Aqua Ohio officials tell Jordan Miller News that a small chemical reaction occurred Monday morning at the company’s water treatment facility on 3rd Street Northwest in Massillon, prompting an evacuation as a precaution.
According to Aqua Ohio, at approximately 8 a.m., while a delivery of treatment chemicals was being accepted, chlorine and fluoride were inadvertently mixed outside the plant, generating a limited amount of chlorine gas. The delivery driver was transported to a medical facility for evaluation, while no Aqua employees were injured.
Aqua Ohio said the drinking water is safe to use as normal and treatment operations are being controlled remotely. Local fire officials, the Ohio EPA, and hazardous materials crews responded to the scene. The plant and two nearby businesses were evacuated as a precaution.
Chlorine gas levels were measured at 1 part per million at the edge of the evacuation zone—below hazardous levels—and have continued to dissipate, according to the company. Aqua Ohio said an investigation is underway, and cleanup will begin once officials declare the area safe for re-entry. An internal review will also be conducted to ensure proper protocols are followed in the future.
Massillon Fire Chief Matt Heck told Jordan Miller News that the off-gassing was contained to a tank and that air contamination was minimal, with readings between 0 and 0.2 parts per million. He confirmed that no boil advisory was necessary because the water supply was unaffected.
The incident was managed by 8:04 a.m., with assistance from the Stark County Hazmat Team and Jackson Township Fire Department. Cleanup and continued air monitoring are ongoing to ensure safety in the area.
Customers with questions can contact Aqua Ohio’s customer service team at 877-987-2782.
