Former BexarMet Water Well Sample Tests Positive for E. Coli Bacteria
(4/6/12)
During standard water quality sampling, a raw water sample from a well located at Tippecanoe and Filmore indicated the presence of E. coli bacteria. SAWS immediately removed that well from service.
This well is part of the former BexarMet’s water system in west San Antonio, located between W. Military and Loop 1604, south of Marbach and north of Highway 90 West. The system serves approximately 19,000 connections.
Wells produce raw water, which is water from a well before being disinfected, and before entering the distribution system. All raw water is disinfected before entering the distribution system as finished water for customers. SAWS collects about 60 finished water samples each month from this water system, and about 300 finished water samples each month from all of the former BexarMet water systems. None of these samples indicate the presence of E. coli.
"We are constantly testing San Antonio’s water to ensure it is high quality. Finding this result and responding to it is the process of ensuring safe drinking water," said Steve Clouse, SAWS chief operating officer and senior vice president.
This is not a boil water notice. Customers do not need to treat their drinking water, or take any other action, prior to consumption. SAWS will investigate the possible source of the bacteria, disinfect the well and conduct further testing before returning the well to service.
Under the Groundwater Rule established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, SAWS will provide public notice if a water well tests positive for E. coli or fecal bacteria.
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