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CRYSTAL FALLS -- City of Crystal Falls – Boil Water Notice

November 5, 2008

COLIFORM BACTERIA DETECTED IN WATER SUPPLY

Recent laboratory analysis of water samples collected from the City of Crystal Falls water system detected the presence of coliform bacteria in the water supply.  Coliform bacteria are generally not harmful and are common throughout our environment.

As a precautionary measure, all residents are advised to boil their water that will be used for drinking or cooking.  The water should be boiled for at least three minutes and allowed to cool in a covered container.  Bottled water or water obtained from another source known to be safe may be used as an alternative to boiling.  Please continue the use of boiled or bottled water until further notice.

A chlorine disinfectant will be added to the system, as a precautionary measure, as soon as possible.  Water mains will be flushed to distribute the chlorine disinfectant throughout the water system.  Samples are being collected to monitor the water quality.

The following section is required by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency:

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards and has determined that the presence of coliform bacteria is a possible health concern. Coliform bacteria are common in the environment and are generally not harmful themselves.  The presence of these bacteria in drinking water is generally the result of a problem with water treatment or the pipes which distribute the water, and indicates that the water may be contaminated with organisms that can cause disease.  Disease symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and possibly jaundice, and any associated headaches and fatigue. These symptoms, however, are not only associated with disease-causing organisms in drinking water, but may also be caused by a number of factors other than your drinking water. The EPA has set an enforceable drinking water standard for coliform bacteria to reduce the risk of these adverse health effects.  Under this standard, no more than 5.0 percent of the samples collected during a month can contain these bacteria. However, systems which routinely collect fewer than 40 samples per month may have 1 (one) total coliform-positive sample per month and not violate the standard. Drinking water which meets this standard is usually not associated with a health risk (from disease-causing bacteria) and should be considered safe.

If you have questions, you may call Mr. Chuck Nordeman at 906-875-6650 ext. 101.