E Coli Detected in Water Sample

A well on Worcester Street was immediately taken off line after e coli bacteria was detected in a Feb. 22 water sample, according to the

Residents are not required to boil water or take any other actions at this time, according to the district.

The well will remain offline for further evaluation and the system is being supplied by its other wells.

Water district personnel stressed that this is not an emergency situation.

The water delivered to Grafton taps through the distribution system is routinely treated with chlorine disinfectant, which provides a level of protection from bacterial contamination including fecal contaminants.

Samples collected Feb. 22 in the distribution system did not detect fecal contaminants, according to the water district.

Fecal indicators are microbes whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes.  Microbes in these wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms.

These symptoms are not caused only by organisms in drinking water.  If you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.

They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems, according to the district.

 These people may be at an increased risk and should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426-4791 or online at http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basicinformation/pathogens.cfm.

The district will continue to maintain chlorine levels throughout its system and monitor for the presence of fecal contaminants in the sources and distribution system to ensure the safety of the water supply.  

The water district has been in contact with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. The agency will evaluate the effectiveness of the steps taken and determine if any further action is required.

South Grafton Water District customers or private well users are not affected by this information. 

For more information and further updates, contact the Grafton Water District office at 508-839-2302 or visit www.graftonwaterdistrict.org.