The city of Grand Prairie, Texas just recently was stuck in a sticky situation, having several areas under fire. However, firefighters were quick on the scene and were able to knock out the fires swiftly. Now, the city residents and even some living outside of the city are under a water advisory in which officials are telling them to “not use water.” The water advisory comes because, after fighting the fires in the city, foaming agents from the firefighter crew have been found in the water supply. This water advisory currently affects thousands of residents but could spread if they are not able to clean up the supply quickly. When they were approached for a comment as to how the fire foam contaminated the water in the first place, the local firefighters did not give any information.

The water advisory first went into effect late Tuesday evening.

According to experts, the foaming agent could cause gastrointestinal issues if ingested in a high quantity. However, this is not the only health concern that could arise. The foam could lead to far more serious, long term effects that we do not even know about currently. Experts advised that any contact of any sort could be dangerous. This includes contact with the skin, lungs, or eyes. So, this leaves many in a spot in which they do not have sufficient options for how to shower, use the bathroom, eat, or drink. Bottled water stations have been set up in the area to help tide over residents.

Part of the issue is that they do not know how the fire foam got into the water supply nor what the confines of the affected area are.

Because of the lack of knowledge on the issue, experts are struggling to advise how to proceed on the issue beyond not using the water. Additionally, they struggle to fight against the issue and clean up the water, as they have not officially mapped out where the affects are being felt. They have a rough guess, and that is where the “do not use water” advisory has been issued.

Contaminated water will reportedly have a fishy taste. It could be bitter and oily. Additionally, the water may appear cloudy when you look at it in a glass. If you are in the area under the advisory or are nearby and suspect your water is contaminated as well, do not drink, or use the water until you are told by officials that it is safe to do so once again.