E. Coli Bacteria in Drinking Water in Refugio, TX: Water Boil Not Necessary  

E. Coli Bacteria in Drinking Water in Refugio, TX: Water Boil Not Necessary

E. coli bacteria was discovered in the water supply on November 20, 2019 in the city of Refugio, Texas after a sample from one of the water wells tested positive for the bacteria. City officials have said that the E. coli bacteria is indeed isolated to only one water well and that a water boil is not necessary. In a statement made by the Refugio Wastewater

Superintendent, Gabriel Morales stated:

“The Town of Refugio rotates water wells and the well that tested positive for E. coli bacteria had not been in use all night Wednesday. They received notice of the positive test sample Thursday morning before turning that well on, and are now supplying water from their Plasuela Water Plant instead of water from the infected well.”

The city will continue to use a secondary source of water while city workers clean and disinfect the contaminated water well.  Escherichia coli (E. Coli) bacteria can cause diarrhea if ingested and most healthy adults can recover easily from the illness. However, young children and the elderly, as well as those with a compromised immune system are more at risk for a potentially life-threatening kidney disease call Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). In this specific case, located in Refugio, Texas, the city officials feel that the E. coli bacteria was discovered before the towns people could be at risk, but it is important to educate the public. If there is concern of illness from the tainted water, contacting a health care provider is encouraged to help alleviated the symptoms.