The town of Chester is facing a water crisis as residents have reported discolored and foul-smelling water coming from their taps. The suspected culprit? Manganese contamination.
Chester water commissioner, Robert Daley, confirmed that the town’s water tested negative for manganese in June, but recent tests indicate otherwise. Daley revealed that the town has a history of manganese contamination during periods of high temperatures and heavy rains, both of which Chester has experienced recently.
One resident, Michael Stapleton, expressed concerns about the quality of the water supply, stating that even after running it through a commercial filter, his animals refused to drink it. He emphasized the importance of ensuring safe drinking water for his family, especially his children.
The Federal Environmental Protection Agency has issued advisory levels for manganese in potable water supplies, recommending a maximum level of .03 milligrams per liter. High levels of manganese can cause discoloration, metallic taste, and foul smell in water, posing health risks for residents.
The EPA advises against consuming water with manganese levels above 1.0 mg/l for more than 10 days a year, especially for infants and young children. If tests confirm excessive manganese in Chester’s water supply, the EPA recommends using bottled water for preparing infant formula to avoid contamination.
The town is working closely with the state Department of Environmental Protection to monitor the situation and will release further test results as they become available. In the meantime, residents are urged to refrain from cooking with contaminated water and to use caution when ingesting tap water. Stay tuned for updates on Chester’s water quality crisis.
