LEOMINSTER — The city water system was notified July 13 that a source water sample that was collected, prior to treatment, the day before from the southeast wellfield tested positive for E.coli, which is a fecal indicator. However, the city indicated that this is not an emergency and water customers do not need to boil water or take other corrective actions at this time.
Fecal indicators are used to detect ground water sources that may be susceptible to fecal contamination which may contain harmful viruses or bacteria. This wellfield was taken off-line on July 13, 2023.
The water delivered to taps through the distribution system is disinfected with chlorine to kill viruses and bacteria, including E.coli. The city noted that samples, dated July 11 and 12, that were collected after chlorine treatment did not detect any fecal contaminants.
The southeast wellfield consists of three wells which are the only groundwater sources that serve the system. There are three other surface water reservoirs which supply water to the city’s water system. The city is conducting additional sampling to evaluate the extent of potential fecal contamination and will take further actions as necessary.
The wellfield will remain offline for further evaluation and the system is undergoing repeat testing and evaluation to determine if the current level of treatment is adequate or if additional corrective actions are necessary to reduce the risk of potential fecal contamination in the drinking water supply.
