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1. What is DEHP?

A widely used plasticizer, which is primarily used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In high dosages, it can lead to cancer. 

2. What are other names for DEHP?

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate or the chemical formula C₆H₄(CO₂C₈H₁₇)_2.

3. What is the EPA drinking water standard for DEHP

0.006 mg/L 

4. What is the highest concentration sampled for DEHP in Oldsmar?

0.00082mg/L

5. When should a sample have been taken?

June 30, 2023

6. When was the city notified of the sampling violation?

July 20, 2023

7. When was a follow-up sample taken for DEHP? What were the results?

July 26, 2023.   0.00046 mg/L

8. Has the city ever had an issue with elevated DEHP?

No, in fact the DEHP levels had been so low that the facility qualified for reduced sampling of every 3 years.

9. What is the difference between a Maximum Contaminant Limit (MCL) and the Regulatory Detection Limit (RDL)?

An exceedance of the Maximum Contaminant Limit would be considered “unsafe to drink.”  An exceedance of a regulatory Detection Limit requires increased sampling frequency, where samples are required quarterly (every 3 months).  

10. How long does the city have to provide public notice of a violation like this?

1 year from the date of incidence (July 1, 2023).

11. Why did the city not immediately notify me?

The city did not have any evidence that the water supply was unsafe to drink at any time.  If water would have been unsafe, the city would have immediately notified through text messages, phone calls and door hangers.  The notifications that were required are provided for consumer confidence.

12. Why is the city required to provide noticing in so many forms.

Besides the regulatory requirements, The city is committed to transparency and providing confidence in the drinking water. 

13. What corrective measures have been taken to avoid a missed sample like this?

A comprehensive review of the water sampling procedures was conducted to identify any shortcomings.  Employees involved in the sampling process have undergone additional training to ensure proper adherence to the established protocols.  A review of the quality control checks was completed with the staff and the contract laboratory.  Enhanced quality control checks were introduced to detect any irregularities or deviations early on. The laboratory will notify staff as soon as possible of any exceedance of an RDL or MCL. This will enable prompt corrective action if any issues arise.  A designated team is now assigned to oversee the entire organics sampling process, ensuring compliance with the newly strengthened protocols. This will add an additional layer of accountability to prevent similar violations.