Mosaic holds public meeting about water quality

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Water, the most basic of resources has become Beth Sprague's biggest concern.

She, her husband and two small children live less than 5 miles, from the giant sinkhole that allowed millions of gallons of contaminated water into the state's main aquifer.

"We just bought this house we're planning on renovating and living here now we don't know what to do," she said.

She and dozens of others came looking for answers at a public meeting hosted by Mosaic officials.  It was held at the Fellowship Hall at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Bradley Junction.

Ironically it was held roughly 8 miles from the plant,  that's outside the 4 mile radius where homeowners' well-testing will continue.

"People here had questions so we wanted to answer them," said Mosaic's David Jellerson.

Richard Lariscy wonders if his water is truly safe to drink, despite being told it is.

"They told me it's up to EPA standards but my neighbors well is muddy and got radiation in it," he said.

"There are a lot of old wells jetted in shallow wells being used people should understand the age of their well," Jellerson said.

Sprague says she's among nearly 70 households with confirmed radioactive water in their wells but the DEP says it's not from Mosaic.  She's not so sure.

"I'm not happy about the situation at all I think they can do more," Sprague told FOX 13.

"We have more than 80 monitor wells on sight none of those wells have detected impact from this event," said Jellerson.  "We're trying to work with the community assure them our intention is everyone's drinking water remains safe," he added.

Mosaic will continue with well testing through 2018.  The company is set to begin sealing the hole in the coming weeks.