Contamination found in Ephrata water

EPHRATA - The discovery of an indicator bacteria in Ephrata's

water system during bi-weekly testing is being blamed on

construction.

The city found non-acute coliform at Ephrata City Hall during a

routine test of the system, a confirmation test found the bacteria

at the Amtrak station. The state Department of Health Web site

states the bacteria is not likely to cause illness.

EPHRATA - The discovery of an indicator bacteria in Ephrata's water system during bi-weekly testing is being blamed on construction.

The city found non-acute coliform at Ephrata City Hall during a routine test of the system, a confirmation test found the bacteria at the Amtrak station. The state Department of Health Web site states the bacteria is not likely to cause illness. Its presence can indicate other disease-causing bacteria.

City Administrator Wes Crago said the city did another test, including each well in operation, and didn't find any more harmful bacteria in the system.

"There's no need for anyone to take action, but the public has a right to know what we found," he said.

The likely cause of the contamination was the city's road and water project, Crago said. When the new pipes are added to existing pipes, it can dislodge scale and debris. The city flushed the area near the Amtrak station as an additional precaution. When it was tested again, no contamination was found.

"We've had this every year (of the project)," he said.

The city reported a similar incident in January 2009 when contamination was found in the area of Ivy Street Northeast.

The incident is not connected with a health advisory issued in April, when tests showed non-acute coliform and a single occurrence of Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli. An engineering study is ongoing examining the costs and methods of chlorinating the water.

"The city continues with increased monitoring and test of the water in our lines, at residences, in the reservoirs and directly from our wells," according to the city. "Ensuring safe and clean drinking water is the highest priority of the City of Ephrata Water Department."