E. coli in Water: Water in Marshall, Washington Possibly Contaminated with E. Coli
The city of Marshall discovered possible E. Coli contamination in their water system while replacing the 40-year old water pump, two weeks ago.
When Marshall’s city-wide water pump stopped working, a crew was sent to install a new one. Routine water sampling tests after the new installation detected traces of E. Coli bacteria within the water. The Water Association will be performing additional tests to determine when the water is safe for use again. Meanwhile, all water use in the city has been cut-off except for boiled water used for flushing toilets. This is causing considerable hardship for the nearly 100 residents of Marshall.
The city of Marshall now temporarily relies on donations for drinking water as well as for other necessary tasks such as showers, laundry, teeth brushing, and cooking. Luckily, Marshall has been met with an outpouring of generosity from surrounding cities and stores such as Lowe’s Home Improvement Store. Hundreds of gallons of water have been donated to assist Marshall’s residents during the time of their water ban. Eastern Washington University has opened up its doors to the people of Marshall, offering showers and their locker rooms.
E. coli in Water: Drinking, Swimming, Sewage, Private Wells
It is times like these when the importance of having access to a clean water is truly understood and appreciated. When even one water source becomes contaminated, the whole city can fall susceptible to severe illness. This is why it is imperative for water sources to be tested regularly.
When E. Coli is found in a water source it means it has been contaminated with feces from either a human or an animal. The CDC says the most common causes of water source contamination “include sewage overflows, sewage systems that are not working properly, polluted storm water runoff, and agricultural runoff”. It is recommended to those with personal water wells to have them tested at least once a year to insure their safety. The CDC provides a list of State Certified Drinking Water Laboratories that can be contacted to test your water supply for free as well as other useful information regarding water safety and testing services.
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/private/wells/disease/e_coli.html
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/private/wells/testing.html
https://www.kxly.com/news/marshall-s-water-well-being-tested-for-contamination/1111291173
https://ronsimonassociates.com/foodpoisoning/e-coli-lawyer/
