Dangerous levels of caustic soda cause health scare

Investigations are underway in Mosgiel after dangerous levels of caustic soda entered the water supply yesterday.

The spill was detected at the town's swimming pool, which is near one of four water treatment plants.

In a repeat of a 1998 incident, an automatic caustic soda dosing unit at a water treatment station next to the town's swimming pool malfunctioned, injecting an overload into the system.

The pool was immediately closed while officials traced the source of the problem and how far the caustic soda had spread through the water supply.

Caustic soda is a highly corrosive chemical which can cause lasting damage if swallowed, left on the skin for long periods or rubbed into the eyes.

The pool was later reopened.

- NZPA