Wareham Fire District Water Department
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Water Department Exceeds 5 Percent Allowable Monthly Total Coliform Limit - Initiates Voluntary Chlorination
WAREHAM, MA – 1/21/09 After consultation with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, the Wareham Fire District Water Department today decided to initiate a voluntary chlorination of the water system.
Unlike the e-coli contamination events experienced Labor Day 2007 and again in 2008 this is not an emergency, and there are no restrictions on the use of water.
The decision to chlorinate came after four samples taken Tuesday tested positive for total coliform bacteria, but negative for e-coli. Coliform bacteria is naturally present in the environment and generally not harmful.
The water department takes 5 to 7 samples weekly for bacteria. The standard is that no more than 5% of the samples taken in a month can test positive for total coliform.
When the 5% limit for total coliform is exceeded, it is considered a Tier 2 violation of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Tier 2 violations require public notification of the violation within 30 days of the violation.
Usually, coliform is a sign that there could be a problem within the distribution system pipes or water tanks. Chlorine is widely used in water systems to prevent the occurrence of coliform. Wareham does not normally add chlorine to its water.
Water department crews began introducing chlorine to disinfect the entire water system Wednesday afternoon after learning Tuesday’s samples tested positive for total coliform but negative for e-coli.
The chlorination will remain in effect until further notice, and does not affect the residents of Onset.
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