UPDATE: DNREC: PFC levels lowered in Blades; water flushing process advised
Officials say residents can resume the use of a local town's water after PFC levels were lowered. Instructions for a flushing process were released for residents to apply before using the town's water, in Delaware.
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) along with the Division of Public Health, and the Town of Blades says on Thursday, the town's new carbon filtration system has significantly lowered perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in the town's water system below PFC advisory level put out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Officials report that Blades' water will be safe for drinking and cooking after residents complete the flushing process for their home water systems.
According to DNREC, results from testing the town's water after the carbon filtration system yielded a PFC level of 3.4 parts per trillion compared to EPA's health advisory of 70 ppt. Officials say the town has completed the flushing of municipal water through carbon filtration. Residents who are on public water are recommended to begin flushing water through their homes before using it for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth.
Below are the steps for residents to flush their homes. The steps should be followed the order listed:
1. Turn on outside faucets for 10 minutes. All faucets can be turned on at once. Shut off faucets after 10 minutes.
2. Turn bathtub faucets/showers on full Hot until the water cools. All bathtub faucets/showers should be turned on at the same time. Shut off bathtub faucets/showers after water from the fixtures starts to cool.
3. Turn other faucets on one at a time for 5 minutes each (Hot and Cold can be turned on simultaneously). Start on the first floor and continue to the second floor and any additional levels.
4. Showers and tubs should be run a second time until Hot water cools, out of an abundance of caution.
5. Flush all toilets one time.
6. Remove and dispose of all ice from refrigerator ice makers. If you also have a water dispenser on your refrigerator, run three gallons of water through it.
7. Tankless water heaters or point-of-use (e.g. under the sink) water heaters, if in use, should be flushed for 30 minutes.
Officials say the plan is for single-family residential properties only. Commercial, industrial, institutional, and multi-family units need to be advised on a case-by-case basis. For more information and ifyou have questions, call the DPH Office of Drinking Water at 302-741-8630.
DNREC and DPH continues to provide Blades and area residents with private wells with alternative water for drinking and cooking needs. The water distribution hours are Noon to 8:00 PM at the Blades Fire Hall located at 200 East Fifth Street, Blades, DE 19973.
