Following a chemical discharge into the Delaware River in nearby Bucks County, Philadelphians are being advised that they may wish only to consume bottled water.
According to Bucks County health officials, 8,100 and 12,000 liters of a water-based latex finishing solution leaked into the river late Friday night at the Trinseo Altuglas chemical plant in Bristol Township.
According to officials, there have been no recorded adverse health consequences in the county, and it is not hazardous to humans.
Although there have been no indications of contamination in the city water, Mike Carroll, deputy managing director for Philadelphia’s Office of Transportation, Infrastructure, and Sustainability, warned that officials “cannot be 100% certain” that traces won’t surface Sunday afternoon.
Based on the time it takes for water to travel through treatment and water mains before reaching customers, the city water department stated in a Sunday evening statement that water “will stay safe to drink and use” at least through Monday.
According to officials, the city’s Baxter Drinking Water Treatment Plant’s intakes were shut down following the leak, but they were reopened overnight to maintain low water levels, prevent equipment damage, and supply water for fire safety and other necessities.
State environmental officials are leading the response. About 24 kilometers (15 miles) upstream of the leak, Pennsylvania American Water said that its Yardley Water Treatment plant is unaffected. Aqua claimed to have cut off the inflow to its Bristol water system to safeguard its clients.
Tim Thomas, senior vice president of production and engineering at Trinseo, told WPVI-TV on Saturday that the substance was no danger to the general public.
He described it to the station as similar to a paint substance.
With a water base, this substance is “the ordinary acrylic paint you have in your house.”
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