Lacey MUA Finds Two Water Samples Test Positive For Coliform Bacteria

The Lacey Township Municipal Utilities Authority says there is no need for residents to boil water, after the discovery of coliform bacteria found in two of 30 samples taken in April.

However, the MUA says those with severely compromised immune systems, infants, women who are pregnant or
elderly may be at increased risk and should contact their physicians about drinking the water.

“The standard is no more than one (1) sample may test positive,” the MUA states on the township website, in a letter sent to customers. “Although this is not an emergency, as our customer, you have the right to know what happened.”

The presence of coliform bacteria is often a sign that there is a problem with the treatment or distribution system. The MUA did follow-up testing and did not find any evidence of the bacteria, according to the website.

“Whenever we detect coliform bacteria in any sample, we do follow-up testing to see if other bacteria of greater concern, such as fecal coliform or E. coli, are present,” the website states. ”We did not find any of these bacteria in our subsequent testing. If we had, we would have notified you immediately.”

The MUA has increased the free chlorine residual in the water distribution system as a precaution.

“The situation is now resolved,” according to the website. ”Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools and businesses. You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.”

For more information, please contact the Lacey MUA at (609) 693-8188 or at P.O Box 205, Forked River, NJ 08731.

General guidelines on ways to lessen risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.