No Bacteria Found in Latest Holliston Water Testing, Outdoor Water Ban Continues

The Holliston Water Department announced Friday afternoon that the latest round of tests at 15 sample locations came back with no finding of bacteria.

The tests were taken Thursday after a round of tests taken Wednesday revealed 5 of 15 samples had coliform bacteria, although not the more concerning e. coli, according to the Holliston Water Department.

The trouble began over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, with the failure of an electrical component in a pumping system at the Dopping Brook treatment plant. That repair work was expected to be completed soon, but the lack of a pump left the water tanks low in town.

On Wednesday, the town ordered a ban on outdoor watering with some exceptions, including for new landscaping or vegetable gardens.

It stepped that up on Thursday to a total outdoor watering ban, no exceptions, after  receiving the test results that showed bacteria in five of the 15 samples.

The town has been in contact with the state Department of Environmental Protection, and has added more chlorine to the drinking water system since receiving the report of the violation of drinking water standards.

Until further notice, the outdoor watering ban will continue.