E. coli found in Mohawk Utility Company water supply
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality said E. coli bacteria was found in the water supply of the Mohawk Utility Company last Wednesday, and now customers in that area are being urged to boil their water if they plan on using or drinking it.
The area serves about 200 customers in the Citrus City area near Wellton. It is an unincorporated area of East Yuma County. It is not to be confused with customers that are being served by the Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District.
ADEQ said repeat/confirmation samples were taken per ADEQ guidelines. One of the repeat samples collected was total coliform positive. These bacteria can make you sick, and is a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems.
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Bacterial contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source (for example, following heavy rains). It can also happen due to a break in the distribution system (pipes) or a failure in the water treatment process.
Customers in the area are being asked to bring all water to a rolling boil for one minute per 1,000 ft. elevation, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
According to ADEQ fecal coliforms and E. coli are bacteria 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. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune systems.
The symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice from their health care providers about drinking this water.
ADEQ is gathering further Information and will inform residents in the area when tests show no bacteria and residents in the area no longer need to boil their water.
For more information, please contact Kelly Lownds at 757-613-0101. 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.
The full press release can be found here.
