What happens if total coliform bacteria are confirmed in my water?
If total coliform bacteria are confirmed in your drinking water, your water system should be inspected to find and eliminate any possible sources of contamination. Once the source is identified, it can usually be resolved by making system repairs, flushing, and adding chlorine for a short period of time. The state Health Department works with water systems and utility managers to help resolve such problems. When total coliform bacteria are confirmed in drinking water, a water system or utility is required to notify its customers within 30 days about the situation. The Health Department recommends that this notice be distributed as soon as possible. The notice will inform you of actions being taken to correct the problem, when the problem will likely be resolved, and what you may need to do until then. What happens if fecal coliform bacteria or E. coli are confirmed in my water? Confirmation of fecal coliform bacteria or E. coli in a water system indicates recent fecal contamination, wh
