Group lists Summerville water as ‘contaminated’

Until recently most of us didn’t think about what’s in our water when it comes out of the faucet clear and without dirty particles. But with the recent health advisory the EPD released recently regarding the presence of harmful chemicals in Summerville’s drinking water, more people are asking questions about what exactly is in the water.

Notice of Drinking Water Health Advisory Level Exceedance for Raccoon Water Plant the City of Summerville released on 02/03/2020

A report released in 2019 paints a scary picture for Summerville’s water. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) released its annual report which indicates a presence of harmful contaminants in the Georgia water supply that can cause cancer, developmental issues in children, problems in pregnancy and other serious health conditions. Harmful contaminants were found in water supplies of several Georgia towns or water utilities according the EWG report including Summerville.

EWG found 8  contaminants detected above health guidelines and 8 other detected contaminants in Summerville.

In Georgia, EWG tracked contaminants across the state’s water supply. The following eight  contaminants have been detected above health limits in Summerville.

• Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) which are linked to bladder cancer, skin cancer and fetal development issues
• Chloroform which is linked to cancer and fetal development issues
• Bromodichloromethane which is linked to harm to child and fetuses, as well as reproductive difficulties and cancer.
• Dichloroacetic acid, increases the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Potential Effect: cancer
• Chromium (hexavalent) which is linked to cancer, liver damage and productive system damages. Potential Effect: cancer
• Trichloroacetic acid, increases the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Potential Effect: cancer
• Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), harmful to the immune system and changes in mammary gland development. Potential Effect: cancer
• Nitrate & nitrite, Potential Effect: cancer

The EWG states that “Legal does not necessarily equal safe. Getting a passing grade from the federal government does not mean the water meets the latest health guidelines.
Legal limits for contaminants in tap water have not been updated in almost 20 years.
The best way to ensure clean tap water is to keep pollution out of source water in the first place.”

EWG has released a public database cataloging contaminants in water systems in every state in the country — the first comprehensive database of its kind that took years to build.

The EWG is an independent nonprofit organization that used outside scientists to assess chemicals and water samples across the country.

AllOnGeorgia reached out to City Manager Janice Galloway for a comment on the EWG’s report, she was not available for an immediate comment.

Back in 2018 Summerville was cited for a Drinking Water Violation for total haloacetic acids.