Fort Pierce Boil Water Advisory in effect after water contamination found

UPDATE: 

Scott Taylor, City of St. George Water Sources Director, stated that the second test for bacteria in the drinking water in the Fort Pearce area came back  negative, with no bacteria present in the water system. The Utah State Division of Drinking Water has been notified and the ‘Boiling Order’ for the area has been lifted. Residents in the area are being advised however, (as a precaution) to run their faucets for 10 to 15 minutes before drinking the water.

Original Story:

During a water quality test over the weekend, authorities in Washington County discovered a bacteria in the water distribution system. This bacteria was located in the Fort Pierce Industrial Park. The bacteria discovered is fecal coliform bacteria. Officials say the city’s Water Services Department confirmed the presence of the bacteria. This has resulted in a “Boil Water Advisory” for those who live in the Fort Pierce area. Residents are advised to either drink bottled water or boil their drinking water until the Boil Water Advisory has been lifted

According to the EPA, the coliform is a bacteria that dwells in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, and fecal coliform is a type of bacteria that comes from human or animal waste. The presence of fecal coliform bacteria in aquatic environments indicates that the water has been contaminated with the fecal material of man or other animals. At the time this occurred, the source water may have been contaminated by pathogens or disease producing bacteria or viruses which can also exist in fecal material. Some waterborne pathogenic diseases include typhoid fever, viral and bacterial gastroenteritis and hepatitis A. The presence of fecal contamination is an indicator that a potential health risk exists for individuals exposed to this water. Fecal coliform bacteria may occur in ambient water as a result of the overflow of domestic sewage or nonpoint sources of human and animal waste.

Scott Taylor, Water Services Director for the City of St.George, told the The Independent, “During routine water testing which includes 85 sample sites around the city, one site failed in the Fort Pierce Industrial area. A repeat sample in the same area also indicated the presence of the bacteria. Other samples around the area including Little Valley, Bloomington Hills and others came back clear.”

Taylor stated that when the bacteria was confirmed in the one area, the Utah State Division of Drinking Water was notified, as well as the public, which resulted in the “Boil Water Advisory” for the Fort Pierce area. All retests in the area have come back negative. St. George Water Services has dealt with the problem aggressively, using chlorine and flushing the water system, which leads authorities to believe that there will not be any additional problems.

Taylor added, “They believe the cause of the contamination was the site itself, but the city erred on the side of caution. ”

The Fort Pierce Boil Water Advisory may be lifted as soon as tomorrow afternoon.

For more information, contact the City of St. George Water Services Department at (435) 627-4800