State: Gladewater Water Supply Exceeds Contaminant Level

GLADEWATER — The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has notified Gladewater that its drinking water exceeds maximum levels for contaminants caused by the chlorine treatment process. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. The TCEQ said the maximum level allowed for haloacetic acids is 0.060 milligrams per liter, while Gladewater’s water supplies tested at 0.062 and 0.066 milligrams per liter at two sites. In response, Gladewater officials said they are reviewing the process for treating city water supplies and have started a more aggressive approach to flushing water lines.

Haloacetic acids are formed when chlorine, which is used as a disinfectant, reacts with organic matter in the water. The TCEQ said some people who drink water with elevated levels of these contaminants over a number of years have an increased risk of cancer.The agency said residents do not need to use an alternative water supply. Gladewater Public Works Director Casey Chambers said the state uses the most recent test results along with testing from the three previous quarters to determine whether contaminant levels exceed standards.