The Wait Continues for Safe Tap Water in West Virginia

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/12/us/the-wait-continues-for-safe-tap-water-in-west-virginia.html?ref=science&_r=0
On Thursday an estimated 7,500 gallons of 4-methylcyclohexane methanol was spilled into the Elk River in West Virginia.  The chemical, used in coal preparation, causes skin irritation, headaches and difficulty breathing.  All residents in Charleston West Virginia are unable to use tap water in any way as it can possibly be detrimental to their health.  Over 370,000 gallons of clean water were brought into Charleston and the surrounding area by Saturday alone, and it is unknown how much longer they will be without usable tap water.  The amount of the chemical had dropped below one ppm in certain areas, meaning its safe, however there were other areas with tests done where the amount was still too high, being above this one ppm threshold.