Suspect toxic level of detergents in water

[NoDecafPlz]

Some of you know I live in a disabled community in South Jersey.

Several people (including me) have been dealing with diarrhea a long time.

I came back from Ohio feeling fine and all I had to do was brush my teeth and boom right back again. Several others are sick and I have chemical burns
on my face from a shower head that is nothing more than a weak lawn sprinkler.

None of this happened when I was in Ohio.

So, how does one test for excessive levels of detergents in an apartment complex's water.

We have our own pipe network that does not circulate, it dead ends so they put in a release valve with timer and load up with chemicals to keep water from smelling like sulfur dioxide.

I don't really want to pay $400 for a state authorized testing and don't even know if they have such a broad spectrum testing for detergents.

Thoughts?

[Doorman]

If I was shitting myself like you are $400.00 would be well worth it. I say spend the $$$. Who told you $400.00 that seems a bit high but maybe not for NJ.

Some of you know I live in a disabled community in South Jersey.

Several people (including me) have been dealing with diarrhea a long time.

I came back from Ohio feeling fine and all I had to do was brush my teeth and boom right back again. Several others are sick and I have chemical burns
on my face from a shower head that is nothing more than a weak lawn sprinkler.

None of this happened when I was in Ohio.

So, how does one test for excessive levels of detergents in an apartment complex's water.

We have our own pipe network that does not circulate, it dead ends so they put in a release valve with timer and load up with chemicals to keep water from smelling like sulfur dioxide.

I don't really want to pay $400 for a state authorized testing and don't even know if they have such a broad spectrum testing for detergents.

Thoughts?

[jody]

their are a lot of wells where I live. people take samples to the municipal water comany, they supply the townies with piped water, but you can still get well water tested for a small fee. Id take up a collection from other community members have the water tested and then file a small claims to get the money back if it turns out the water is poluted. and they may even have to do something about the way the water is treated.

[NoDecafPlz]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The questions and answers are divided into three main sections:
• What do I need to know ahead of time?
• What do I need to know afterwards?
• What information is available to me to learn more?


What do I need to know ahead of time?

How much does the testing cost?
The going rate is between $395.00 and $430.00 per sample. This will include sampling, certified field pH analysis, bacteriological and chemical analyses, Global Positioning System (GPS) location coordinates in accordance with NJDEP Standards, N.J.A.C. 7:1D, and electronic data reporting as required by the NJDEP Regulations. Please give us a call to receive a firm quote and to discuss any special pricing discounts available. Toll Free (866) 875-3506.

[Lazlo]

Maybe other people from the community who are also affected could pitch in to share the cost.

[JenJen]

Joe,

I just talked to my SO, he did this for a living pre-injury (he's a CIH and specialized in environmental testing).

Do some checking around, there may be a cheaper lab but you'll only find out by calling around. You also need more info on the collection protocol including container specs and hold-times.

David says that off-hand, you may be looking at a legionella exposure from the closed system (pontiac fever perhaps). This can cause the symptoms you list and more. You would most likely have to specifically request that they test for this.

In the meantime, you should prolly use bottled water for consumption and let the tub (not the shower) run long enough to clear all the standing water from the pipe. You want to avoid creating water vapor in the air as much as possible and try not to breathe the steam from the water that's been sitting in the pipe. If the hot water tank is not set high enough to kill the organism, (should it trully be present in the system) then it is a breeding heaven for the little beasties.

Maybe you can share the cost of the testing with some neighbors? Your local health department is another resource but most likely will not act without more dramatic symptomology. Good luck.

ETA: google the Safe Drinking Water Act. (http://www.epa.gov/OGWDW/sdwa/30th/factsheets/monitoring_compliance.html)


Call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at

[DebC]

Wouldn't the local health department get involved if people are getting sick?

[NoDecafPlz]

Thanks Jen, could you ask him if there is a test for too much detergent?

I might be willing to pay and would def include his input, but I would love to know if there is a way to account for high levels of possible common detergents.

(I found a place in Oregon that might do it for $100. They send a kit to you for samples.)


Joe,

I just talked to my SO, he did this for a living pre-injury (he's a CIH and specialized in environmental testing).

Do some checking around, there may be a cheaper lab but you'll only find out by calling around. You also need more info on the collection protocol including container specs and hold-times.

David says that off-hand, you may be looking at a legionella exposure from the closed system (pontiac fever perhaps). This can cause the symptoms you list and more. You would most likely have to specifically request that they test for this.

In the meantime, you should prolly use bottled water for consumption and let the tub (not the shower) run long enough to clear all the standing water from the pipe. You want to avoid creating water vapor in the air as much as possible and try not to breathe the steam from the water that's been sitting in the pipe. If the hot water tank is not set high enough to kill the organism, (should it trully be present in the system) then it is a breeding heaven for the little beasties.

Maybe you can share the cost of the testing with some neighbors? Your local health department is another resource but most likely will not act without more dramatic symptomology. Good luck.

[WheelieMike]

Wouldn't the local health department get involved if people are getting sick?

That's what I was thinking. If there are several people getting sick in a community, the health dept should be contacted.

[NoDecafPlz]

That's what I was thinking. If there are several people getting sick in a community, the health dept should be contacted.

I'm thinking rule out the water first.

[JenJen]

The SWDA covers detergents and antiseptics. David says the Oregon fee sounds pretty reasonable. Just make sure the lab is certified.

I've been trying to paste some info from the EPA website but it keeps blowing up on me. I'll paraphrase here instead. The EPA suggests you have your water tested yearly and you can call their hotline at 1-800-426-4791 for a list of certified labs. When you talk to them, describe your symptoms and your unique water system. They may have some ideas for you.

[NoDecafPlz]

I called and they referred me to the NJDEP site.

Thanks again Jen.

[SCI-Nurse]

I would call the department of health and see what they say.

Call them and see what they recomend.... it can't hurt and it might save you some $$.

CKF

[lynnifer]

I agree with calling your Department of Health ... they should take things pretty seriously! If not - I'd be worried!

An agricultural university (Guelph) used to test the well water on our farm ... as well as that of all our neighbours. Maybe a student would be interested as a project?