May 7, 2003 – During routine monitoring of drinking water quality on St. Thomas last month, 5 percent of the samples taken tested positive for "total coliform bacteria," the Water and Power Authority announced in a release on Wednesday. "The standard is that no more than one sample per month may do so," WAPA said.
The release did not state how many samples were taken overall or how many samples tested positive.
WAPA said the findings do not indicate an emergency, and that "you may drink the water." Further, it said, "this situation is now resolved."
The release said that after the samples tested positive, the utility "took additional samples for coliform bacteria, which all came back [from laboratory testing] negative."
Nonetheless, as a precaution, WAPA "increased chlorination and flushed the pipes in the distribution system to make sure bacteria were eliminated," the release said.
According to the release, "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."
The significance of coliforms being found in more samples than allowed "was a warning of potential problems," it said. "Usually, coliforms are a sign that there could be a problem with the system's treatment or distribution system."
WAPA advised that certain individuals, including infants, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, "may be at increased risk" because of the coliform levels. Such persons "should seek advice about drinking water from their health-care providers," the release stated. It also said that anyone with health concerns should "consult your doctor."
The authority said guidelines on reducing the risk of infection by microbes can be obtained by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
