Deep-Down Shock Wave Shakes Sediment Loose

POSTED: 7:17 a.m. CST November 7, 2002

CHICAGO -- Shock waves from the earthquake that rocked Alaska apparently shook loose sediment beneath the earth's surface in Illinois and several other states, leaving residents with dirty drinking water, officials said.

Experts believe seismic waves from the magnitude 7.9 quake traveled through bedrock and caused water levels in wells to change, stirring up silt and sediment that temporarily tainted the water.

"It looks more and more like the earthquake is responsible," said Ed Mehnert, a geo-hydrologist with the Illinois Geological Survey. "There's considerable energy released."

Geologists earlier this week said the earthquake also caused problems with wells in several states including Washington, Idaho, Louisiana and Wisconsin. In Iowa the earthquake caused the water from private wells to turn black.

The shock waves, which weren't felt on the surface, traveled about 2,800 miles from the quake's epicenter and hit northern Illinois about 4:35 p.m. Sunday, which was 25 minutes after the earthquake struck Alaska, Mehnert said.

"One neighbor had black water. Someone we knew complained about rusty water. We didn't have any water," said Beth Elmer, whose home in unincorporated Batavia was without water for more than an hour Monday. "It was bizarre."

-- Anonymous, November 07, 2002