Authorities at the city of Grimes, Iowa have told their residents to boil their drinking water after fecal coliform (or E. coli) bacteria were detected in mains water on August 3rd. These bacteria can cause illness, and serious illness among individuals with weakened immune systems.

Residents are being told to bring the water to the boil and keep it boiling for at least one minute, and then to let it cool before consuming it. People also have the option of purchasing bottled water, authorities added. Bottled or boiled water only should be used for drinking, washing dishes, preparing food, brushing teeth and making ice until further notice.

When Fecal Coliforms and E. coli are found in the water supply, it means it is likely to be contaminated with animal or human waste. Infection with these microbes can cause nausea, headaches, stomach cramps, and diarrhea, among other symptoms. Infants, young children, some elderly individuals, as well as those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.

A sample of tested water came back positive for coliform, which triggered further sampling. While the original sample proved to be clean, another sample came back positive for total coliform. On its website, the City of Grimes, wrote:

“It is of our belief that these negative results are isolated to the sampling sites and sampling methods but this precaution must be taken. We will inform you when tests show no bacteria and you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving the problem within 48 hrs.”

Residents wishing for more information can telephone Grimes Water at 515-202-9028, or email to srobinette@peopleservice.com.

The sample of water that came back positive for Fecal Coliform was from an outside faucet. Inspectors took a sample from the house next door and tests came back negative for Fecal Coliform but positive for Total Coliform.

Even though Total Coliform does not merit a boil order, the fact that there had been a positive test for Fecal Coliform, authorities have decided to go ahead with one. Further testing will be done on water samples from the inside faucets – those results should come back in about 38 to 48 hours.

The City of Grimes stresses that only one site was contaminated – an outdoor faucet. All the other samples came back negative.

Written by Christian Nordqvist