Elk Grove Water District Discloses Positive Tests For Coliform Bacteria

August 6, 2015 | Elk Grove Water District ratepayers had an eye-opener when they received their monthly bill in recent days.  In...



August 6, 2015 |

Elk Grove Water District ratepayers had an eye-opener when they received their monthly bill in recent days. 

In a letter that accompanied their bill, district customers were notified that regular testing of water samples revealed a higher than normal pretense of coliform bacteria. Though the letter states the coliform itself naturally occurs in Elk Grove's water source and is not thought to be harmful, its presence indicates "other potentially-harmful bacteria may be present."

According to information on the California State Water Resources  Control Board website, "some coliforms may cause illness in humans, and the presence of coliforms at any concentration is an indication that other harmful micro-organisms may be present. E. coli, fecal coliforms, and other types of harmful bacteria are found in animal wastes, and when detected are indicators of water supply contamination. Ingestion of water containing coliform bacteria increases the risk of contracting a water-borne illness."

The EGWS's letter said that while test conducted on May 12 positively identified coliform, the more deadly E-coli bacteria test was negative. In accordance with sampling protocol, the test was repeated and results for both bacteria were negative.  

The letter stressed that at no time was water safety compromised and that the initial positive coliform result were likely derived from poor sampling conditions.  


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Hunter S. Thompson said...

Gonzo!

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