Something Spilled!

A news article was published the other day about a chemical spill into a public waterway. This spill reportedly consisted of about 8000 gallons of ethyl and butyl acrylamide. People were naturally concerned about the impact of this spill on the water coming out of their faucets.

The article quoted extensively a “chemist” that was purportedly interviewed on the topic. Repeatedly the spilled chemicals were referred to as “polymers” (ethyl and butyl acrylamide are NOT polymers). The chemist went on to say that boiling the water would not help purify it, but would only concentrate the contamination (OK, got that one right!). As an illustration, this “chemist” said these contaminates were called “paint-like” and as we all know “boiling paint won’t make it drinkable”. What is a homeowner to do?

This “chemist” advised NOT to use point-of-use carbon filters!?! Instead, a good back-washable sand filter would catch “most of these polymers”.

This of course comes on the heels of a more publicized event in East Palestine, Ohio. In this instance a train derailment impacted a local waterway and reportedly spilled propylene glycol and butyl acrylamide. It is a mystery why this event took off in the news; these kinds of things happen almost every day. But it did go viral. We were treated to hysterical celebrities pointing out “poisoned” fish and politicians reluctantly taking sips of tap water. States with active hazardous landfills deemed this material too toxic to take.

It isn’t hard to point out that these two events are similarly characterized by the fear the events inspired, as well as the wealth of misinformation on the part of so-called experts.

Water treatment professionals cannot hope to compete with the fear mongers during these events. We don’t make the news; we don’t want to make the news. When was the last time “Your water is good and safe today” made the headlines?

However, we can be the constant drum-beat of education heard in the background. We can consistently educate the public that their water is safe and explain why it is safe. The message must remain consistent (except when it isn’t true and there is an obligation to report as such). Over time, the noise of hysteria will die down, but the consistent, well-reasoned message of water quality and safety will be heard.

What do you think? Let’s talk about it...

Oh, and why did the fish go belly up?