Dufur Public Works humping after drinking water tests positive for E. coli; boil-notice in effect
By Tom Peterson
The City of Dufur has a boil-water notice in effect for local residents after receiving a positive test for E. coli at a single testing site on Nov. 1, according to Public Works Superintendent Brandon Beauchamp.
Beauchamp said today, Nov. 2, at 1:45 p.m. that they had shocked the well with chlorine and were flushing pipes to kill and remove the bacteria from the system.
In the meantime, residents using City water are asked to boil their water before using it to ensure it is safe for consumption.
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,” according to a City of Dufur press release. “They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly and people with severely compromised immune systems.”
Beauchamp said they received notice on Nov. 1 from the water lab that the water tested positive for the bacteria.
After public works complete the flush, additional water samples will be collected today and taken to the Water Lab at Wix Water Treatment Plant on Mill Creek Road in The Dalles.
Beauchamp said it will take 24 hours before he gets the results - at the earliest sometime on Wednesday, Nov. 3.
The Dufur School District shut school today, Nov. 2 and Nov. 3 due to the boil-water order.
“The water is good as long as you boil it,” Beauchamp said.
“As our customers, you have the right to know what happened and what we are doing to correct the situation,” said the City press release. “One of three samples that were taken came back positive for total coliforms and E. coli. The one sample taken by the park was the one that came back positive…”
Click here to read the City press release.
