LITITZ, PA — Several mouthwash flavoring agents that had leaked from a Johnson and Johnson McNeil Plant, which makes Listerine brand mouthwash, were found to be the source of the “minty mystery water” here, according to a February 12 WGAL 8 report.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection reported that officials at the mouthwash plant, located in Lititz, examined plant lines after samples of local water showed the presence of mouthwash flavoring agents in local public wells. The examination turned up a break in a 4-inch cast iron line and a leaking manhole gasket in the Listerine production area.
According to officials, who noted repairs to the system are complete, 7 gallons to 36 gallons of production wastewater were leaking into the ground every minute. No raw sewage was released into the environment, officials added.
The local water system in January had to shut down four public wells temporarily after its water began exhibiting a "minty" taste and odor.
Meanwhile, officials linked an unrelated discoloration in the water supply to the drilling of test wells for a geothermal heating and cooling system.
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