Water advisory ends for western Barstow
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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.