Coliform Bacteria Found in Greendale Drinking Water

During routine water supply testing, the Water Utility detected the presence of coliform bacteria in the community's drinking water and are in violation of state and federal safe drinking water regulations.

The bacteria was found in water samples collected on Sept. 28 and Sept. 30, 2011. Confirmation of the presence of coliform bacteria was sent to the village on Oct. 1. Fecal coliform was not detected in any samples.

Ice, food, and any beverages prepared with unsafe water must be discarded. Greendale residents should boil or use commercially bottled water for drinking, food preparation, brushing teeth, making ice, and washing hands before eating. Water does not need to be boiled for showering. If you boil water, the water should be heated to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute before use. Ice should be made from boiled or bottled water.

The Greendale Water Utility is working to remedy this situation. Coliform bacteria are generally not harmful themselves. Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially-harmful, bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems.

Whenever coliform bacteria is detected in any sample, follow-up testing is done to see if other bacteria of greater concern, such as fecal coliform or E. coli, are present. Fecal coliform or E. coli was not found in the subsequent testing.

Questions regarding this precautionary boil/bottle water advisory should be directed to the Village of Greendale at 414-423-2100; the Greendale Water Utility at 414-423-2135; or the Greendale Health Department at 414-423-2110.

Click here for more of Greendale Patch's coverage of the situation.