High Levels of TDS Found in Mon River


Washington, PA Observer-Reporter
16 October 2009
By Brad Hundt, Staff writer
bhundt@observer-reporter.com


If you see some spots on your drinking glasses the next time you pull them out of the dishwasher, it might not be because of the detergent.

That's because levels of total dissolved solids in the Monongahela River have exceeded state and federal water quality standards, according to Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection.

While the level of total dissolved solids, or TDS, in the water is not a threat to health, it can affect taste and odor and could leave spots on dishes.

Readings taken by U.S. Geological Survey gauges in late September found that TDS levels went over the 500 parts per million standard on Sept. 22 near Crucible in Greene County. The highest TDS level was measured a week later at Brownsville, with a level of 577 parts per million.

"It can upset water aesthetically," said Josephine Posti, a spokeswoman for Pennsylvania American Water.

The Monongahela River is the source of drinking water for Washington, Canonsburg and other communities in Washington and Greene counties. Pennsylvania American Water is the largest of several water companies that draw water from the river.

Water treatment plants are not equipped to remove microscopic solids from the water. TDS can come from sewage treatment plants, natural gas drilling, abandoned mine drainage, stormwater runoff and a host of other sources.

"People are earnestly watching to determine what are causing the high levels of TDS," according to Helen Humphreys, a Pittsburgh spokeswoman for the DEP. "There's no indication of a health impact."

She pointed out that if TDS levels were exceptionally high, it could affect "vulnerable communities," such as the very young or the elderly. Residents concerned about TDS levels may want to use bottled water for drinking and food preparation.

High levels of TDS have been blamed for the death of fish in Dunkard Creek in Greene County. In August, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was asked to referee a dispute between Pennsylvania and West Virginia over which state was responsible for TDS pollution in the Monongahela River.