The Salem Water Board said the water has a very high level of the water trihalomethanes, or TTHM. A water treatment by-product, TTHM is part of a family of chemicals that includes methane.

Salem should average should about 80 micrograms per liter. The city has almost 112.9 micrograms per liter.

"I'm very concerned," said Robert Andrews, a Salem resident. "My sister won't drink the water because of the way it tastes."

The letter stated Salem's water treatment plant is outdated and is unable to meet requirements without extensive remodeling.

According to the letter, "Some people...may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer."

City officials said Wednesday the water could have been contaminated for at least five years.

"What do you want me to do? Lie to them?" said Frank Robinette, the city manager. "We can't fix it!"

But Robinette said there's little to worry about.

"You could drink this water with this violation for up to 70 years before it could have an effect," he said. "There's nothing we can do about it because over a year ago, we went down to the infrastructure to get money to remodel the plant. And they said, 'No. You have to buy water from Sun Valley.'"

But it may be more than a year before Salem can hook up to the Sun Valley public service district. "I think they should be doing something or I shouldn't have to pay a water bill," Gum said.

The Harrison-Clarksburg Health Department did not have a sanitarian available. A representative said it hopes to have more information on this issue Thursday.