City: Tap Water Safe To Drink After Chemical Spill
Chemical accident at water treatment plant raised fears.
A chemical accident at the City of Minneapolis Water Works in Columbia Heights yesterday afternoon, causing staff members to evacuate the building, but city tap water is safe to drink according to a city spokesperson. The accident, which sent Minneapolis, Fridley and Columbia Heights fire department personnel racing to the scene in silver HAZMAT suits, did not at any time risk contamination of the water supply, he said in a written statement. No injuries were reported among treatment plat staff or first responders. According to the Star-Tribune, crews accidentally mixed chemicals used to clean the filtration systems: 6,000 gallons of hydrochloric acid and 500 gallons ofcaustic soda, also known as lye. The two react, producing sodium …
