The City of Kearney Water Production Division released a public notice to announce a violation of a drinking water microbiological standard this month. Two total coliform samples tested positive in October, for water systems that collect less than 40 samples per month, the standard is that only one sample per month may test positive for total coliforms.

What is total coliform? Coliform is a bacteria that can be found in the feces of warm-blooded animals in large numbers as well as an aquatic environment, soil or even vegetation. Coliform bacteria plays a role as an indicator for the presence of viruses, parasites and bacteria which derive from fecal origin. Coliform very rarely causes illness.

No need to worry, the notice is procedure as required. This is what part of the notice says,

“Usually Coliforms are a sign that there could be a problem with our treatment or distribution system pipes. Whenever we detect coliform bacteria in any sample, we do follow up testing to see if other bacteria of greater concern, such as fecal coliform or E.coli are present. We did not find fecal coliform or E.coli in the samples. All subsequent samples have been negative for total coliforms.

 

The City of Kearney Public Water Supply System is continuing to test and is working with the Nebraska Department of health and Human Services Drinking water program to identify the source of the problem and to return the water supply system to compliance.”

The notice also mentions that there is no need to boil your water. If you wish to see the public notice, click here.