Ban on drinking water in effect for Cedar Key

The Cedar Key Water and Sewer District met in an emergency meeting Tuesday and issued an immediate ban on drinking water. They will distribute free bottled water to District customers beginning Wednesday.

According to David Beach, CKWSD Board Chair, the District tests water daily, however, in the past few weeks Plant Supervisor James McCain noticed abnormal test results and "he thought it was something wrong with the testing instruments."

McCain obtained additional lab testing and it confirmed that there are high chloride levels in the water. In the last 48 hours, levels were "getting worst -almost by the hour," said Beach in a phone interview Tuesday evening.

District is working with their engineers for an immediate fix, as well as, a long-term solution. However, "with the chloride levels increasing every day... it`s a moving target."

According to the press release issued by the District, Tuesday, June 19, 2012, the culprit is salt-water intrusion at the well field, due to the drought and low ground water levels. Tap water "should not be used for drinking, cooking or any other purpose designed for human consumption. Water remains safe for other household purposes."

District customers will be able to pick up water at the Community Center - free of charge. For more information, they may call the District office at 352-542-5285 during business hours or you can visit their website: ckwater.org.