Why was the public not notified of the initial positive E. coli on Thursday, November 26?
A single positive E. coli result can indicate possible contamination in the water distribution system, but more often it can also be the result of a minor ‘transient’ bacteria that is not sufficient to be a threat to public health. It is also possible that it is the result of an error in the sample collection process. Notifying the public before an initial result is confirmed can be a cause for undue alarm in the public and have significant health and economic consequences on medical facilities and businesses. The Portland Water Bureau considers issuing a boil water notice to be a very serious matter. Other cities have seen an increase in emergency room visits for burns associated with boiling water when a notice has been issued. To provide the best protection to our customers the Portland Water Bureau closely coordinates with the State Public Health Division for guidance on when to issue public warnings.
