CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Nearly a dozen residents in Chillicothe have raised concerns about their drinking water in recent weeks, reporting issues ranging from discoloration and metallic tastes to strong chlorine odors and skin irritation.
The Ohio Atomic Press reached out to the city’s water treatment plant and Mayor’s office regarding the complaints. In response, the city of Chillicothe's Utilities Director said the city had received only one complaint in the past 30 days, which turned out to be related to a homeowner’s water heater in a vacant property.
They added that no new chemicals have been introduced, vendor sources have not changed, and the treatment process remains consistent. Discoloration, he noted, is the most common complaint the city receives, typically linked to the aging cast iron distribution pipes. Chlorine is used in the process as a disinfectant, which can sometimes account for odor.
In a follow-up, Chillicothe Mayor Luke Feeney asked for addresses connected to the complaints, noting that some residents with Chillicothe addresses may actually receive water from other sources outside the city’s system. “It may help us track down any possible issues,” Feeney said.
Chillicothe’s drinking water is sourced from deep wells in Yoctangee Park, just north of the shuttered paper plant. The Ohio EPA told the Ohio Atomic Press last week that it had not received any recent complaints regarding the city’s water supply.
A review of Ohio EPA records shows no recent violations at Chillicothe’s water treatment plant other than staffing-hour deficiencies. City officials continue to maintain that the water is safe.
This story is developing as more residents come forward.
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