DANVILLE WATER DEPARTMENT

This press release is being disseminated in regard to the existence of particulates found in the water distribution lines in Shelby Green Subdivision.

Based on initial laboratory results, the particulates were identified as a fungus. As previously discussed, there are currently no regulatory requirements relative to the presence of fungi or organic matter availability relative to fungal propagation in drinking water systems. There are also no regulatory requirements for press releases relative to this situation. However, the City of Danville wanted to maintain open communication on the findings of the laboratory results of the earlier isolated fungal presence in Shelby Green Subdivision.

No action is needed on the part of the customer and the water is safe to drink. However, people with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at an increased health risk when exposed to some fungi in nature or in food and water consumption.

Such individuals should seek advice from their health care providers.

The City has been actively working to further identify the fungus to determine remedial measures as needed and has been actively engaging Kentucky Division of Water, University of Kentucky, and independent laboratories to identify the nature of the particulates and remedial measures. Fungi are documented to be widespread in nature with thousands of species in existence in air, soil, and natural water habitats. Some have been documented to be present in drinking water systems both nationally and globally, as well as originating at the water-air interface of some household faucets.

Based on additional testing analysis, two types of fungi were identified based on sequential probability match. Thus, the City of Danville wanted to seek additional opinion and expertise relative to enhanced clarification of the genus subtype in this particular situation.

Cladosporium cladosporoides (found in a section of the water distribution line) and Exophiala lecanii-corni (found in a fire hydrant in the subdivision) were determined to be fungal species originally found in an isolated portion of the Shelby Green system based on expert opinion.

Cladosporium cladosporoides has been associated with common indoor allergies and rare to cause human illness while Exophiala lecanii-corni, though more difficult to specifically identify, could have negative impacts to humans with compromised immune systems – not an uncommon characteristic of many fungal species in nature. Similar types of these fungi are commonly found in soil and surface water and sometimes are reported in public drinking water supplies as well.

The City continues to administer routine waterline flushing exercises in and around the Shelby Green Subdivision to reduce pervasiveness of any fungi presence in the water system. The City has also increased chlorine levels in the water to that known to negatively impact fungal growth, but remain within acceptable regulatory limits. Enhanced water system circulation and scheduled water sampling in the Shelby Green system is currently being implemented to further monitor the situation moving forward. Field tests have concluded no current presence of fungi in the distribution lines and the City will continue to closely monitor the situation moving forward.

Typical regulatory drinking water bacteriological testing and residual chlorine testing results remain normal and within regulatory requirements per the Kentucky Division of Water and the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Customers are encouraged to contact the Danville Water Treatment Plant to report any future issue at 859-238-1241.