FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 29, 2004

Press Contact:  
            Jay Eaton, Tumwater Public Works— (360) 754-4140
          Denise Lahmann, WA State Dept. of Health—  (360) 664-0768

TUMWATER DRINKING WATER

Tumwater, WA—City of Tumwater staff and Washington State Department of Health officials met last week to discuss recent test results indicating the presence of coliform bacteria at low levels in the Tumwater water system.  No E.coli or fecal coliform bacteria have been detected.  Follow-up tests have been encouraging, suggesting that the coliform levels are diminishing.  However, as a precautionary measure, the City will implement temporary disinfection in order to remove any remaining coliform bacteria.  Further investigative testing will also be done to try to locate the cause and to verify the effectiveness of the treatment.

 Results from drinking water system sampling suggest that low levels of coliform bacteria are present at different locations in the distribution system.

 Public Works crews will be installing the necessary equipment in early November to begin the temporary disinfection program.  Over the next two months, the water system will be disinfected with low levels of chlorine and continuously monitored and retested.  Until follow-up tests confirm that disinfection is successful, the system will receive low doses of chlorine.  Customers may notice a change in the aesthetic quality of the water including taste and odor. 

 “Tumwater has chosen to take aggressive action to investigate this incident of total coliform bacteria, and will be chlorinating to make sure it is completely removed,” according to Denise Lahmann, Regional Manager with the Washington State Department of Health Office of Drinking Water, Southwest Regional Operations.  “We support the City’s efforts to do investigative sampling, continue its routine testing and take action to remedy this water quality problem in order to protect the health of its customers and visitors.”

Coliforms are bacteria that are normally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, bacteria may be present.  State law requires water utilities to report any findings of total coliform bacteria to water customers within 30 days.  The Tumwater water utility is responding by sending out over 5,500 notices to customers.

 Water customers do not need to boil water or drink bottled water when total coliform bacteria are present in the drinking water.  No fecal coliform or E.coli bacteria have been detected.  The water is considered safe to drink.  People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly persons may wish to contact their health care provider during normal business hours for additional guidance.

 Tumwater Water customers wanting additional information can call Tumwater Water Resources at 754-4140 or visit the City of Tumwater website at www.ci.tumwater.wa.us.  Customers may also contact the Department of Health Office of Drinking Water, Southwest Regional Operations at (360) 664-0768.

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Updated: 06/21/2005