E. Coli Found in Columbus City well, the Million Dollar Beach in New York, and a 12th hole fountain at Erin Hall where the U.S. Open is Hosted
Indiana Department of Environmental Management: E. Coli in Columbus City Water
Columbus City Utilities (CCU) was forced to disconnect a city well from the public water supply after a series of tests showed it contained contaminated E. coli bacteria. CCU had issued a 24-hour boil-water advisory this last weekend, cautioning residents to boil any water before using to prevent eh spread of the dangerous bacteria. Now, the tainted well is shut off from the public water supply, allowing CCU to lift the advisory. Keith Reeves, director of the public municipal water supply system, said that his department had received approval from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to lift the advisory:
“The Boil Water Advisory is lifted and customers in Columbus City Utilities service area can resume using tap water for all purposes. Columbus City Utilities water quality is proven safe”
The well was located at the Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgrounds, off of County Road 200 and Jonesville Road. At least five tests showed the presence of fecal material.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: E. Coli Found after Heavy Rain
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) that it had identified higher than acceptable levels of E.coli following heavy rains last week. The post-rain fears have led to a delay in the opening of the “Million Dollar Beach” on Saturday, June 17, 2017. The beach’s real name is “Lake George.” The NYDEC will continue to test the water samples and open the beach when the levels are deemed acceptable. The closure will remain in effect at least one week.
According to the NY DEC, testing is traditionally performed after each heavy rain. But in light of the high levels, routine testing will take place until the beach can be safely reopened. As part of its investigation, NYDEC will be looking for the source of the E. Coli that contaminated the water.
United States Golf Association on Alert as E. Coli found in Erin Hills Water Fountain
Visitors to the US Open will be provided free bottled water because following testing by the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department that was provided to the event organizers that showed the presence of E. Coli in a public fountain at Erin Hills. The fountain was located near the 12th hole. According to tournament officials with the United States Golf Association (USGA), no illnesses have been reported. USGA officials released the following announcement:
“The Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department notified the USGA that it identified evidence of E coli bacteria from a sample from one hydration station near the 12th hole at Erin Hills golf course. The water line to the hydration system was disconnected immediately and bottled water was provided to guests while we waited for the preliminary results to be confirmed by the public health department. The safety and security of our guests is of paramount importance to the USGA. Out of an abundance of caution, we will offer all guests complimentary bottled water at all four hydration stations throughout the duration of the championship.”
