DPH releases warning about possible bottled water contamination

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is warning the public to check 3-gallon and 5-gallon water bottles after a child fell ill from possible water contamination.

The public should check any bottles purchased since Nov. 1 for possible gasoline odors prior to using them. The warning only applies to 3-gallon and 5-gallon bottles.

Bottle companies detected the contamination after gasoline residue or fumes were detected in some returned water bottles. The contamination may be a result of Hurricane Sandy.

Officials say during the gasoline shortage following the hurricane, residents in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut transported gasoline in the large water containers. Despite tests designed to detect and block these bottles from reuse, a small number of the bottles made it back into circulation.

The DPH says an Essex County child fell ill in February from the contamination. They were treated at a local emergency department after consuming water from a 5-gallon Poland Spring bottle originating from the bottling plant in Framingham. The child was later released.

The exposure levels are not likely to result in long-term health problems. However, the chemicals can cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting when ingested.

The DPH says anyone who smells gasoline in their bottle should contact their bottle provider and arrange for a replacement. They are working alongside the FDA to resolve the issue.

Cox Media Group