Some Steubenville residents were alarmed after receiving notice that a contaminant in their drinking water could pose health risks.

But a local official called the notices "reckless" and said there is no cause for concern.

Residents received a notice by mail that said there are higher than normal rates of trihalomethanes in the water, a chemical caused from a reaction by using chlorine to keep the water clean.

The notice said some people could experience some health problems by drinking the water, citing a possible increased risk of cancer with longtime exposure. The flyer says the levels detected pose no immediate risk.

Rocky Augustine, city water superintendent, said residents should not be alarmed because this was a standard Environmental Protection Agency notice.

"I just find that this statement on here is reckless. I really think it is," Augustine said.

He said the wording is tricky.

"This language in here, you'll find this on every website, this type of language, it all says 'may.' It doesn't say 'does.' It says 'may,' and it says 'long-term use.' Define 'long-term use.'"

Augustine said he has information flyers available at his office for the public to learn more about the chemical.

He said the water will be tested again in the next three to four months.

Stay with NEWS9 for continuing coverage.

-Renee Cardelli & Natalie Pasquarella, NEWS9