WEST PARIS — Elevated copper levels have been found in the town’s water and the problem is expected to be resolved in about two weeks, according to an Aug. 14 notice from the West Paris Water District.

The district is working on repairing a soda ash chemical feed pump that has been broken for approximately two months, which is expected to resolve the copper issue.

The notice says the copper levels have been measured at 4 milligrams per liter, well above the standard, or action level, of 1.3 milligrams per liter, set by the federal Environmental Protection Agency

However, the copper levels do not pose an “immediate risk,” according to the notice.

“Copper is an essential nutrient, but some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over a relatively short amount of time could experience gastrointestinal distress. Some people who drink water containing Copper in excess of the action level over many years could suffer liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson’s disease should consult their personal doctor,” the notice reads.

West Paris remains under a boil water notice from April 18

E. coli was also found in the water last month.

Repairs are underway and the issue is expected to be resolved by the end of the month.

According to the water district’s website, upgrades at the plant were completed on July 11. The district started adding chlorine to the water on July 24. 

“Customers may start to smell it. We are still working hard to get off this [boil water order] and making improvements,” the website says.

The rips in the tank which initially led to the boil water order have been repaired.

Once all water samples come back negative for bacteria, the district believes the Maine Drinking Water Program can lift the boil water order.