Officials: Water is safe following the train derailment
Volunteer Cory Brittain prepares to hand out free water in East Palestine, Ohio, as cleanup from the Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern train derailment continues, Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
The process of water traveling from above ground to below ground and beyond is a slow one, according to Patrick Burkhart, a geology professor at Slippery Rock University.
Because of this, residents with private wells are drinking water that’s months old every time they turn on their faucet.
“There’s months of lag time,” he said. “It’s unlikely you’re getting any recent rainwater.”
As government officials secure water-quality tests for Pennsylvania residents concerned about the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment affecting their private water supply, local scientists and environmental agencies assure them there is nothing to worry about.
