New tests show no bacteria found in Rexburg’s water

UPDATE 10/2/17 5:30 p.m.: The City of Rexburg has received the third set of sample results from an independent lab for water testing.

All samples have come back negative for bacteria.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has also come and completed a level II assessment or separate analysis and rescinded the limited area boil order.

UPDATE 9/29/17 3:40 p.m.: The following is a release from the city of Rexburg.

The City of Rexburg Water Department conducts water sampling weekly at 8 different sample points that are representative of the entire water system. These samples are sent to an independent lab for testing and results of the sample testing are sent to the City and to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. On the morning of September 28th at 11:00 am the City and DEQ were notified that one of the samples, in the northwest section of the city, tested positive for E-coli. As a result, additional testing was performed and submitted.

The City of Rexburg has received the second set of sample results from an independent lab for water testing. All samples have come back negative for E-coli. One sample came back testing positive for Total Coliform. Because of this Total Coliform result, DEQ has contacted the City anew, after the initial Press Release on 09/29/2017 and issued a boil order for that select area in Rexburg. We have taken 35 samples this month and all other locations in the city have tested negative for bacteria.

Currently, only City buildings are affected by this boil order. (See map below)
These bacteria can make you sick, and are especially a concern for people with weakened immune systems.

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.

What should I do? What does this mean?

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute 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. E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Human pathogens in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, 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 healthcare providers about drinking this water.

What is being done?

The city will continue to test and flush the water system to ensure safety for our residents and compliance with all Idaho Department of Environmental Quality standards. We will inform you when tests show no bacteria are present and you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving the problem within 96 hours.

For more information, please contact Keith Davidson at 208-372-2320 or 35 N. 1st E. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by bacteria and other disease-causing organisms are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

This notice is being sent to you by The City of Rexburg. State Water System ID#: 7330022. Date distributed: 09/29/2017.

UPDATE 9/29/17 12:45 p.m.: The City of Rexburg has received the second set of sample results from an independent lab for water testing.

Officials report all samples have come back negative for E. coli.

The city said it will continue to test and flush the water system to ensure safety for our residents and compliance with all Idaho Department of Environmental Quality standards.

ORIGINAL:

The City of Rexburg Water Department reports one of its water samples from the northwest section of the city tested positive for E. coli Thursday.

The city conducts water sampling weekly at eight different sample points that represent the entire water system, and no other locations tested positive.

In the case of a positive sample, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality requires a resampling procedure which requires retesting of the failed sample point as well as multiple other locations in the vicinity, including City wells.

The City of Rexburg resampled the water Thursday morning and anticipates being notified with results by midday Friday.

Officials said currently there is no boil order in place.

Follow Local News 8 and KIDK Eyewitness News 3 as further information is released.