Newark improperly monitored drinking water turbidity for 3 years

The USGS samples public supply wells for its Principal Aquifer Surveys (Credit: Cathy Munday, USGS)

Officials in Newark, N.J. say the city’s water department failed to properly monitor turbidity in its drinking water for more than three years, according to NBC New York. Turbid waters can indicate the presence of many harmful organisms.

Because of the lapse, water managers say some bacteria, viruses or parasites could have gone undetected. Those drinking the water could have experienced symptoms like nausea, diarrhea or headaches and officials urge anyone continuing to feel similar symptoms to see a doctor.

Substandard recording and monitoring procedures in Newark’s turbidity meters have been corrected. And the city is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of its water treatment plant by order of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Image: The USGS samples public supply wells for its Principal Aquifer Surveys (Credit: Cathy Munday, USGS)