(WBEN Buffalo, NY) The Erie County Water Authority moved to allay any fears in sending out a news release to contradict speculation and falsehoods on social media that our water supply could be impacted by the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
Authority officials say our water quality is fine and they note that the watershed near the derailment flows southwest towards the Mississippi and not towards Lake Erie or the Niagara River.
Here is the Alert they send out Saturday:
Dear Customer:
Due to the increasing rumors, speculation and falsehoods related to the February 3rd Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, the Erie County Water Authority (ECWA) wants its customers to know it is highly improbable that residual chemicals or toxins from the derailed train have navigated to ECWA water sources, including Lake Erie and the Niagara River.
East Palestine's watershed flows southwest toward the Mississippi River and is geographically isolated from Lake Erie's watershed, making it impossible for chemical residuals from the derailment to enter our area's water sources.
In the age of social media, misleading claims and falsehoods can spread instantly causing unnecessary public concern. That is occurring in relation to this unfortunate accident, but ECWA customers can rest assured that their drinking water is very safe and of high quality.
Sincerely,
Erie County Water Authority
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