E Coli Detected in Water Sample

The following information was submitted by the

E coli bacteria has been detected in a water sample collected June 28 from the Worcester Street well, the Grafton Water District has reported.

The well was immediately taken off line.

Residents do not have to boil water or take any other corrective action. The water delivered to residents’ taps is routinely treated with chlorine disinfectant, which provides a level of protection from bacterial contamination, including fecal contaminants, the district reported.

Samples collected June 28 in the distribution system after treatment did not detect any fecal contaminants.

Even though none of the chlorinated samples tested positive, the district’s chlorine disinfection system has not been certified by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection as 4-log compliant as required by the new regulation, the Ground Water Rule (GWR). 

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

These symptoms can also be caused by issues unrelated to drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, or, if you have specific health concerns, you may want to discuss such concerns with your doctor.  

General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or online at http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basicinformation/pathogens.cfm.