THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, July 26, 1995 TAG: 9507260367
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Short : 42 lines
With salty water surging up the Northwest River into the city's drinking supply, the city has begun drawing from a well and reservoir in Western Branch, officials said Tuesday.
Chlorides, which pose no health threat but cause a salty taste in the drinking water, rose to 730 parts per million Tuesday in the Northwest River, the city's main water supply. Chlorides normally become noticeable above 250 parts per million. They passed that level July 15.
Sodium content in the water supply was at 316 parts per million on Tuesday, which is well above the 20 parts-per-million level recommended for those on a severely restricted sodium diet.
The city recommends that people with questions about whether to drink water at those levels consult with their physicians.
City Manager James W. Rein and Utilities Director Amar Dwarkanath informed the City Council that they began mixing in water from a Western Branch well daily from July 14 until this past Sunday.
On Sunday, they began drawing from an underground reservoir which holds a surplus of about 318 million gallons.
The city will continue to use the reservoir water until Northwest River water drops below 250 parts per million in chlorides or until the reservoir runs out. It is expected to last about 90 days.
Southeast winds and dry conditions tend to cause salty water to surge north from the Currituck Sound into the Northwest River. City officials estimate that about one inch of rain has fallen in and around the river this month.
The city has asked voters to support a water bond referendum in November which would back $72 million in bonds to bring the water system up to new federal standards. City officials say that the system would also end the problems of salty water.
KEYWORDS: CHESAPEAKE WATER SALT CHLORIDE by CNB