Low levels of benzene found in Jackson water well

A second round of testing has discovered one of Jackson’s seven water wells had a detectable level of benzene in the water.

However, Town of Jackson officials said the results of that sample were far below levels which require any sort of remediation efforts.

The sample exceeded the federal “method detection level” with a result of 1.6 micrograms per liter benzene. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the highest level allowed is 5 micrograms per liter.

The Town of Jackson said the water supply remains safe to drink. It said an EPA representative confirmed the concentration is just above the detection level but well below the maximum contaminant level.

Water Utility Manager John Ryan said EPA is not requiring any sort of remediation efforts, aside from an increase in the sampling and monitoring of water for elevated benzene levels. Ryan said, “The results of the most current water samples indicates that the Town’s water is completely safe to drink.”

High benzene levels were first discovered during testing conducted in November.

The Town will continue to actively monitor the situation.