MONROE - The Wisconsin Lab of Hygiene informed the Monroe Water Utility Sept. 22 and Sept. 23 that water samples from city sites and well entry points were retested and are free of the bacteria Coliform.
Coliform bacteria are found naturally in the environment and are not generally harmful themselves, but are used by the state as indicators that more harmful bacteria could be present.
On May 17, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) informed the Monroe Water Utility that two samples taken during its routine sampling tested positive for Coliform bacteria.
No other types of bacteria were found in these samples.
Because two different samples tested positive for Coliform in the same sampling cycle, the sampling was considered to have exceeded the MCL (maximum contaminant level) allowable by DNR, according to Water Utility Supervisor Mike Kennison.
However, the contaminated samples were also found to have an acceptable amount of chlorine in them, which indicated that the samples had been accidentally contaminated at the time of their collection, said Kennison.
Even so, exceeding the MCL required the city to retest on new samples.
Until new sample tests came back negative for Coliform, Kennison said the utility increased its chlorine injection to ensure public safety.
By DNR rules, the utility is required to take repeat samples at the potentially unsafe sites and at all well entry points to ensure that the water being pumped into the system is safe. DNR rules also requires the utility to send out public notices to inform their customers of the MCL.
Anyone needing additional information can contact Mike Kennison at 329-2485.
Coliform bacteria are found naturally in the environment and are not generally harmful themselves, but are used by the state as indicators that more harmful bacteria could be present.
On May 17, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) informed the Monroe Water Utility that two samples taken during its routine sampling tested positive for Coliform bacteria.
No other types of bacteria were found in these samples.
Because two different samples tested positive for Coliform in the same sampling cycle, the sampling was considered to have exceeded the MCL (maximum contaminant level) allowable by DNR, according to Water Utility Supervisor Mike Kennison.
However, the contaminated samples were also found to have an acceptable amount of chlorine in them, which indicated that the samples had been accidentally contaminated at the time of their collection, said Kennison.
Even so, exceeding the MCL required the city to retest on new samples.
Until new sample tests came back negative for Coliform, Kennison said the utility increased its chlorine injection to ensure public safety.
By DNR rules, the utility is required to take repeat samples at the potentially unsafe sites and at all well entry points to ensure that the water being pumped into the system is safe. DNR rules also requires the utility to send out public notices to inform their customers of the MCL.
Anyone needing additional information can contact Mike Kennison at 329-2485.