July 30, 2022
Published by: Mead neighborhood association
IS YOUR WELL WATER SAFE?
Recently the Kansas State Department of Health and Environment contacted Mead residents asking to sample irrigation well water. In 2018 the KDHE investigated ground water contamination from a Welch Plaza Cleaners which was located near Harry and Hillside. The dry cleaner closed years ago, and is now the parking lot for McDonalds. Tetrachloroethene (PCE), a chlorine based solvent, was found in the groundwater at that time. Over the years the contamination has spread through the aquifer and now includes areas of Mead neighborhood. City supplied water is not contaminated. This issue applies only to groundwater irrigation wells.
2022 Well Testing Results
- Tetrachloroethene (PCE) has been found in irrigation wells in Mead Neighborhood.
- PCE levels are 5 units per litre, the EPA's maximum contaminant level.
- Water is safe for irrigation, but should not be used as drinking water.
About Tetrachloroethene
Tetrachloroethene is a chlorinated solvent used in dry cleaning. It is considered a VOC (Volatile Organic Compound). The chemical is widely used in the dry cleaning industry as well as metal manufacturing and the automotive industry as a degreaser. It is a common ingredient in paint stripper.
Effects of Tetrachloroethene
The chances tetrachloroethylene is effecting people in Mead neighborhood is very low given the level of contamination and the use of the water mostly for irrigation in the area.
According to the The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) "Tetrachloroethylene (Cl₂C=CCl₂) is a colorless liquid with a mild, chloroform-like odor. Exposure to tetrachloroethylene may cause irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat, and respiratory system. It may also cause liver damage and is a potential occupational carcinogen."
The acute toxicity of tetrachloroethylene "is moderate to low". "Reports of human injury are uncommon despite its wide usage in dry cleaning and degreasing". (E.-L. Dreher; T. R. Torkelson; K. K. Beutel (2011). "Chlorethanes and Chloroethylenes". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. doi:10.1002/14356007.o06_o01. ISBN 978-3527306732.)
What Should You do?
If you have an irrigation well, you should not use it for drinking water. People and pets should not drink well water for a variety of reasons. Likewise, use caution when using irrigation well water for pools and spas. You can continue to use your well water for lawn and garden irrigation without concern. Here are the official rules from the Department of Heath and Environment:
The Good News:
The good news from the recent testing is: no other compounds of concern were found in the aquifer under Mead neighborhood. While the PCE contamination has been found, when used properly the water from irrigation wells in the area is relatively safe. Use common sense, follow the guidelines.
Here are the Full Results:
Additional Testing:
Properties in an area within the boundary of Grove to the west, Chautauqua to the east, Mt Vernon to the north, and Kinkaid to the south are eligible for free testing by KDHE. Properties outside, but near, these boundaries shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Any property owners, inside or outside the boundaries noted, may test their well water at their own cost at any time by following the directions below. If additional, nearby, property owners would like to have their lawn & garden wells tested by KDHE’s Dry Cleaning Program, that can be arranged. Residents can pay a laboratory or environmental consultant to perform the task of collecting a water sample. Samples should be collected by qualified individuals and the analysis conducted by a lab specifically accredited by KDHE for volatile organic compounds (aka VOCs or volatiles) using EPA Method 8260.
Many laboratories are accredited by Kansas that can provide the information and instructions needed to have well water tested. The method detection limit should be equal to or less than 1.0 micrograms per liter. Lab reports can be provided to KDHE's Dry Cleaning Program for assistance in interpreting the results.
If you live within the testing area, the State offers testing for your well. You can contact the KDHE for more information at: 785-296-1660.
Coming Soon, Test Wells:
The State of Kansas Department of Health and Environment is planning to install monitoring wells in the area and test the aquifer on a semi-annual basis. Based on the previous investigation, the plume is not going underneath Mead Middle School. KDHE is planning to put a monitoring well next to the school to ensure that the plume does not migrate underneath the school without KDHE being aware of it. KDHE is being extra protective of the students and staff at Mead Middle School.