EPA advise pregnant women to avoid tap water in some Alabama areas
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama Department of Public Health is trying to determine any hazards related to compounds found in the drinking water of eight North Alabama water systems.
The eight water systems have a higher concentration of chemical compounds then recommended by a new health advisory from the EPA.
The chemical compounds are called perfluorinated compounds.
The chemicals in question are man-made and resist "heat, oil, stains, grease, and water," according to a news release from the Alabama Department of Public Health.
The chemicals are typically found in nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and carpet protection products.
The following eight water systems are said to have shown concentrations of the chemicals above the health advisory level:
West Morgan-East Lawrence Water Authority
Gadsden Water Works and Sewer Board
Centre Water and Sewer Board
V.A.W. (Vinemont Anon West Point) Water Systems Inc.
West Lawrence Water Co-op
Northeast Alabama Water District
Rainbow City Utilities Board
Southside Water Works and Sewer Board
The health advisory was developed with sensitive populations in mind.
The EPA's health advisory recommends that pregnant women, breast-feeding mothers, and formula-fed infants "consider using alternative sources of drinking water."
The Alabama Department of Public Health states that other "household uses of water such as showering, bathing, laundry, and dish washing are not a concern."
You can read the full statement from the Alabama Department of Public Health below:
