DRINKING WATER NOTICE

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER

Tests Show Presence of Coliform Bacteria in
Ralph D. Kellam Conservation and Recreation Center’s Water

The Division of Public Health monitors for the presence of drinking water contaminants. They took two samples during June, 2005. Both of those samples showed the presence of total coliform bacteria. The standard is that no more than one sample per month may do so.

What This Means

• This is not an emergency. Total coliform bacteria are generally not harmful themselves.
• Coliforms are bacteria which 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 system.
• You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.
• People with severely compromised immune systems, infants and some elderly may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

Steps We Are Taking

Routine maintenance recently occurred and coliform bacteria may have been accidentally introduced in the drinking water system. The well and distribution system will be disinfected. You may notice the taste and odor of chlorine. We anticipate resolving this problem within two weeks.

We will inform you when additional samples show no coliform bacteria. We anticipate resolving the problem within thirty (30) days.

For more information, please contact Wayne Lehman of Ralph D. Kellam Conservation & Recreation Center at (302) 284-3114 or Anita Beckel, Environmental Health Specialist at (302) 741-8630.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly.

This notice is being sent to you by Ralph D. Kellam Conservation and Recreation Center.

State Water System ID#: N/A

Date Distributed: 8/16/05