Pascoag Water Department is asking its customers not to drink the water.
Tests performed on the Pascoag Water Department’s System have shown levels of a compound called Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether, commonly referred to as MTBE.
MBTE is an additive placed in gasoline to reduce ozone and carbon monoxide levels and improve octane and combustion. Based on the limited sampling data currently available, most concentrations at which MTBE have been found in drinking water sources are unlikely to cause adverse health effects.
Pascoag Water Dept. is working closely with the State of RI, Department of Health, to locate the source of this problem. Although the EPA has not yet established a standard or maximum contaminant level for MTBE, Pascoag’s General Manager Theodore G. Garille is requesting his utility’s 1200 water customers in the Village of Pascoag, to either buy bottled water for drinking or get water from others not served by the Utility. This request will remain in effect until further notice. The water is fine for bathing and laundry but, as always, the Utility Executive stressed the need to maintain adequate ventilation during showers and while washing and drying clothes.
Customers may call 568-6222 to get in touch with a Utility District Representative.