DRINKING WATER NOTICE

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER

Tests Show Presence of Coliform Bacteria
in White Clay Creek State Park, System 1’s Water

The Division of Public Health’s Office of Drinking Water monitors for the presence of drinking water contaminants. They took three (3) samples during October 2009. Three (3) samples showed the presence of total coliform bacteria. The standard is that no more than one sample per month may do so.

What This Means

• This is not an emergency. Total coliform bacteria are generally not harmful themselves.
• Coliforms are bacteria which are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially-harmful bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this is a warning of potential problems. Usually, coliforms are a sign that there could be a problem with the system’s treatment or distribution system.
• You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.
• People with severely compromised immune systems, infants and some elderly may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

Steps We Are Taking

DNREC is working with Public Health to have a continuous chlorination system installed by spring 2010. The water system will be closed for the winter, expect this issue to be resolve by April 2010.

We will inform you when additional samples show no coliform bacteria. For more information, please contact Nick Mcfadden of White Clay Creek State Park at (302) 368-6900 or Jim Richardson at the Office of Drinking Water at (302) 741-8581.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly.

This notice is being posted by White Clay Creek State Park

Public Water System #: DE0001942

Date Distributed: 10/19/09