Press conference in progress on Monday to update the water situation with ARS Director General, Valerie Denux (right) and SAUR and EEASM representatives (left). (Photo Robert Luckock)
MARIGOT–The latest water analysis to determine the current level of bromates in the potable network revealed a level of between 100 and 200 micrograms per litre from lab tests on June 25, but no bromate formation was found at the production plant exit point, it was disclosed at a press conference Monday afternoon in Hotel de la Collectivité.
The latest press conference was held again with officials from water provider SAUR, water management authority Etablissement des Eaux et Assainissement de St. Martin (EEASM) and the Director General of Agence regional de la Santé Valerie Denux.
The latest result is higher than the accepted level of 10 micrograms per litre, but as ARS Director pointed out the level has to be over1,000 micrograms per litre before it becomes a health risk to the population.
“The important point to know is that there is no acute danger to the population,” she stressed. “The precautionary measures have been taken to be sure that we don’t have a problem with vulnerable persons; the elderly, infants, pregnant women etcetera, that’s why we are distributing bottled water. The good news is that there were no bromates found at the exit of the plant (before it enters the network), so they are in the network itself. We are working with the water producer to find a solution to reduce the level of bromates, but it’s quite a complicated problem.”
The following are the results of samples tested by SAUR and received back in the following districts, bromates in micrograms per litre: Concordia 21, Sandy Ground 109, Terres Basses 213, Hope Estate 107, French Quarter 124, Oyster Pond 168
The press conference did not give the impression that a solution will be found quickly despite assurances of complete transparency and efforts to resolve the crisis as soon as possible. St. Barths had the problem of bromates at the production stage, which was not the case in St. Martin.
In another development Préfète Sylvie Feucher will implement an “arrêté” to recommend testing of the water in the future throughout the network, although this is not an obligation.
Denux explained the production process is “good” raising the possibility to provide water without it going through the distribution network until the network problem is fixed that is. She added bromates are in the distribution network, mostly at the end of the network, far away from the production point, because of various contributing factors; the heat of the water, the Ph balance, or the disinfectant product. We are working on all these points because its multiple criteria.”
The last positive result for bromates was in 2016 when they were found at the production stage. At that time, it was easier to resolve the issue because at the production level there are standard procedures for corrective action, Denux said.
Commented President Gibbs: “I want the St. Martin people to know that we have taken measure of this crisis and that we are fully mobilized to resolve it as soon as possible. The analyses confirm the situation and we are still in the process of diagnosing the various components of water. This is a problem on which we have very little perspective since the reverse osmosis process, which makes it possible to desalinate seawater to make it drinkable, is a process on which there is very little scientific data and studies concerning Bromates.
“Etablissement des Eaux has asked its network of experts in France and abroad (engineers, chemists, researchers) to help us find the parameters to make the modifications for a return to normal. The Water Authority is therefore studying all the options that can help us to solve the problem. Among the possibilities, other methods of water disinfection could be considered.
“Saint Barthélemy has tested the chlorine dioxide method and has succeeded in significantly lowering the level of bromates in the water, but it can lead to other problems. It is necessary to be careful and avoid replacing the problem with another one and wait for the results of the research.
“What we know today is that bromate pollution occurs in the pipeline networks and not at the factory exit where the latest analyses by the ARS and SAUR have found the water to be in compliance with current standards. It is therefore during transport that bromates appear. This is an important point, because it means that the regulations are respected since the tests must be carried out at the factory. By going further than the regulations in force, the ARS has highlighted the presence of too many bromates in the pipes. We will therefore have to pool our research and find solutions together with the ARS.
“In the meantime, the measures taken under the precautionary principle are maintained: Do not drink the water, do not cook with it. However, water can be used for cleaning surfaces, toilets, washing clothes and dishes, showers while taking care not to swallow it.
“I repeat, it is important, there is no risk of absorption through the skin. I would also invite our listeners to stick to the factual information that is disseminated by the authorities. I know that there are many self-proclaimed experts on social networks, but beware of false information, all-out assumptions, untruths. We have been communicating regularly since we were alerted on June 20, I invite you to rely on the information provided by the authorities.
“On the subject of water distribution: At the moment, we do not have the financial means or the logistics to distribute water packs to our 37,000 inhabitants. We know that for many families, the situation is very complicated financially. It is also important for restaurateurs who have to cook with mineral water. It is a considerable cost for everyone and I am fully aware of that. We will see what can be done to respond to this emergency.
“Subject to an agreement with the ARS, we can consider the possibility of distributing water ex-factory since analyses show that there are no bromates at this level. If such a distribution is possible, we will make this known through the press. The equipment must be transported and the validity of the process must be ensured by the ARS.
“For the time being SAUR has purchased a sufficient stock of water to supply the priority areas: schools, school canteens, the hospital and the retirement home have been supplied with mineral water since Monday 24 June. The Solidarity and Families Department of the Collectivité also has a list of families in great difficulty who also receive water packs. I would like to remind you once again that the ban on water consumption is a precautionary measure and that instructions must be followed.”
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/88780-ars-latest-water-analysis-shows-no-acute-danger-to-population
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