The Water Department has issued a drinking water warning to the public after the E. coli bacteria were found in one of 22 weekly samples taken in the city’s water supply. “These bacteria can make you sick, and are a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems,” Ted Kaegael Jr., director of the department’s Division of Treatment and Resources, reported Friday. He said there is no need for the public to boil water or take other corrective actions. “However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor,” he stated. He said the Department of Environmental Protection determines that there is no need to boil water. Kaegael explained that bacterial contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source (such as after heavy rains); due to a break in the distribution system (pipes); as a result of hydrant flushing or if the water treatment process fails. As a result of the detected bacteria, the Water Department has increased the level of chlorine for additional disinfection in the treated water to ensure greater bacterial kill in the distribution system. The department also has re-sampled the single location (a sink in a small business at 588 Rodman St.) where the E. coli bacteria was detected on Thursday, and will sample multiple locations for chlorine levels over the next several days and will sample the regular 22 DEP-approved locations on Monday to monitor progress, Kaegael stated ...
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