Carbondale water system violates drinking water standard

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) – Carbondale city leaders warn residents about the city’s water.

Carbondale’s water system recently violated a drinking water standard.

City leaders say this was not an emergency. However, they want to let water customers know what happened, what to do, and what city leaders are doing to correct the situation.

Surface water systems (or groundwater under the influence of surface water) using conventional filtration treatment (enhanced coagulation or enhanced precipitative softening) must demonstrate that Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removals are in compliance with either the Step 1 TOC removal requirements or meet the requirements of alternative compliance criteria.

Carbondale’s water supply was unable to meet the requirements during the 2024Q2 monitoring period (2nd quarter 2024).

City leaders say residents do not need to use an alternative (e.g., bottled) water supply. However, if people have specific health concerns, they are advised to consult their doctor.

City leaders say this is not an immediate risk.

Total organic carbon (TOC) has no health effects, according to information in a news release from the city. However, total organic carbon provides a medium for the
formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs). These byproducts include trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs).

Drinking water containing these byproducts in excess of the MCL may lead to adverse health effects, liver or kidney problems, or nervous system effects, and may lead to an increased risk of getting cancer.

The City of Carbondale tests monthly for organic carbon removal in the treatment process. A 45% removal rate is required as a precaution to limit the formation of disinfection byproducts which are potentially harmful above certain levels.

Organic carbon compliance is measured as a running annual average (RAA).

The City of Carbondale’s RAA is typically 46–50%.

In June, the RAA was 44.7% which fell short of the 45% required for compliance.

Disinfection byproducts are directly affected by total organic carbon, were also sampled in June, with all samples testing safely within compliance.

City leaers say the monthly TOC removal for July was 48.4%.

Customers do not need to take any action. The water is safe for normal use.

City leaders say TOC does not have any health effects, but is monitored since it may affect other water quality parameters.