Kenny Crandall
Lambertville
A green-blue algae outbreak at the Lambertville reservoir resulted in customers complaining about the foul odor and taste of their drinking water.
As regards this controversy, United Water responded purportedly to the problem, but “how” and to “what degree” is anyone’s guess.
As someone who consumes this water, I would like to know the extent of the problem and the intervention used to address the problem. This information is especially critical because United Water does not measure the amount of algae in Lambertville tap water. Without measuring the amount of algae – typically measured in parts per trillion – what guided United Water’s response to algae outbreak?
Readers should know that blue-green algae in drinking water are a colorless, silent killer. While the surface bloom at the reservoir is obvious to the naked eye, blue-green algae can remain present in a local water supply for weeks.
Blue-green algae kills because it produces three main types of toxin: 1) Hepatotoxins that damage the liver and may also increase the risk of certain types of cancer; 2) Neurotoxins that damage nerves and can cause muscle tremors, especially in the muscles animals and people need to breathe; and 3) Allergens that produce a range of reactions including skin rashes, irritation of the eyes, and possibly gastroenteritis. Clusters of Lou Gehrig’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, have been reported in communities with high concentrations of blue-green algae in their tap water.
United Water must step-up the testing and treatment of local water. Experienced laboratory workers should be assessing samples of the local water regularly using high-powered microscopes to determine whether algae are present in our drinking water and the concentration of microorganisms that produce liver and neurological toxins. It is my understanding that United Water of Lambertville does not conduct this type of testing.
Moreover, once blue-green algae is confirmed, additional tests, such as bioassays or chemical analyses, should be conducted to find out whether we are being exposed to algae toxins. Are there “safe limit” guidelines for algae and how does United Water determine when action is needed? Again, it is my understanding that United Water does not conduct bioassays or chemical analyses of the local water.
Modern treatment technology is available and is highly effective at making water affected by algae blooms safe and palatable to drink. The question remains whether United Water is willing to make this technology investment in Lambertville. Meanwhile, experts advise that if you suspect that there is blue-green algae in water you use for any purpose (including drinking, cooking, washing, or showering), stop using it until the water has been investigated by an accredited laboratory.

