City of Douglas: Drinking water is safe

According to a statement released by the City of Douglas Tuesday morning, there is nothing wrong with the drinking water in the city. 

Over the last several days, citizens have complained of a smell that can be detected throughout the city. According to sources, the issue has resulted in the temporary closure of Pilgrims Pride; however, city officials have assured the public that drinking water is safe.

Here is a statement from City Manager Charlie Davis that was released to the city’s Facebook page Tuesday morning:

“The City of Douglas would like to correct some rumors and address any misinformation that is circulating via social media concerning the wastewater treatment plant. First, wastewater treatment process has nothing to do with drinking water as some posts have suggested. 

“On the morning of Thursday September 28, during normal operational testing, a significant abnormality was identified in the effluent wastewater being produced by the Douglas wastewater treatment plant. Additional testing of the wastewater coming into the plant identified influent wastewater quality that was not within the normal operating range. As a result of this adverse influent condition, the biological microbial treatment capability of the plant was compromised. Upon identification, crews began a response, including coordination with surrounding wastewater treatment plants to restart the normal biological treatment, notification of city leadership and staff, and coordination with local industries that discharge to the wastewater treatment plant. This response action will continue until normal operation can be restored.”