the source of the contamination is found soon.
Ceri Satur, also from Barstow, said she was only mildly inconvenienced by the contamination.
“I went out and got some free water,” said Satur. “It was a little scary the first few hours. I just want to know how long it’s been going on and if it will have an effect on people’s health.”
Contact the writer:
(760) 256-4126 or adome@desertdispatch.com
Flushing procedure
Barstow area residents west of H Avenue may drink tap water after performing the following procedure:
1. Flush all hot and cold water taps for five minutes
2. Flush all hot water into bathtub or shower until it turns cold
3. Remove all ice from any ice makers
In Sunday 11/21/10 SB Sun newspaper.
Barstow emergency declared
Toxin forces 40,000 to use bottled water
Ryan Hagen, Staff Writer
Posted: 11/20/2010 09:49:14 PM PST
BARSTOW - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Saturday that providing drinking water to 40,000 residents whose drinking water may be dangerously contaminated was too much for local agencies to fully handle, prompting him to declare a state of emergency.
Golden State Water Co., which provides water to Barstow and surrounding areas, is distributing tens of thousands of bottles of water after discovering on Thursday that some wells contained levels of perchlorate - a chemical found in munitions, fireworks and rocket fuel that damages the thyroid - far above the state maximum.
The company quickly posted a notice on its website and began contacting customers to tell them not to drink or cook with the water.
On Saturday, the company distributed bottled water at four locations and began flushing any water that might be contaminated from the region's system.
Volunteers were bringing water to people who were unable to make it to the distribution centers.
"Our community is really coming together in a bad situation," said Mark Murphy, Barstow's emergency operations manager. "Red Cross, Tyson - they're a food service company - Stater Bros., pretty much anyone who has bottled water and a big warehouse has been helpful about this."
Murphy added that he appreciated the governor's attention, which so far amounts mostly to cutting red tape.
The nearby Marine Corps Logistics Base discovered on Thursday that its perchlorate levels exceeded
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6 parts per billion, the level the state considers safe.
Golden State Water then tested all 20 of its wells in the area, according to spokesman John Dewey.
One active well had levels of about 100 parts per billion, Dewey said. Two other wells, which are not currently used, also had levels above the limit.
It's impossible to know how long residents have been using water with perchlorate levels this high, Dewey said, because the last test was in December 2009.
"We sample weekly for bacteria and other regulated substances, but we sample perchlorate, according to regulations, every two years," he said. "We're not health experts, and we defer questions about symptoms and effects of perchlorate to the (government) health department."
Dewey said test results take up to 24hours to process, and it is too soon to estimate when customers can drink groundwater again. Until then, he said, the company will provide as much bottled water as people need.
Read more: http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_16671034#ixzz15zIdrDjD
Toxin forces 40,000 to use bottled water
Ryan Hagen, Staff Writer
Posted: 11/20/2010 09:49:14 PM PST
BARSTOW - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Saturday that providing drinking water to 40,000 residents whose drinking water may be dangerously contaminated was too much for local agencies to fully handle, prompting him to declare a state of emergency.
Golden State Water Co., which provides water to Barstow and surrounding areas, is distributing tens of thousands of bottles of water after discovering on Thursday that some wells contained levels of perchlorate - a chemical found in munitions, fireworks and rocket fuel that damages the thyroid - far above the state maximum.
The company quickly posted a notice on its website and began contacting customers to tell them not to drink or cook with the water.
On Saturday, the company distributed bottled water at four locations and began flushing any water that might be contaminated from the region's system.
Volunteers were bringing water to people who were unable to make it to the distribution centers.
"Our community is really coming together in a bad situation," said Mark Murphy, Barstow's emergency operations manager. "Red Cross, Tyson - they're a food service company - Stater Bros., pretty much anyone who has bottled water and a big warehouse has been helpful about this."
Murphy added that he appreciated the governor's attention, which so far amounts mostly to cutting red tape.
The nearby Marine Corps Logistics Base discovered on Thursday that its perchlorate levels exceeded
Advertisement
6 parts per billion, the level the state considers safe.
Golden State Water then tested all 20 of its wells in the area, according to spokesman John Dewey.
One active well had levels of about 100 parts per billion, Dewey said. Two other wells, which are not currently used, also had levels above the limit.
It's impossible to know how long residents have been using water with perchlorate levels this high, Dewey said, because the last test was in December 2009.
"We sample weekly for bacteria and other regulated substances, but we sample perchlorate, according to regulations, every two years," he said. "We're not health experts, and we defer questions about symptoms and effects of perchlorate to the (government) health department."
Dewey said test results take up to 24hours to process, and it is too soon to estimate when customers can drink groundwater again. Until then, he said, the company will provide as much bottled water as people need.
Read more: http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_16671034#ixzz15zIdrDjD
Water ban lifted in half of Barstow, but fears remain high
Golden State Water Co. is flushing city pipes after one well is found to have 15 times the accepted level of perchlorate. Residents report mixed messages on whether it's safe to bathe in the water.
Barstow water
Austin Eddy, 7, and his dad Matt Eddy join other volunteers to unload a truckload of 3-gallon bottles at one of Barstow's four water distribution centers. (Gina Ferazzi, Los Angeles Times / November 21, 2010)
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Map: Water ban lifted in west Barstow Map: Water ban lifted in west Barstow
By Phil Willon, Los Angeles Times
November 21, 2010|6:47 p.m.
Reporting from Barstow —
Health officials lifted a ban on water use in half of Barstow on Sunday afternoon as the local utility continued to flush its system of perchlorate, a chemical used in rocket fuel and munitions that authorities said may have contaminated the city water supply for months.
Test results that prompted the water ban and a state of emergency in the San Bernardino County town came from samples taken at neighboring Marine Corps Logistics Base in August and were verified Thursday, trigging an areawide "do not drink" order on Friday.
Only one of 18 wells feeding the Golden State Water Co. system showed high levels of the chemical. Perchlorate can interfere with iodine uptake in the thyroid gland, which regulates hormones and growth. Readings from the well were more than 15 times the acceptable level for drinking water, a water company official confirmed.
The Golden State Water Co. last tested its wells for perchlorate in December 2009 and was slated to repeat the test in December 2012, an interval that officials said complied with state regulations.
The privately held utility began flushing the city's water pipes Saturday evening. Workers systematically uncorked neighborhood fire hydrants and funneled the contaminated water into sewer drains, flooding streets in some areas.
Tractor-trailers filled with bottled water have been rolling nonstop up Interstate 15 since Saturday, replenishing grocery store shelves and the four busy drive-through distribution centers set up by the city.
More than a dozen restaurants closed their doors, hotels unplugged ice machines and the Starbucks off Main Street, a popular pit stop for road-weary drivers returning from Las Vegas, was serving only drip coffee — no cafe lattes or other super-charged caffeinated brews.
Even with the good news Sunday, long-timers in this Mojave Desert town worried about the effects of being exposed to perchlorate.
"It's been hard. My wife won't even take a shower because she's so scared," said Charlie Gallegos, 65, a retired machine parts inspector from the Marine base. "I have, but I'll tell you, I've been feeling kind of itchy. It may be just in my mind, but I can't help it."
Gallegos said the water emergency is also threatening his family's Thanksgiving plans — his daughter is balking about bringing the grandchildren up from Aliso Viejo for a visit.
Officials from the California Department of Public Health and the water company have assured residents that the tap water is safe for bathing, as well as for washing dishes and hands. However, they've warned people not to drink the water or use it to cook or clean food.
State health experts don't believe the perchlorate exposure will have any effect on residents, even those considered at high risk, such as pregnant women and people with thyroid conditions, said Al Lundeen, a spokesman for the public health agency.
But those assurances offered little comfort to Bill Hayes, 56, who picked up two cases of free bottled water at Barstow Community College on Sunday, one of the city distribution centers.
"It's scary to realize that they don't even know how long the contamination has been there, or where's it's coming from," said Hayes, a foreman at Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway in Barstow whose wife has a thyroid condition. "You know the government is somehow responsible for this. We have nothing but military bases around here … and the government tends to cover up things like this."
Sabrina Ellis, 29, who works in the Barstow Police Department records division, said residents have received mixed messages about how safe the water is for washing. Officials her children's elementary school told students Friday not wash their hands with the water, yet the local hospital is allowing patients to shower.
"I had to run out to Walmart to buy a bunch of that hand -sanitizer stuff," said Ellis, one of the volunteers handing out water Sunday. "It's confusing."
City Councilman Tim Saenz said he doubts those concerns will be alleviated until the water company and state health officials conduct a thorough investigation of the contamination and outline how future mishaps can be avoided.
"People are worried about their health. I'm worried — I have five children," he said.
State law requires perchlorate levels to be below 6 parts per billion. The contaminated Golden State Water Co. well, in the northeast part of Barstow, had a level of 100 parts per billion, said company spokesman John Dewey. Two other wells in the northern part of town also showed excessive perchlorate contamination levels, but had been shut down by the company weeks earlier for unrelated reasons.
Dewey said the levels in the entire water system were much lower because they were diluted by water from uncontaminated wells.
The source of the contamination has yet to be determined, he said.
Testing is now a daily routine as officials flush the system to rid it of any perchlorate residue. The flushed water will not be treated; it will be returned to groundwater, where contamination levels are likely to be diluted to well below levels of concern, said Mark Murphy, director of Barstow's response to the water crisis.
"The concern was that you just can't dump it any place, you have one hot spot and then you'd have 50," said Murphy, explaining that the city waste-treatment plant does not have the capability to filter out the compound. "It's not going to be concentrated. It's going to be contained. It's going to be diluted."
The Department of Defense tests for the contaminate yearly at the Marine facility, which also receives its water from the Golden State Water Co., said base spokesman Robert Jackson. Perchlorate levels in the Marine base water supply exceeded 20 parts per billion in some areas, he said.
In areas where the ban has been lifted, residents have been told to flush all water lines in their home or apartment by running all hot and cold water taps for 5 minutes, and to flush hot water into a bathtub until the water turns cold. They've also been told to toss any ice from icemakers.
San Bernardino County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, whose district includes Barstow, said he's still concerned that some residents who live near the contamination site and have private residential wells may also be drinking perchlorate-laced water.
"We'll be looking into that," he said. "All of those wells need to be tested."
Perchlorate-contaminated water supplies have been a remnant of Southern California's wealth of industrial manufacturing, aerospace and military bases over past decades — especially in once-remote areas that were transformed by the region's sporadic housing booms. Perchlorate has contaminated hundreds of public agency water wells, mostly in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange and Sacramento counties.
Golden State Water Co. is flushing city pipes after one well is found to have 15 times the accepted level of perchlorate. Residents report mixed messages on whether it's safe to bathe in the water.
Barstow water
Austin Eddy, 7, and his dad Matt Eddy join other volunteers to unload a truckload of 3-gallon bottles at one of Barstow's four water distribution centers. (Gina Ferazzi, Los Angeles Times / November 21, 2010)
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Map: Water ban lifted in west Barstow Map: Water ban lifted in west Barstow
By Phil Willon, Los Angeles Times
November 21, 2010|6:47 p.m.
Reporting from Barstow —
Health officials lifted a ban on water use in half of Barstow on Sunday afternoon as the local utility continued to flush its system of perchlorate, a chemical used in rocket fuel and munitions that authorities said may have contaminated the city water supply for months.
Test results that prompted the water ban and a state of emergency in the San Bernardino County town came from samples taken at neighboring Marine Corps Logistics Base in August and were verified Thursday, trigging an areawide "do not drink" order on Friday.
Only one of 18 wells feeding the Golden State Water Co. system showed high levels of the chemical. Perchlorate can interfere with iodine uptake in the thyroid gland, which regulates hormones and growth. Readings from the well were more than 15 times the acceptable level for drinking water, a water company official confirmed.
The Golden State Water Co. last tested its wells for perchlorate in December 2009 and was slated to repeat the test in December 2012, an interval that officials said complied with state regulations.
The privately held utility began flushing the city's water pipes Saturday evening. Workers systematically uncorked neighborhood fire hydrants and funneled the contaminated water into sewer drains, flooding streets in some areas.
Tractor-trailers filled with bottled water have been rolling nonstop up Interstate 15 since Saturday, replenishing grocery store shelves and the four busy drive-through distribution centers set up by the city.
More than a dozen restaurants closed their doors, hotels unplugged ice machines and the Starbucks off Main Street, a popular pit stop for road-weary drivers returning from Las Vegas, was serving only drip coffee — no cafe lattes or other super-charged caffeinated brews.
Even with the good news Sunday, long-timers in this Mojave Desert town worried about the effects of being exposed to perchlorate.
"It's been hard. My wife won't even take a shower because she's so scared," said Charlie Gallegos, 65, a retired machine parts inspector from the Marine base. "I have, but I'll tell you, I've been feeling kind of itchy. It may be just in my mind, but I can't help it."
Gallegos said the water emergency is also threatening his family's Thanksgiving plans — his daughter is balking about bringing the grandchildren up from Aliso Viejo for a visit.
Officials from the California Department of Public Health and the water company have assured residents that the tap water is safe for bathing, as well as for washing dishes and hands. However, they've warned people not to drink the water or use it to cook or clean food.
State health experts don't believe the perchlorate exposure will have any effect on residents, even those considered at high risk, such as pregnant women and people with thyroid conditions, said Al Lundeen, a spokesman for the public health agency.
But those assurances offered little comfort to Bill Hayes, 56, who picked up two cases of free bottled water at Barstow Community College on Sunday, one of the city distribution centers.
"It's scary to realize that they don't even know how long the contamination has been there, or where's it's coming from," said Hayes, a foreman at Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway in Barstow whose wife has a thyroid condition. "You know the government is somehow responsible for this. We have nothing but military bases around here … and the government tends to cover up things like this."
Sabrina Ellis, 29, who works in the Barstow Police Department records division, said residents have received mixed messages about how safe the water is for washing. Officials her children's elementary school told students Friday not wash their hands with the water, yet the local hospital is allowing patients to shower.
"I had to run out to Walmart to buy a bunch of that hand -sanitizer stuff," said Ellis, one of the volunteers handing out water Sunday. "It's confusing."
City Councilman Tim Saenz said he doubts those concerns will be alleviated until the water company and state health officials conduct a thorough investigation of the contamination and outline how future mishaps can be avoided.
"People are worried about their health. I'm worried — I have five children," he said.
State law requires perchlorate levels to be below 6 parts per billion. The contaminated Golden State Water Co. well, in the northeast part of Barstow, had a level of 100 parts per billion, said company spokesman John Dewey. Two other wells in the northern part of town also showed excessive perchlorate contamination levels, but had been shut down by the company weeks earlier for unrelated reasons.
Dewey said the levels in the entire water system were much lower because they were diluted by water from uncontaminated wells.
The source of the contamination has yet to be determined, he said.
Testing is now a daily routine as officials flush the system to rid it of any perchlorate residue. The flushed water will not be treated; it will be returned to groundwater, where contamination levels are likely to be diluted to well below levels of concern, said Mark Murphy, director of Barstow's response to the water crisis.
"The concern was that you just can't dump it any place, you have one hot spot and then you'd have 50," said Murphy, explaining that the city waste-treatment plant does not have the capability to filter out the compound. "It's not going to be concentrated. It's going to be contained. It's going to be diluted."
The Department of Defense tests for the contaminate yearly at the Marine facility, which also receives its water from the Golden State Water Co., said base spokesman Robert Jackson. Perchlorate levels in the Marine base water supply exceeded 20 parts per billion in some areas, he said.
In areas where the ban has been lifted, residents have been told to flush all water lines in their home or apartment by running all hot and cold water taps for 5 minutes, and to flush hot water into a bathtub until the water turns cold. They've also been told to toss any ice from icemakers.
San Bernardino County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, whose district includes Barstow, said he's still concerned that some residents who live near the contamination site and have private residential wells may also be drinking perchlorate-laced water.
"We'll be looking into that," he said. "All of those wells need to be tested."
Perchlorate-contaminated water supplies have been a remnant of Southern California's wealth of industrial manufacturing, aerospace and military bases over past decades — especially in once-remote areas that were transformed by the region's sporadic housing booms. Perchlorate has contaminated hundreds of public agency water wells, mostly in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange and Sacramento counties.
On Golden State Water's Website
Date: November 20, 2010 6:30 p.m. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Golden State Water Company Begins Flushing Activities in Barstow
BARSTOW, CA -- Golden State Water Company began flushing activities in Barstow Saturday after perchlorate was discovered at various levels in the water distribution system.
GSWC performed sampling of the system Friday after levels of perchlorate exceeded a standard of 6 parts per billion in three of the water system’s 20 wells. Two of those wells were not supplying water to the system. The third well was shut down Friday after the company received the sample results. A “Do Not Drink” water alert was distributed to customers Friday and remains in effect. Water can be used for purposes other than ingestion.
Flushing is a standard industry practice involving opening up hydrants to remove water in the system that may contain contaminants.
Flushing activities may occur around the clock at multiple locations in Barstow until GSWC is able to confirm levels of perchlorate in the water system are at levels below 6 parts billion. Once the results of water sampling show the water system is within standards the water alert will be lifted.
New water distribution information
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 20 and 21
24 hour distribution 2700 Barstow Road, Barstow College
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 220 West Main, St., Diamond Pacific
1521 East Main, Golden State Water Company
841 Barstow Road, Cora Harper Center
Monday, Nov. 22
24 hour distribution 2700 Barstow Road, Barstow College
Hours to be announced Sunday 220 West Main, St., Diamond Pacific 1521 East Main, Golden State Water Company 841 Barstow Road, Cora Harper Center
# # #
Date: November 20, 2010 6:30 p.m. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Golden State Water Company Begins Flushing Activities in Barstow
BARSTOW, CA -- Golden State Water Company began flushing activities in Barstow Saturday after perchlorate was discovered at various levels in the water distribution system.
GSWC performed sampling of the system Friday after levels of perchlorate exceeded a standard of 6 parts per billion in three of the water system’s 20 wells. Two of those wells were not supplying water to the system. The third well was shut down Friday after the company received the sample results. A “Do Not Drink” water alert was distributed to customers Friday and remains in effect. Water can be used for purposes other than ingestion.
Flushing is a standard industry practice involving opening up hydrants to remove water in the system that may contain contaminants.
Flushing activities may occur around the clock at multiple locations in Barstow until GSWC is able to confirm levels of perchlorate in the water system are at levels below 6 parts billion. Once the results of water sampling show the water system is within standards the water alert will be lifted.
New water distribution information
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 20 and 21
24 hour distribution 2700 Barstow Road, Barstow College
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 220 West Main, St., Diamond Pacific
1521 East Main, Golden State Water Company
841 Barstow Road, Cora Harper Center
Monday, Nov. 22
24 hour distribution 2700 Barstow Road, Barstow College
Hours to be announced Sunday 220 West Main, St., Diamond Pacific 1521 East Main, Golden State Water Company 841 Barstow Road, Cora Harper Center
# # #
This is the notice that homeowners were given on Friday November 19, 2010
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua potable.
Tradúzcalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.
DRINKING WATER ADVISORY
Golden State Water Company’s Barstow Water
System which serves the City of Barstow and surrounding unincorporated areas exceeded perchlorate levels
DO NOT CONSUME ANY ICE, WATER, BEVERAGES OR FORMULA PREPARED WITH TAP WATER
This notice affects Golden State Water Company (GSWC) customers who are located in the City of Barstow and surrounding unincorporated areas.
On November 18, 2010, GSWC was notified by personnel at the USMC Nebo Supply Base that samples taken from the base’s water distribution system showed levels of perchlorate above the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 6 parts per billion. GSWC immediately sampled water from the distribution system outside the base on November 18 and collected samples from all active wells serving the Barstow system on November 19.
The samples from November 18 indicated that perchlorate was above the MCL of 6 parts per billion. Samples collected on November 19, 2010 from all active wells will help GSWC to pinpoint the source(s) of the perchlorate.
What should I do? DO NOT CONSUME ANY ICE, BEVERAGES, JUICE OR FORMULA PREPARED WITH TAP WATER
Perchlorate has been shown to interfere with uptake of iodide by the thyroid gland, and to thereby reduce the production of thyroid hormones, leading to adverse effects associated with inadequate hormone levels. Thyroid hormones are needed for normal prenatal growth and development of the fetus, as well as for normal growth and development in the infant and child. In adults, thyroid hormones are needed for normal metabolism and mental function. Women who smoke and have low iodine intake appear to be particularly susceptible.
CA Department of Public Health
Boiling, freezing, filtering, or letting water stand does not reduce the perchlorate level. Excessive boiling can make the perchlorate more concentrated because perchlorate remains behind when the water evaporates.
What happened? What is being done? Perchlorate is an inorganic chemical often used in solid rocket propellant, fireworks, explosives, flares, matches, and a variety of industries. It usually gets into drinking water as a result of environmental contamination from historic aerospace or other industrial operations that used or use, store, or dispose of perchlorate and its salts.
Golden State Water Company is aggressively investigating our water system to determination the source of contamination so that it can be eliminated. We will keep you updated on our investigation on a regular basis.
For more information, please contact our Customer Service Department at (800) 999-4033. Our Mailing Address is: 13608 Hitt Road, Apple Valley CA 92308.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this public notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
Secondary Notification Requirements Upon receipt of notification from a person operating a public water system, the following notification must be given within 10 days [Health and Safety Code Section 116450(g)]: SCHOOLS: Must notify school employees, students, and parents (if the students are minors). RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS OR MANAGERS (including nursing homes and care facilities): Must notify tenants. BUSINESS PROPERTY OWNERS, MANAGERS, OR OPERATORS: Must notify employees of businesses located on the property.
This notice is being sent to you by Golden State Water Company State Water System ID#: 3610043 Date distributed: November 19, 2010.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua potable.
Tradúzcalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.
DRINKING WATER ADVISORY
Golden State Water Company’s Barstow Water
System which serves the City of Barstow and surrounding unincorporated areas exceeded perchlorate levels
DO NOT CONSUME ANY ICE, WATER, BEVERAGES OR FORMULA PREPARED WITH TAP WATER
This notice affects Golden State Water Company (GSWC) customers who are located in the City of Barstow and surrounding unincorporated areas.
On November 18, 2010, GSWC was notified by personnel at the USMC Nebo Supply Base that samples taken from the base’s water distribution system showed levels of perchlorate above the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 6 parts per billion. GSWC immediately sampled water from the distribution system outside the base on November 18 and collected samples from all active wells serving the Barstow system on November 19.
The samples from November 18 indicated that perchlorate was above the MCL of 6 parts per billion. Samples collected on November 19, 2010 from all active wells will help GSWC to pinpoint the source(s) of the perchlorate.
What should I do? DO NOT CONSUME ANY ICE, BEVERAGES, JUICE OR FORMULA PREPARED WITH TAP WATER
Perchlorate has been shown to interfere with uptake of iodide by the thyroid gland, and to thereby reduce the production of thyroid hormones, leading to adverse effects associated with inadequate hormone levels. Thyroid hormones are needed for normal prenatal growth and development of the fetus, as well as for normal growth and development in the infant and child. In adults, thyroid hormones are needed for normal metabolism and mental function. Women who smoke and have low iodine intake appear to be particularly susceptible.
CA Department of Public Health
Boiling, freezing, filtering, or letting water stand does not reduce the perchlorate level. Excessive boiling can make the perchlorate more concentrated because perchlorate remains behind when the water evaporates.
What happened? What is being done? Perchlorate is an inorganic chemical often used in solid rocket propellant, fireworks, explosives, flares, matches, and a variety of industries. It usually gets into drinking water as a result of environmental contamination from historic aerospace or other industrial operations that used or use, store, or dispose of perchlorate and its salts.
Golden State Water Company is aggressively investigating our water system to determination the source of contamination so that it can be eliminated. We will keep you updated on our investigation on a regular basis.
For more information, please contact our Customer Service Department at (800) 999-4033. Our Mailing Address is: 13608 Hitt Road, Apple Valley CA 92308.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this public notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
Secondary Notification Requirements Upon receipt of notification from a person operating a public water system, the following notification must be given within 10 days [Health and Safety Code Section 116450(g)]: SCHOOLS: Must notify school employees, students, and parents (if the students are minors). RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS OR MANAGERS (including nursing homes and care facilities): Must notify tenants. BUSINESS PROPERTY OWNERS, MANAGERS, OR OPERATORS: Must notify employees of businesses located on the property.
This notice is being sent to you by Golden State Water Company State Water System ID#: 3610043 Date distributed: November 19, 2010.
Governor declares emergency over Barstow water
The Associated Press
Posted: 11/20/2010 11:20:58 PM PST
Updated: 11/20/2010 11:20:58 PM PST
BARSTOW, Calif.—Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency Saturday in Barstow, where excessive levels of a chemical found in rocket fuel has left the water contaminated for more than 40,000 customers of the local supplier.
The governor's office said in a statement that the declaration—which releases otherwise unavailable state resources—came because dealing with the water shortage was beyond the control of city and county officials.
Many local businesses, including hotels, restaurants and cafes, have been forced to close temporarily, the statement said.
Golden State Water Company—which provides water for most of Barstow and some of its surrounding areas—said in a statement that tests performed Thursday and Friday showed three of the 20 wells used to serve the area showed levels of the chemical perchlorate above the maximum contaminant level of six parts per billion. Only one of the three wells had been in service, the statement said.
The company said it was conducting "an aggressive investigation of its water system to determine the source of contamination," and on Saturday began flushing its distribution system to remove the chemical-tainted water.
Fresh samples would be taken when that process was finished, but the company offered no estimate of when the water supply might be declared safe.
"We have to deal with it. It's an unfortunate situation," City Councilman Tim Saenz told the Los
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Angeles Times as he handed out bottled water at Barstow Community College. "Our priority is the public's safety and public's health."
The company was providing more than 100,000 bottles of free water at least through Monday to customers who came to one of four distribution centers.
Perchlorate has been shown to interfere with the uptake of iodide by the thyroid gland, reducing the production of thyroid hormones which could lead to adverse effects associated with inadequate hormone levels.
Boiling, freezing, filtering or letting water stand does not reduce the perchlorate level.
The company said customers could wash dishes and shower in the water, because the chemical is not readily absorbed through the skin.
But some were skeptical.
"I have grandchildren and elderly parents I'm taking care of," Eben Hefferman, a 44-year-old carpenter from Barstow, told the Times. "I'm not sure I want to risk it."
The Associated Press
Posted: 11/20/2010 11:20:58 PM PST
Updated: 11/20/2010 11:20:58 PM PST
BARSTOW, Calif.—Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency Saturday in Barstow, where excessive levels of a chemical found in rocket fuel has left the water contaminated for more than 40,000 customers of the local supplier.
The governor's office said in a statement that the declaration—which releases otherwise unavailable state resources—came because dealing with the water shortage was beyond the control of city and county officials.
Many local businesses, including hotels, restaurants and cafes, have been forced to close temporarily, the statement said.
Golden State Water Company—which provides water for most of Barstow and some of its surrounding areas—said in a statement that tests performed Thursday and Friday showed three of the 20 wells used to serve the area showed levels of the chemical perchlorate above the maximum contaminant level of six parts per billion. Only one of the three wells had been in service, the statement said.
The company said it was conducting "an aggressive investigation of its water system to determine the source of contamination," and on Saturday began flushing its distribution system to remove the chemical-tainted water.
Fresh samples would be taken when that process was finished, but the company offered no estimate of when the water supply might be declared safe.
"We have to deal with it. It's an unfortunate situation," City Councilman Tim Saenz told the Los
Advertisement
Angeles Times as he handed out bottled water at Barstow Community College. "Our priority is the public's safety and public's health."
The company was providing more than 100,000 bottles of free water at least through Monday to customers who came to one of four distribution centers.
Perchlorate has been shown to interfere with the uptake of iodide by the thyroid gland, reducing the production of thyroid hormones which could lead to adverse effects associated with inadequate hormone levels.
Boiling, freezing, filtering or letting water stand does not reduce the perchlorate level.
The company said customers could wash dishes and shower in the water, because the chemical is not readily absorbed through the skin.
But some were skeptical.
"I have grandchildren and elderly parents I'm taking care of," Eben Hefferman, a 44-year-old carpenter from Barstow, told the Times. "I'm not sure I want to risk it."
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