AMWA member utilities remain vigilant in East Palestine train derailment response

Written by Brian Redder and originally published in the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) February 27 issue of Monday Morning Briefing.

In response to the February 3 train derailment and chemical spill in East Palestine, Ohio, water utilities along the Ohio River have been proactive and vigilant in maintaining the safety of their community’s drinking water. AMWA members and utilities across the country recognize the importance of effective communication and transparency during emergency events. Utilities along the Ohio River have been closely monitoring the situation to provide up-to-date data to the public as questions circulate about the extent of the contamination from the incident.

Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW), Louisville Water Company, and Northern Kentucky Water District (NKWD) have been tirelessly working with other utilities, the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission, and other state and local partners to provide timely and transparent communication to the public as they monitor water quality of the river. As of February 20, both GCWW and NKWD have reopened intakes to the Ohio River after monitoring data showed chemicals associated with the train derailment at undetectable levels. Although the chemicals associated with the derailment have flowed past the utility intakes, these water systems continue to be diligent in providing clean, safe drinking water to the communities they serve.