Water boil advisory lifted in additional areas after fatal incident at treatment plant

OTTAWA COUNTY, Ohio (WTVG) — The Ottawa County Sanitary Engineer Office issued a boil advisory Monday for most of Ottawa County following a fatal incident that occurred at the Ottawa County Regional Water Treatment Plant.

Thursday evening, the Ottawa County EMA lifted the water boil advisory for all areas after water testing confirmed the water is safe to drink and use as normal.

The Ottawa County EMA announced Wednesday afternoon that the water boil advisory for Oak Harbor and Elmore has been lifted after further water quality testing confirmed the water is safe to drink. It lifted the advisory for Port Clinton on Tuesday night. Water flushing instructions are available at the link here.

According to the Ottawa County Sanitary Engineer, Jeffrey Kukay, a 20-year employee, was found dead at the plant Monday. Officials said Kukay was discovered floating face down in a water tank around 6:15 a.m. on June 23.

The tank was drained of water and officials retrieved Kukay’s body.

“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.

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.

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.

“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.

“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.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Ottawa County Sanitary Engineer Officer at 419-734-6725.

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