As the Elk Fire continues in Sheridan County, Wyoming, firefighters and staff have taken precautions to protect drinking water facilities. The city of Dayton has switched to its water well to avoid potential sediment issues from the treatment plant, while Sheridan’s intake facility has been safeguarded with firebreaks and water cannons.
Both towns are confident in their water systems' ability to handle fire-related impacts, and Sheridan is working with the EPA to monitor water quality, having already collected base samples. Fire retardant is being used cautiously to avoid water contamination.
DC Water Assists Asheville Hurricane Recovery Efforts
DC Water is assisting in hurricane recovery efforts in Asheville, North Carolina, and departed earlier this week to help with logistics, planning and restoring water and sewer services. Meanwhile, CBS News is reporting that water service is beginning to return to the city.
The DC Water team left from its treatment facility in Southwest D.C. after recognizing the potential for significant disruption due to hurricanes Helene and Milton, which brought heavy rains and storm surges to the East Coast.
North Carolina City Reports Disinfectant Spill
The Town of Tabor City, North Carolina, recently reported no injuries following a spill of approximately 1,000 gallons of sodium hypochlorite at its wastewater treatment plant.
Emergency crews established a perimeter and used drones to assess the situation. A regional hazardous materials team was called in to assist. Testing revealed no contamination in nearby waters, and a dike was created to prevent runoff. Contaminated soil will be removed, and the site will be monitored for further issues, according to WECT News.
