Information Regarding Loss of Pressure and Coliform Sampling

Occasionally water systems may experience a loss of pressure due to a variety of reasons. Most often in our area, depressurization occurs during power outages. We take these situations very seriously and assure you that we are doing everything in our power to not only ensure that water services is restored, but that the water provided is safe and healthy. Although we take coliform samples regularly it is also important to sample during a loss of pressure. The following information applies to both low pressure sampling situations and routine sampling.

What are coliforms and what do they mean?

Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, bacteria may be present. Although a sample in which there are coliforms present do not represent an emergency situation but they do mean that there could be something wrong with the water treatment or distribution system and there for require immediate and special attention. Coliform bacteria are not cause for alarm, they do not signal an emergency situation, and they do not require a boil order.
*People with severely compromised immune systems, families with infants, and some elderly may be at risk and may want to contact their health care provider for additional guidance.

Along, with testing for coliforms we also test for other bacteria that are of much greater concern, such as fecal coliform, or E. coli. Please be assured that you will be informed immediately if these organisms are detected and given proper instruction on how to best handle the situation.

What steps are taken after a low pressure situation or a present coliform sample?

Immediately following a loss of water pressure bacteriological samples are taken by certified operators from many different areas of the water system. Samples are tested and the results available in 24 hrs. If samples come back absent of coliforms, customers will not be notified. In the case that a sample comes back positive, we will retest with a sample at the original location as well as two samples upstream and two samples down stream. Upon confirmation of a present sample we will disinfect and flush the lines, followed by another round of testing. You will be notified by mail if any test returns a positive result and also upon resolving any present sample situations.



TIPS DURING WATER OUTAGES
OR PERIODS OF LOW PRESSURE

           1. If you are experiencing water outages or low water pressure, discontinue any non-essential water usage. This includes all outdoor irrigation and car washing. Minimizing usage will reduce the potential for the water system to lose pressure or completely run out of water. Please notify your water system of the outage or low pressure.

2. If the water looks cloudy or dirty, you should not drink it. Upon return of normal water service, you should flush the hot and cold water lines until the water appears clear and the water quality returns to normal.

3. If you are concerned about the water quality or are uncertain of its safety, water can be boiled for one minute at a rolling boil to ensure its safety.

4. Use of home treatment devices does not guarantee the water supply is safe after low pressure situations.

5. Do not be alarmed if you experience higher than normal chlorine concentrations in your water supply. Often times, water utilities increase chlorine residuals in areas subject to low pressure or outages. The chlorine level will never be at an unsafe level for human consumption.


6. Your water system is committed to make certain that an adequate quantity of clean, wholesome, and potable water is delivered to you. We recommend that you discuss the information in this notice with members of your family to ensure that all family members are prepared should water outages or low water pressure occur.