By Angela Houle
Eagle Times Correspondent
In the wake of torrential downpours and catastrophic flooding, numerous towns across Vermont have implemented boil water notices to protect the health and safety of their communities. The State of Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has released a list of affected areas.
Among the impacted local regions is Ludlow, where residents of the Black River Overlook district can expect the boil notice to be lifted on or before Friday, pending the restoration of normal operations and the results of water quality tests.
Additionally, the Ludlow Village Water Department remains under a boil water notice due to a storm-related water main break and subsequent flooding. The notice will be lifted once the problem is resolved and satisfactory water quality testing is completed, although no specific date has been provided.
Chester is also grappling with water contamination issues. Its water department issued a boil water notice following an 8-inch water main leak leading to the wastewater treatment plant. The leak resulted in the complete emptying of the storage tank. Although immediate measures were taken to isolate the leak, activate disinfection procedures and collect coliform samples on Wednesday, the boil water notice remains in effect as of press time.
According to the Vermont Department of Health, flooding carries the risk of water contamination due to the introduction of microorganisms, including bacteria from sewage, agricultural waste and other pollutants.
Caution should be exercised if your water source has been exposed to floodwater, or if you detect the smell of fuels or chemicals. In such cases, it is advised to refrain from using the water until it has been tested and deemed safe.
To ensure the most effective water treatment, boiling is recommended for a minimum of 60 seconds before consuming, making ice, brushing teeth, preparing food and washing dishes. Boiling water helps eliminate bacteria and other harmful organisms. During periods of fluctuating water pressure within the system, there is also a heightened risk of bacteria and other contaminants infiltrating the drinking water supply and compromising its safety.
Individuals with compromised immune systems, infants and older adults are particularly vulnerable to the bacteria present in contaminated water, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Exposure to bacteria can lead to severe illnesses.
If you have specific concerns, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider. Additionally, the EPA operates a Safe Drinking Water hotline at 1-800-426-4791, which provides general guidelines on reducing the risk of microbial infections.
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.