Germantown water contamination: Germantown, Tennessee, faced a disconcerting situation as tap water usage was permitted again on Thursday, but the lingering smell of fuel continues to trouble 150 to 300 households. The ordeal began when diesel fuel accidentally spilled into a subterranean reservoir, leading to a week without access to tap water.
On July 20, residents received a text message advising them that their water was only safe for flushing toilets, causing fear and concern among Germantown’s inhabitants. Even after reservoir testing found no trace of diesel fuel, the city declared the water safe to drink again on Thursday, citing the cause of the incident as a fuel-powered backup generator at the water treatment plant during storms.
However, NBC News reported that five individuals, including Germantowner Kyle Miller, experienced gasoline-like odors in their faucets on Friday, raising doubts about the water’s safety. The Shelby County Health Department issued a warning that diesel-contaminated water can lead to various health issues, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and potential damage to the liver or kidneys, owing to the presence of cancer-causing benzene in diesel gasoline.
Curiously, Germantown residents, like Christopher Mantia, have been experiencing unusual smells in their water even seven years after returning to the area. Mantia remarked that without the smell, he and his wife might consider drinking the water without hesitation. However, the distinct odor has led them to avoid using the tap water for drinking, showering, or cleaning dishes and laundry.
Concerns have arisen due to instructions provided to residents, such as flushing water lines, as individuals like Kyle Miller experienced the entire house smelling like gasoline after following the guidelines. This has prompted calls for thorough water line testing by experts like East Tennessee State University Professor Phillip Scheuerman, who believes that neighbors’ complaints could indicate fuel contamination in their water lines.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, the city of Germantown has yet to inspect residences where complaints have surfaced, according to Chief Communications Officer Stacey Crockett. The city is focusing on testing water in areas where at least three households have reported unusual smells, which has affected around 150 to 300 dwellings by Friday noon.
READ MORE: Legal clash with Governor DeSantis: No Escape Disney Calls Out Gov.Bid to Avoid Responsibility
Germantown’s municipal authorities are diligently addressing the complaints and flushing main water lines more frequently in specific areas, particularly small areas and cul-de-sacs. Nonetheless, some residents may still encounter peculiar odors in their tap water, and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation advises affected individuals to seek assistance from the city.
The smell persists for many, like Geoffrey Carter, who experienced a mix of WD-40-like scent in his taps despite following flushing instructions. Some residents, like church communications director Julia East, faced more severe consequences as she developed a headache after flushing and had to rely on a friend’s house for water usage due to the unsafe water conditions.
Extreme weather events, possibly linked to climate change, have been suspected to trigger fuel leaks, as evidenced by Germantown roads being closed after storms downed power lines on July 18. Consequently, backup power is vital for such situations, but diesel leaks occurred during filling, causing the present predicament.
While experts suggest that the health risk to individuals is likely low following the diesel testing and a reported leak of 50 to 150 liters, the lingering odors have raised concerns. The Shelby County Health Department advised residents with water-related symptoms to consult doctors or urgent care centers.
The alarming situation has left residents like Kyle Miller skeptical about trusting tap water again, especially for the well-being of their children. As discussions about relocating away from Germantown emerge, the impact of this incident on the community’s well-being and trust in the water supply continues to be a major concern.
Our Reader’s Queries
How did Germantown water get contaminated?
On July 20, a mishap at the Southern Avenue Water Treatment Plant resulted in a spill of around 300 gallons of diesel. The fuel seeped into the soil around the pipes connected to the underground reservoir.
Is the water in Germantown TN safe to drink?
During the most recent quarter evaluated by the U.S. EPA (January 2021 – March 2021), the tap water supplied by this water company met the federal health-based drinking water standards.
What happened to water in Germantown TN?
On July 20, 2023, seven Germantown, Tennessee residents notified city officials that their tap water had a gas-like odor. This prompted the city to launch an investigation into the problem’s origin. After two weeks, the source of the issue was finally revealed.
How did diesel get in Germantown water?
A maintenance worker was filling up a generator next to a ground reservoir. They didn’t keep a close enough eye on the process and ended up spilling diesel fuel on the ground, which spread about 15 to 20 feet away, according to Huisman.