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High
pH shuts off MA town's water
The Ipswich Water Department has issued a warning to all residents not to use their water under any circumstances until further notice.
High pH levels were detected in the system Thursday morning due to a chemical spill in the water supply. Approximately 40 gallons of potassium hydroxide leaked into the clear well holding tank at the Water Treatment Plant at 222 High St., according to selectmen Chairman James Foley.
The clear well is a holding tank for treated water and holds about 100,000 gallons of water that is distributed to the town.
The state Department of Environmental Protection was notified and told the town to warn residents “not to drink, bathe or come in contact with the water until the system is flushed,” said Foley, adding that contact with the chemical can cause burns to the skin or eyes.
The filtration plant has been shut down and the Water Department is flushing the water mains as well as draining the contaminated well. The Water Department is asking that all customers flush their services lines by running their cold water from all household fixtures for 15 minutes and then their hot water for 15 minutes.
The emergency 911 system has been activated and the town has been busy notifying radio stations in the attempt to get the word out.
“The town has been literally hand calling businesses that have a high water usage,” said Foley.
Public notification will be made when the system has returned to normal. The town and DEP are awaiting results and testing the field.
“It could be hours,” said Foley, “The DEP needs to give the all clear.”
The Water Department recommends that if anyone experiences skin, eye or throat irritation or burning to contact their personal physician. Contact the Water Department, 978-356-6635, with any questions.