Error resulted in boil water notice

Nearly 14,000 Bear Creek water customers east oof I-55 were under a boil water notice over the weekend due to what officials now believe was a sampling error. 

Bear Creek Water was notified late Friday afternoon Aug. 14 by the State Department of Health of the need for a boil water notice for about 14,243 customers on the east side of I-55 in Madison County. The ban was lifted around lunchtime on Monday, Aug. 17. 

“Water from this system is now safe to drink,” a release from the state department of health said.

Bear Creek Water Association General Manager Nolan Williamson said that they immediately got the word out.

“We immediately followed protocol of notification through TV stations, various social media outlets, and our email alert system,” Williamson said. “We followed the instructed sampling protocol throughout the weekend, and the Boil Water Notice was lifted.” 

Williamson said that they took all necessary precautions but believe the ban to be a result of a sampling error.

“The Boil Water Notice was required due to a failed routine sample,” Williamson said. “Because our other samples passed, and because our samples passed throughout the weekend, we strongly feel that the cause of the failed sample was a sampling error.” 

MSDH said that water sampling showed the presence of E. coli. and total coli form bacteria. Fecal coliforms and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term effects such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms. The presence of these bacteria in water generally results from a problem with the treatment process or pipes which distribute the water.

Williams said that they do not believe that their water was ever compromised.

“We do not feel that the water was contaminated nor were our customers at risk,” Williamson said. “However, we took the necessary precautions because the health and safety of our customers is our primary concern. We also appreciate the Health Department’s assistance throughout the weekend.”

MSDH officials do recommend that after the notice was lifted that customers flush their faucets for about ten minutes to introduce water throughout the house plumbing system. Dishwashers should be run and any ice or drinks made should be thrown out.