Boil advisory issued for most of Ottawa County after fatal incident at water treatment plant
OTTAWA COUNTY, Ohio (WTVG) — The Ottawa County Sanitary Engineer Office has issued a boil advisory for most of Ottawa County following a fatal incident that occurred at the Ottawa County Regional Water Plant.
According to the Ottawa County Sanitary Engineer, a 20-year employee died at the plant Monday. Officials said the incident was discovered when the plant opened at 6 a.m., June 23. Officials do not know when the incident occurred and could not specify what happened.
“We appreciate everyone’s support as we work through this loss of a 20-year employee and friend of ours,” said Zach Mulder, the sanitary engineer for Ottawa County.
No further information regarding the incident will be released at this time, but officials say no foul play is suspected.
Mulder said his office is working with the EPA, the Public Employment Risk Reduction Program, and the Ottawa County Emergency Management Agency to investigate the incident and support the public.
OCSEO says due to the incident, a boil advisory has been issued for the following areas:
- Elmore
- Oak Harbor
- Port Clinton
- Marblehead
- Catawba
- Danbury
- Portage Township
- Erie Township
- Salem Township
- Bay Township
- Harris Township
According to OCSEO, the advisory is precautionary, as there have been no confirmed reports of contamination. In addition, officials say chlorine levels in the water have been temporarily increased to ensure disinfection. The advisory will remain in place for up to four days depending on testing and evaluation.
“In about four days, we’ll have total confirmation,” Mulder said.
The sanitary engineer said this will give time to flush the system, collect samples, and continue testing the water.
“Ottawa County Distribution System is all the way from Elmore all the way to Marblehead so it’s a very lengthy water distribution system,” Mulder said.
Residents and businesses in the areas are advised to boil all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth or washing dishes. The water should come to a rolling boil for at least one minute before use.
Mulder recommended residents boil batches of water to keep on hand during the heat wave and the expected four-day boil advisory.
“I know it’s kind of a stretch but preparing and setting aside some water and boiling some in jug containers if available,” Mulder said.
Due to the boil advisory, the Ottawa County EMA will be giving away free bottles of water to those in need. The EMA will be giving water away from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday at the Chapel — Port Clinton Campus, 4650 E. Port Clinton Eastern Road.
People will be able to receive one case of bottled water per household and must bring identification that shows an address in the impacted area.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Ottawa County Sanitary Engineer Officer at 419-734-6725.
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