THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, June 3, 1995 TAG: 9506030375
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: BRIEFS
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Short : 34 lines
The sodium content in tap water in Chesapeake jumped Thursday when the city turned to a Western Branch well to augment its strained Northwest River supply.
The well water has 260 milligrams of sodium per liter (mg/l) - more than 10 times the amount of sodium recommended for those on severely restricted diets.
When blended with the river supply, the level rises in the Bowers Hill area to 160 mg/l; in Deep Creek to 110 mg/l, and to 99 mg/l citywide.
Those on severely restricted sodium diets - for example, some heart and kidney patients - are limited to 20 mg/l.
Cheaspeake officials advise water customers who are unsure about their sodium restrictions to consult doctors.
The well water may actually improve the taste of Chesapeake's water. Sodium, although potentially harmful, is tasteless. Water from the well actually is lower than the river water in chloride, which can give the water a brackish flavor but is not a health hazard.
Chloride levels in the city Friday were at 197 mg/l, which is below the federal taste threshold standard of 250 mg/l.
The city turned to the well because of increased demand and a low supply in the Northwest River. by CNB