Water supply of US town tainted with active ingredient in marijuana

Residents of a small town in the US state of Colorado have been warned not to drink or cook with tap water after the active ingredient in marijuana was detected in their water supply.

A sample of tap water in the town of Hugo was taken and results indicated the presence of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, the chemical responsible for most of marijuana's psychological effects.

One of the town's water wells had been tampered with, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, which added there was evidence of forced entry.

The positive results were detected by a field testing kit but more qualitative and quantitative testing will soon show a specific result, said Captain Michael Yowell of the Sheriff's Office.

Concerns regarding the water arose after a local company, which uses the field tests to check employees for THC, tested a sample of tap water which came back positive, Captain Yowell said.

The quantity of TCH that may be in the water is not yet known and any health effects from ingesting the water would depend on several factors including the contamination levels, how much water a person drinks and how long the person is drinking the water, said the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

THC does not dissolve easily in water, meaning if the test results were correct in showing TCH, there was a low chance anyone would experience the symptoms of a high.

The well which had evidence of tampering has since been sealed, and the town's water supply should be safe to use as normal within 48 hours when the lines have been flushed out.

Tap water is still considered safe for bathing, washing hands and dishes, cleaning, laundry and brushing teeth.

Water distribution has now begun in the town, with each resident entitled to take four bottles.

The Lincoln Community Hospital took to social media to tell people there was no need to present to the emergency department unless they were experiencing symptoms of marijuana ingestion including paranoia, fast heart rate and disorientation.

The FBI, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the Lincoln County Sherriff's Office are continuing to investigate the matter.

The sheriff's office said there had been no reports of anyone suffering symptoms from drinking town water.

Approximately 720 people live in the town of Hugo.

 

Author: 
ABC Australia