Carney Drinking Water Tests Positive for Contaminant: Public Works

Drinking water in Carney has tested positive for a contaminant, according to the Baltimore City Department of Public Works, which oversees the water supply in that part of Baltimore County.

Officials draw samples on a quarterly basis from various locations to ensure the safety of the water, a report from Baltimore City said. Samples from July 2014 to June 2015 showed the water at the Carney testing site had 61 parts per billion of haloacetic acid, when the legal limit is 60 parts per billion, according to the report.

Haloacetic acid is a compound that occurs when disinfectants like chlorine react with organic and inorganic matter. Over many years, consumption can increase the risk of cancer, the Environmental Protection Agency states.

The most recent sampling in Carney showed that the haloacetic acid levels were below the maximum, according to Baltimore City, which said Wednesday it was notifying 1,500 people in the affected area for transparency.

Public works officials said Thursday that the water is fine to drink, and most people do not need to take any precautions.

Infants and those who are pregnant, have compromised immune systems or are elderly should seek guidance from their doctors.

To prevent future contamination, officials say they plan to improve the city’s aging infrastructure by replacing older pipes, mixing water better at in storage facilities, building covered water reservoirs and implementing a distribution flushing program.

For more information, people may call 410-396-5352.