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CUC warns of contaminated water supply
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Posted on Aug 07 2008
The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. issued a drinking water warning yesterday, announcing that portions of the island are receiving drinking water contaminated with E. coli bacteria.
Water delivered to areas between Msgr. Guerrero Road, Msgr. Martinez Road and Dahon Drive was found contaminated Aug. 5, 2008, and confirmed so by repeat sampling the following day.
E. coli are dangerous bacteria that will sicken consumers and are particularly harmful to infants, small children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
The positive test results for the bacteria indicate the presence of human or animal waste in the water.
Utilities treatment operators recently discovered a broken chlorinator supply hose connecting the gas chlorinator to the distribution line. The break disrupted the treatment process, leaving the area’s water inadequately treated with chlorine.
CUC currently advises all consumers residing in affected areas to boil all non-bottled water. The boiling process will kill all dangerous bacteria present in the contaminated water. Only boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, ice making, teeth brushing, dish washing and food preparation.
CUC also suggested the use of chlorine bleach to disinfect contaminated water. Two drops of bleach should be used to disinfect one quart of clear water. Twice as much should be used to disinfect one quart of cloudy water.
The damaged hose was replaced yesterday morning and the affected lines were flushed until adequate chlorine treatment was detected throughout the distribution area. Additional samples were also collected yesterday, the results of which should be available by noon today.
Notice will be given when residents of the affected areas no longer need to boil non-bottled water. [B][I](Caroline Lochabay)[/I][/B]
