There are recent claims from members of the Madill community that the water they have access to is potentially makingthemsick.After a young Marshall County boy died of E.coli, it’s raising alarm to where that exposure could have come from.
The city's track record for water problems piqued curiosity to whether these occurrences could be related. From not having correct reports of water contaminants in the past to having current quarterly reports of high trihalomethanes (THM) - a grouping of 4 volatile organic compounds that are all carcinogenic – is making residents wary of their water quality.
TheTTHMsareaby-product of chlorine and organic matter with chloroform being the most common. These regular reports are instilling fear in the community. It's hard for some residents not to turn towards the water source as probable cause for the illness they suffer.
Chemical contaminant exposure is not only linked to drinking the water but also while washing produce, brushing teeth, showering and much more. Leaving the community with a constant bout of Aquaphobia - fear of water.
On the backside of the utility bill that residents received for August 2024 is where the quarterly report of excess chemical (TTHM) in the drinking water was reported. This is not the first time the alarm has been sounded for this chemical being above drinking water standards. The report suggested that residents were not at risk, unless they met certain criteria.
As per the utility notice that Madill sent out, “there is nothing you need to do unless you have a severely compromised immune system, have aninfantorareelderly.These people may be at increased risk and should seek advice about drinking water from their healthcare providers.” That seems to be a big chunk of the population.
The notice also gave possible side effects of too much exposure to TTHM.
The notice also states, “this is not an emergency. However, some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes (TTHM) in excessoftheMCL,maximum contaminantlevel,overmany years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have increased risk of cancer. We anticipate the violation to be resolved sometime in 2025.”
Seems the years of exposure are adding up quick, and resolution may not be coming as fast as anyone would like. It’s good they are taking corrective actions but where does that leave residents until the issues are resolved?
The notice also asked residents to share the information with as many people as possible to get the word out.
“Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses).”
This leaves it up to the community to spread the word. That’s a lot of people at risk for exposure to harmful chemicals and contaminants whomayneverknowwhatgoing on while trying to quench their thirst. The children at schools drinking from the water fountains and the elderly trying to stay hydrated in this heat are at an increased risk.
The City of Madill has enoughontheirplatewiththe water purification issues at hand. The idea of adding potential apartment complexes tothecommunityandheavily increasing the population would only add to the sewage and water purification issues the city is already facing.
Many residents are claiming that the vapors from the treated discharge locations are burning the eyes and respiratory systems of the families who live near them. Some claim to be awakened from their sleep with nausea. One thing they all agree on, is they hope the city can find a solution for the problem quick.