Date:  Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Contact: Joy Goldenberg, Washington State Ferries communications, 206-515-3411

SEATTLE – The Ferries Division of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) said today it is informing employees that nine of 22 water dispensers in its Seattle headquarters building were incorrectly hooked up to the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system, but were immediately disconnected when discovered. This means water in those dispensers was “non-potable,” or not necessarily suitable for drinking.

The issue at the 2901 Third Ave. building was discovered in August by maintenance workers for the building property management firm, Martin Selig Real Estate. The Ferries Division immediately ordered the disconnection of the dispensers. They were first hooked up in September 2005 by Emerald City Water.

After the discovery, initial tests indicated higher levels of nitrites than the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard. A second, more rigorous sampling will be performed this week, with results expected in six weeks.

“We certainly understand that this information is concerning to employees,” said David Moseley, Washington State Ferries assistant secretary. “We want to make sure our employees know everything we know and have access to the experts to answer their questions. Until we get further test results, we will not know if there is reason for concern.”

The Ferries Division will have a toxicologist available next week at the building for employees with questions. It is not known how many employees may be affected.

WSDOT continues to investigate how the water dispenser service provider, Emerald City Water, could have made the improper connections.

More information about nitrites is available on the EPA website at http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basicinformation/nitrite.cfm.

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