Clif Knight 

Hartselle Enquirer

The West Morgan-East Lawrence Water and Sewer Authority is under an advisory from The Environmental Protection Agency with respect to the levels of two chemicals found in its water.

The chemicals were identified as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). They have been used in the manufacture of products such as non-stick coatings, fabric protectors, stain repellents and fire-fighting foam.

The advisory indicated that studies show the long-term exposure to excessive amounts of the chemicals may result in adverse health effects. The current level of the chemicals  permitted in potable water samples is 70 parts per trillion. When higher levels are shown, an advisory to customers is required.

“We have submitted water samples to EPA since 2009,” said West Morgan-East Lawrence Sewer and Water Authority General Manager Don Sims. “Half of the samples we’ve submitted this year have come back meeting EPA’s current requirements.”

“I’ve talked to officials of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management several times this year and they have confirmed our water is safe to drink,” he added. “The studies referenced in the EPA report are inconclusive.”

Sims said information contained in the EPA advisory will be shared with customers in a newsletter and on social media.

He said reducing the level of PFOA and PFOS in the system’s water supply is a multi-million dollar process.