As a result of tests, EBMUD has discovered high levels of contaminants in the water being delivered to Berkeley hills residents. It has taken a few days for all the information to trickle out, but I will share with you everything that I have learned to date:

   The report delivered to the EBMUD Board on June 7, revealed that higher than usual levels of Trihalomethanes (THMs) were found in two locations: Lafayette and the Berkeley hills. EBMUD's average goal for THMs is about 40ppb (parts per billion), however, water delivered to the Berkeley hills tested in April, for the first time, at over 80ppb. This is above what the EPA determined to be an acceptable level for consumption over a long period of time, and is considered a public health concern.

    In an effort to lower the THM levels, EBMUD is flushing several water sources during the coming weeks. Hopefully, the flushing will be successful and will lower THM levels. The next scheduled testing will be in July and results will be delivered to the EBMUD Board meeting in August.

    I do not want to be alarmist, but I feel a deep responsibility to inform you of the facts. I do believe that EBMUD is acting in a timely and responsible way, although they could have been more forthcoming with more complete information earlier.

   If you are concerned about the quality of the drinking water, there are a few things that you can do to mitigate the problem. Using a pitcher that has activated carbon filters will screen out about 90% of the THMs. These pitchers can be purchased locally or on-line for minimal cost. Check to ensure that the filter is effective at filtering THMs before you make your purchase. There are also faucet-mounted filters and under the sink filters that are more permanent and more effective.

    If you or a loved one is pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, or if you have a compromised immune system, I suggest that you use filtered water. I am not a scientist or a water engineer, but I do think it is appropriate to err on the cautious side in this case until we are notified that the THM levels have come down to an acceptable level.

    I am monitoring the situation closely and I am in frequent communication with EBMUD Board member Andy Katz. I will alert you immediately if I hear additional information.

If you want further information, here are some links that you may find useful:

EBMUD - Water

 

Local News Coverage: 

Berkeleyside, June 16  

 

East Bay Times, June 13

East Bay Times, June 14