Oxford, AL – Residents served by the Oxford Water Works & Sewer Board have recently received a notice regarding a violation of drinking water standards during the period of April through June 2024. While this notice addresses a non-emergency situation, it aims to inform customers about the incident, actions taken, and precautions they may consider.
The recent testing conducted in May 2024 indicated that the water system exceeded the standard or maximum contaminant level (MCL) for Trichloroethylene (TCE), registering at 0.012 mg/L at the Barbour Well Treatment Plant. Trichloroethylene is a volatile organic compound that, when consumed consistently at levels exceeding the MCL, may pose long-term health risks, including an increased chance of developing cancer.
Importantly, Oxford Water Works stresses that this situation does not present an immediate health risk. According to regulatory guidelines, immediate notification is required only in emergencies where there is an immediate threat to public health. Nevertheless, individuals with specific health concerns related to TCE exposure are encouraged to consult with their healthcare provider for guidance.
Upon discovering the exceedance, Oxford Water Works promptly took the Barbour Well out of service to conduct thorough cleaning and maintenance of the stripping tower and associated equipment. The stripping towers are crucial in removing volatile compounds like TCE from the water supply.
Residents are urged to share this information with others who may use this water source, particularly those who may not have received the notice directly (e.g., residents of apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). Posting this notice in public places or distributing copies by hand or mail is recommended to ensure broad awareness.
For any questions regarding this non-compliance incident or details about ongoing monitoring and remediation efforts, residents are encouraged to contact Wayne Livingston at (256) 831-5618 or visit the Oxford Water Works & Sewer Board office at 600 Barry Street, Oxford, AL 36203. Please note that attempts to reach Wayne Livingston for comment were made at the time of this release, but we had not been able to speak to him.
Oxford Water Works & Sewer Board remains committed to providing safe drinking water to its customers and will continue to update residents on the progress of corrective actions and compliance with drinking water standards.
