N.E.O.N.

MTBE and Englewood's water

Feb 16, 2000

There has been recent media coverage regarding MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) in the nation's water supplies. MTBE is used as an additive to gasoline to promote complete burning and reduce emissions.

The American Water Works Association reports that levels of MTBE have been found in many water supplies. The amounts found in most locations were below concentrations that could be considered harmful, but the fact that any amount was detected has initiated research. At this time, MTBE is not considered highly toxic, but a substantial amount of research is being conducted on its potential health risks. Last year, the United States Environmental Protection Agency recommended strengthening existing programs to reduce MTBE contaminated drinking water supplies.

Although some MTBE may enter surface water supplies from the atmosphere, street run-off, or boats, the greatest concern is leaking underground gasoline tanks, which tend to migrate to groundwater supplies (shallow ground wells). This is a cause for concern for areas where water supplies are processed primarily through ground wells. Because Englewood's only well is 1350 feet deep and in a protected aquifer, Utilities staff is confident that Englewood's well water supply has not been impacted. In addition, the new granular charcoal filters at the Allen Treatment Plant will remove a portion of any MTBE that might make its way into Englewood's water stream. Regardless, the City is planning a program to monitor the possible presence of MTBE from all potential sources