Westminster violated drinking water standard

Westminster water customers are being told that the city system recently violated a drinking water standard. But it is not an emergency and there is no action required on a customer’s part. A notice sent to customers reads, “We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. Testing results from October 2013 to September 2014 show that our system exceeds the standard or maximum contaminant level for TTHM. The standard for TTHM is 0.080. It is determined by averaging samples collected four times a year at each sampling location for the past 12 months. One of the four samples at a location was high enough to raise the average to 0.081 during this period.” TTHM is described as organic chemicals that form when disinfectants react with natural organic matter in the water. And the problem occurs when water sits in a line too long due to low usage.  Though customers are required to take no action, the notice reads:  “If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health providers about drinking this water.” The sample location at question in Westminster is on a large line that has few users, so the city is flushing the line to move water through. The notice reads: “We have already resolved the problem and anticipate samples to be within limits.” Customers who want more information may contact Jeff Peay of the City of Westminster at 647-3219.