Mayor Francisco Azcué, together with the comptroller of the Decentralized Sanitary Works Entity (EDOS) Javier del Cerro, the Operations Manager William Sosa, and the Director of Operations Ricardo Rosales, held a press conference where they made it clear that the city's drinking water was always suitable for consumption and that the population was never at risk.
This was due to the circulation of an audio recording in which it was irresponsibly indicated that, following a spill that occurred days ago at the Water Treatment Plant, there was a danger to the citizenry.
In this regard, Mayor Azcué pointed out that due to the information that circulated “and was handled irresponsibly, we have called this press conference with EDOS to provide accurate information on what happened and to convey peace of mind to our entire community”.
SITUATION
The EDOS comptroller, Javier del Cerro, explained what happened on February 29 and the measures that the agency took following the event.
In this regard, he pointed out that on the mentioned day, between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM, “a spill of Polyaluminum Chloride (PAC) occurred, which was quickly controlled since only a part reached the water in the purification process and the rest was discharged into the drain”, adding that there were only 4 complaints in relation to the event, two on March 1 and the remaining ones on March 4, responding quickly to each home “and it was verified that there was no deviation regarding the normal physical-chemical quality of the water in the distribution network, even though users reported feeling an astringent taste that was due to the pH modification”.
As an example, regarding the pH, the EDOS comptroller stated that in an energy drink of a well-known brand, it is 2.77, or in a cola soda, also of a well-known brand, it is 2.3, while with the event recorded at the plant, the water pH dropped to 4.
MONITORING AND PEACE OF MIND
Del Cerro explained that as usual “monitoring was carried out in the distribution network during March 6 and March 7, at different points in the city, verifying once again that the physical-chemical parameters comply with the current regulations of the Argentine Food Code. 14 random samples were taken”.
Finally, he explained that PAC “is a coagulant that is widely used in water purification as a coagulant. It is used in diluted form in the purification process; it is a product that is diluted, it is not used undiluted”, he remarked, stressing that “due to the aforementioned, peace of mind is conveyed to the population, with EDOS ensuring the potability of the water in the distribution network and that its quality is permanently controlled by technical personnel at the water treatment plant and in the distribution network”.
NEGLIGENCE
Del Cerro pointed out that the situation occurred due to the negligence of the person who had that responsibility at that time. “The person evidently did not pay attention to the work they had to do. Fortunately, the person who replaced them later did notice what was happening, it was operated, and it was possible to correct it”.
Regarding the situation of the worker in question, the official explained that it was a contracted employee with a record in their file. “When that event happened, we proceeded to terminate their contract because we understood that this person's conduct could put the health of all residents of Concordia at risk.”
This was due to the circulation of an audio recording in which it was irresponsibly indicated that, following a spill that occurred days ago at the Water Treatment Plant, there was a danger to the citizenry.
In this regard, Mayor Azcué pointed out that due to the information that circulated “and was handled irresponsibly, we have called this press conference with EDOS to provide accurate information on what happened and to convey peace of mind to our entire community”.
SITUATION
The EDOS comptroller, Javier del Cerro, explained what happened on February 29 and the measures that the agency took following the event.
In this regard, he pointed out that on the mentioned day, between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM, “a spill of Polyaluminum Chloride (PAC) occurred, which was quickly controlled since only a part reached the water in the purification process and the rest was discharged into the drain”, adding that there were only 4 complaints in relation to the event, two on March 1 and the remaining ones on March 4, responding quickly to each home “and it was verified that there was no deviation regarding the normal physical-chemical quality of the water in the distribution network, even though users reported feeling an astringent taste that was due to the pH modification”.
As an example, regarding the pH, the EDOS comptroller stated that in an energy drink of a well-known brand, it is 2.77, or in a cola soda, also of a well-known brand, it is 2.3, while with the event recorded at the plant, the water pH dropped to 4.
MONITORING AND PEACE OF MIND
Del Cerro explained that as usual “monitoring was carried out in the distribution network during March 6 and March 7, at different points in the city, verifying once again that the physical-chemical parameters comply with the current regulations of the Argentine Food Code. 14 random samples were taken”.
Finally, he explained that PAC “is a coagulant that is widely used in water purification as a coagulant. It is used in diluted form in the purification process; it is a product that is diluted, it is not used undiluted”, he remarked, stressing that “due to the aforementioned, peace of mind is conveyed to the population, with EDOS ensuring the potability of the water in the distribution network and that its quality is permanently controlled by technical personnel at the water treatment plant and in the distribution network”.
NEGLIGENCE
Del Cerro pointed out that the situation occurred due to the negligence of the person who had that responsibility at that time. “The person evidently did not pay attention to the work they had to do. Fortunately, the person who replaced them later did notice what was happening, it was operated, and it was possible to correct it”.
Regarding the situation of the worker in question, the official explained that it was a contracted employee with a record in their file. “When that event happened, we proceeded to terminate their contract because we understood that this person's conduct could put the health of all residents of Concordia at risk.”