Tests continue to show bacteria in Canton water

The Canton water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this is not an emergency, customers have a right to know what happened, what they should do, and what the town is doing to correct this situation.

The Water Department routinely monitors for the presence of drinking water contaminants. During the month of September, six of the 58 samples tested showed the presence of coliform bacteria. The standard is that no more than one sample per month may do so.

* You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. 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. 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.

Total coliform bacteria are generally not harmful themselves. They 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 (pipes). Whenever coliform bacteria is detected in any sample, the Water Department conducts follow-up testing to see if other bacteria of greater concern, such as fecal coliform or E. coli, are present. Subsequent testing found none of these other bacteria. Otherwise, the town would have notified residents immediately.

The town is still working with its treatment plants water flows. The Water Department will continue to monitor chlorine residuals in the distribution system to maintain safe drinking water. They are still detecting coliform bacteria but will inform residents when testing shows that no bacteria are present. The department anticipates resolving the problem within 30 days.

For more information, please contact Dennis Morton at 781-821-5017 or by mail to the Canton Water Department, 801 Washington St., Canton, MA 02021.

Submitted by the Canton Water Department

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=16650

Posted by Canton Citizen on Oct 10 2012. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.