The agency is using an administrative order signed last year to make sure that promised upgrades to the municipal system occur in a timely fashion. The drinking water is safe for the general population to drink. As in all cases, people with suppressed immune systems or other special medical needs need to consult with their health providers about additional safety measures. No harmful coliform bacteria has been found in the Districts's drinking water samples since October 16, 1996. Federal drinking water standards were violated during June, July and August, 1996.
Officials say that the reduction of coliform bacteria in the water is due to colder weather.
The concentration of chlorine, increased during the summer to help kill dangerous bacteria, is now down to 2.6 parts per million at both the Delcarlia and MacMillan reservoirs, from a summer high of 4.0 parts per million. This work will take millions of dollars and many years, but we will stay on track. The agency continues to enforce the provisions of last July's Administrative Order. EPA recently received additional details from the District about financial resources, reservoir cleaning and the public notification process as well as other steps taken and to be taken in the future under the requirements of the order.