Water Sample Shows Bacteria, Dept. Says

Tests on a sample of drinking water from the Holliston Water Department system showed the presence of E Coli bacteria, the department announced Friday. 

The department said one of 13 samples collected on Sept. 6, part of routine testing, tested positive for E coli bacteria, a result it received on Sept. 8.

A day later, a follow-up report showed total coliform bacteria present in samples from the Jennings Road Tank, which was immediately taken out of service.  

"Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard.  Although this is not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we are doing to correct this situation," the department wrote in press release.  

While no corrective actions are necessary by customers, the bacteria can make people sick and those with specific health concerns should contact their doctors, the department said. 

While the specific course of the contamination has not been identified, the department noted that runoff, such as that caused during heavy rains, which the area has seen plenty of recently, can cause contaminants to enter the groundwater system. 

In response to the results, the department has disinfected the tank on Jennings Road and will keep it out of service until additional testing is completed. 

 "We are in contact with Mass DEP who will evaluate the effectiveness of the steps taken to determine if any further action is required," the department said.