Residents in Prescott, Wis., are being told to boil their water at least through the weekend after coliform bacteria were found in the city's water system, Mayor Mike Hunter said.
A water sample found coliform bacteria in one location of the water distribution system, he said. That site later tested fine, but a test on another site showed elevated coliform.
The tests show the contamination is not in the supply side, which consists of three wells and two water towers.
The city has increased chlorine concentration in its water system to eradicate the bacteria. All 1,800 households in the city are being notified, Hunter said.
Coliform bacteria are common in the environment and are generally not harmful, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. But the presence of these bacteria in drinking water is usually a result of a problem with the treatment system or the pipes that distribute water, indicating the water might be contaminated with disease-causing germs.
No fecal coliform or E. coli bacteria have been found. Those are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water might be contaminated with human or animal wastes.
JIM ANDERSON
