From: ray suek
Sent: Tue Sep 28 09:53:42 2010
To: waterqualitystandards; gerijohnson@live.com
Subject: manganese problem in my water supply
Importance: Normal
I would like to submit information regarding the plumbing problems I have dealt with for many years regarding the amount of manganese in the water supply at my house. The house is located in the Jan Ree area of Salem and the address is 4726 Whitman Circle NE 97305 and it is in Marion County. I am the homeowner and the house is currently being rented to a friend of mine. The amount of manganese has caused major buildup in the water pipes and has forced me to replace the mainline to my house to received adequate water pressure (2004-05). It has also forced me to purchase a water filtration system to provide for safe drinking water in the house. These jobs were performed by a licensed plumber at Judson's Plumbing in Salem who verified that manganese was the problem with the existing plumbing. When the filtration system's filter is changed once a month, it is totally black with manganese residue. Even with these improvements, my tenant is unable to run the washing machine at the same time she attempts to water the lawn - the lines are continually blocked with manganese. It is bordering on a fire safety issue due to lack of water pressure to keep the lawn watered to say nothing about the potential health hazard from consuming water so contaminated! The water company has changed hands many times over the years and they are extremely difficult to contact and reluctant to discuss the issue of water quality. They were College Park Water company at one time when I was making the plumbing improvements but I am not sure if that is still the name. One official, either from the water company or the state, said that DEQ did not have any standard for the amount of manganese in the water supply! My husband, Ray Suek, and I are extremely frustrated and concerned about the lack of quality water and the potential health hazard that the manganese is posing. We would really like information regarding the standards DEQ has for water quality particularly with regards to manganese. Your attention to this issue is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Geri Johnson gerijohnson@live.com
Ray Suek & Geri Johnson 25570 Valley View Lane, Sheridan, Oregon 97378 503-843-7989