The City of Galion said Thursday morning that its drinking water remains safe and fully compliant with Ohio Environmental Protection Agency standards, despite elevated trihalomethane readings recorded during the latest round of quarterly testing.
“Our water system remains in full compliance with Ohio Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standards,” the city said in a statement dated July 30. “However, we believe in complete transparency and want to share the details of our most recent quarterly water tests.”
Elevated readings at three locations
Water samples collected July 9 showed trihalomethane, commonly abbreviated as THM, readings ranging from 79.5 to 95.4 across four testing locations.
The highest reading, 95.4, was recorded at testing site DS202 on Sixth Avenue. The other results were:
- 89.8 at DS201, identified as 61/309
- 81.5 at DS203 along State Route 598 North
- 79.5 at DS204 on Freese Works Place
The corresponding four-quarter averages were substantially lower:
- 72.4 at DS201
- 71.8 at DS202
- 56.3 at DS203
- 59.3 at DS204
The city said some of the individual July samples were above the standard single-sample threshold, but emphasized that compliance is determined through a four-quarter average rather than one isolated result.
“Because our levels during the previous three quarters were low, our four-quarter average remains safely below the regulatory limit,” the statement said. “Your water is safe to drink, and you do not need to take any alternative actions or use bottled water.”
City says THM levels can rise during summer
Trihalomethanes are created during the water disinfection process. They are disinfection byproducts that can form when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water, and the main concern is long-term exposure at elevated levels; the biggest health issue is a possible increased cancer risk, especially bladder cancer, with some evidence also linking higher exposure to colon or rectal cancer and pregnancy-related effects such as low birth weight or miscarriage, while very high exposures in toxicology studies have also been associated with liver, kidney, and nervous system damage. Their risk depends on the amount and duration of exposure, and the key point is that they matter most as a cumulative, years-long exposure issue rather than an immediate short-term hazard.
According to the city, they form when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic material in untreated water, and seasonal conditions can increase the rate at which that reaction occurs.
“Spikes are common during warmer weather months because higher water temperatures and seasonal organic matter accelerate this reaction,” the city said.
The elevated readings therefore do not indicate that disinfection has stopped or that untreated water is entering the system. Instead, they reflect a byproduct that can develop as chlorine performs its role within the treatment and distribution process.
City says it is taking steps to reduce levels
Galion water department employees are increasing system flushing to reduce the length of time water remains within distribution lines. The city is also lowering the amount of water stored at the treatment plant and in water towers, helping fresher water move through the system. Additional equipment is being installed at the water treatment plant to limit THM formation.
The measures are intended “to bring these levels back down and ensure our annual average remains compliant,” according to the statement.
The city said regular testing will continue, with complete annual results to be published in its Consumer Confidence Report. Residents with questions may contact Water Superintendent Jim Warner at 419-468-1393 or [email protected].