Tests show coliform bacteria in Canton water

The town water system recently violated a drinking water standard, according to the Canton DPW’s Water Division.

During routine testing last month, three of the 47 samples showed the presence of total coliform bacteria and one tested positive for E. coli. The standard is that no more than one sample per month may do so.

Residents do not need to boil their water or take other corrective actions. However, anyone with specific health concerns should consult his or her doctor.

Coliform bacteria are naturally present in the environment and are generally not harmful themselves. However, they are used as an indicator that other potentially harmful bacteria may be present.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly people may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

According to a press release, coliform was detected at one of the water tanks and also at a routine distribution site, and flushing and monitoring were done at both sites. E. coli was detected at another water tank, and the tank was resampled immediately and isolated from the system. The tank was then drained and inspected, refilled and resampled before it was returned to service.

The Water Division has since conducted follow-up testing of the town water system. According to Water Supervisor Dennis Morton, “We did not find any of these bacteria in our subsequent testing, and further testing shows that this problem has been resolved.”

For more information, contact Morton at 781-821-5017.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Sep 5 2013. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.