DRINKING WATER NOTICE

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER

Tests Show Presence of Coliform Bacteria
in ILC Dover’s Water

Artesian Water Company routinely monitors for the presence of drinking water contaminants. They took five (5) samples during April 2011. Three (3) 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

The well and distribution system will be disinfected.  You may notice the taste and odor of chlorine for some time.

We will inform you when additional samples show no coliform bacteria. We anticipate resolving the problem within two weeks.

For more information, please contact Chad Hall of ILC Dover at (302) 453-6952 or Kevin W. Cottman, Environmental Health Specialist II with the Office of Drinking Water at (302) 741-8582.

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 ILC Dover.

Public Water System ID#: DE0000141

Date Distributed: 04/18/11