EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A sample taken from an El Paso Water well located in the Lower Valley tested positive for E. coli on Tuesday, Nov. 19, according to El Paso Water.
The utility says that a raw water sample taken from a Lower Valley well tested positive for E. coli. The sample was taken before entering the disinfection process. The well is located on the 900 block of Kessler Drive, which serves customers in the Lower Valley and East El Paso.
“This type of detection is extremely rare within the EPWater system. The utility has an estimated 157 wells throughout the city and performs monthly tests of every well to assure water quality,” the utility said.
EPWater responded by taking the well out of service and disinfecting it on Wednesday, Nov. 20.
The utility says the water is safe to drink and this incident does not require a boil water notice.
“As a standard practice, the water pumped from this well is chlorinated before it enters the distribution system. EPWater tested chlorine levels at the time of the routine raw water sampling, and levels were within TCEQ guidelines for safe drinking water,” the utility said.
The utility says fecal indicators which are microbes in the water can indicate that the water may be contaminated with human or animal waste. These microbes can cause short-term health effects such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. This can also pose a health risk for infants, young children, elderly people, and those with severely compromised immune systems.
Those who are feeling ill or are experiencing these kinds of symptoms should seek medical advice.
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