Attica residents warned water may have contained disease-causing organisms

ATTICA — Village of Attica water customers are being advised that elevated turbidity levels were detected in the village's drinking water late last year, according to a drinking water warning issued by the village. According to the release, a water sample taken Dec. 29, 2025, showed turbidity levels of 1.5 turbidity units, exceeding the drinking water standard of 0.3 turbidity units. Turbidity is monitored to determine how effectively the water supply is being filtered. "Because of these high levels of turbidity, there is an increased chance that the water may contain disease-causing organisms," the release states. Village officials acknowledged that Ohio EPA and consumers were not notified within the required 24-hour timeframe, as required by Ohio Administrative Code rules, which would have allowed residents to boil water during the affected period. The village stated that the water containing elevated turbidity levels has since been consumed and that there is no need to boil water currently being provided to taps. While turbidity itself has no direct health effects, the release notes that it can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Disease-causing organisms potentially associated with elevated turbidity include bacteria, viruses and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and headaches. Boiling water kills bacteria and other organisms, according to the release. People with severely compromised immune systems, infants and some elderly individuals may be at increased risk and are encouraged to seek advice from healthcare providers. The release also notes that such symptoms are not caused exclusively by drinking water, and individuals experiencing persistent symptoms should seek medical advice. Village officials said they are investigating the issue and taking steps to correct the problem. Mark Rosemark,Operator of Record, is listed as the contact for additional information and can be reached at voawater@bright.net. General guidelines on reducing the risk of infection by microbes are available through the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791. Residents are encouraged to share the information with others who may not have received the notice directly, including those in apartments, nursing homes, schools and businesses. The village's Public Water System ID is OH74000. The notice was distributed Jan. 14.