The City received word today that water samples taken in the High Zone section of our system tested positive for coliform bacteria, but negative for other bacteria forms. The City has chlorinated the high zone tank, are presently flushing hydrants, and will begin continuous chlorination in the high zone starting today. Per DEQ rules the following public notification will be mailed to all our customers even though the bad samples are confined to the high zone. None of the low zone samples taken tested positive for the bacteria. ~Submitted by Public Works Director Ken Gortsema
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Tests Show Coliform Bacteria in the City of Grangeville’s Water
Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this is not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we are doing to correct this situation.
Please note the positive samples were only in the High Zone section of our system. (South of Elk St., West of Idaho St., & South of Madison St.)
We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. We took 7 samples that were tested for coliform bacteria during the month of September. Four (4) of those samples showed the presence of coliform bacteria, which is a violation. The standard is that no more than 1 sample per month or 5 percent of our samples may do so.
What This Means
This is not an emergency. Total coliform bacteria are generally not harmful themselves.
Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems. Usually, coliforms are a sign that there could be a problem with the system’s treatment or distribution systems
What is the system doing?
Our system is currently adding chlorine, flushing the lines, and will be re-sampling.
What can I do to further protect myself?
You do not need to boil your water. People with severely compromised immune systems, families with infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk and may want to contact their health care provider for additional guidance.
Steps we are Taking
Usually, coliforms are a sign that there could be a problem with the treatment or distribution system (pipes). Whenever we detect coliform bacteria in any sample, we do follow-up testing to see if other bacteria of greater concern, such as fecal coliform or E. coli, are present – we have not found any of these bacteria in our subsequent testing. If we detect these organisms, you will be notified immediately.
We will inform you when our sampling shows that no bacteria are present. We anticipate resolving the problem within a few days.
For more information, please contact Ken Gortsema at City Hall at 983-1380.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and business). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
State Water System ID#: 225-0023. Date distributed: October 1, 2009.
