Lab Delayed Informing Ridgewood Of Contaminated Water

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — The lab that collected the water sample contaminated with E.coli collected it Tuesday, but did not inform Ridgewood Water of the contamination until Wednesday, officials said.

After being notified, officials notified customers of the contamination and consulted with the state Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding the notice, Richard Calbi Jr., Ridgewood Water director said in a press release.

The groundwater sample was taken from the water's low pressure zone, which includes parts of Ridgewood and Wyckoff and all of Glen Rock, Calbi said. This zone includes all of Glen Rock, Ridgewood south of Monte Vista Avenue and east of the rail line and in Wyckoff near Goffle Road, Hopper Avenue, Ravine Court and Ravine Avenue.

A map of the area the low pressure zone covers, which is where the sample containing E.coli was found. — Courtesy of Ridgewood Water

RELATED: E.Coli In Water Prompts Boil Advisory From Ridgewood Water

The sample tested positive for E.coli fecal indicators before it was treated and distributed into the water supply. Fecal indicators mean that the water may be contaminated with human or animal waste.

Water is disinfected before it is distributed. No distribution samples tested positive for E.coli or any other bacteria, said Calbi. The source water well has been shut down.

The DEP requires that all the customers in this zone be notified of the contamination.

Calbi said Wednesday at a council meeting that there is no E.coli outbreak in the area.

Customers should boil water for a minute before drinking it, washing or brushing their teeth or cooking with it, officials said.

The boil advisory should be lifted by Friday, he said.

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