Contaminants found in Murfreesboro's water system
The Murfreesboro Water System issued a notice last week detailing how tests showed E. Coliform bacteria in water and how it violated a drinking water standard.
The violation occurred In August, while the water system was routinely monitoring for contaminants. One hundred and thirteen samples were taken to test for the presence of coliform bacteria, and at one site, a sample showed total coliform and E. Coli bacteria.
The department did not issue a Tier 1 Public notice nor did they notify the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Water Resources within 24 hours, it said, noting that the steps weren't completed due to an error.
Following the results of the testing, a sample from the original site as well as upstream and downstream sites were tested.
The upstream and downstream sites did not show E. Coli or total coliform bacteria during the initial testing. Follow up testing revealed the presence of total coliform but not E. Coli at the original site, officials said.
The water system's notice claims the finding is "not an emergency.
"Murfreesboro Water System water is safe to drink and for regular use," a statement from the water department said per its public communications director Mike Browning.
"Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this incident was not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we did to correct this situation."
What is E. Coli?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Escherichia coli, or E. coli, are bacteria found in the environment, foods and intestines of people and animals. Although most strains are harmless, others can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness, pneumonia and other illnesses.
The types of E. coli that can cause illnesses can be transmitted through contaminated water or food or through contact with animals or people, the CDC said.
Most people exposed to infection might start to feel sick 3-4 days after eating or drinking something that contains the bacteria. However, illnesses can take root anywhere from 1-10 days after exposure. Symptoms of E. coli infections vary for each person, however most get better within 5 to 7 days.
Infections can be mild, severe or life-threatening, the CDC said.
What is being done now?
The Murfreesboro Water System is having a third party complete a comprehensive assessment of the water system as well as monitoring and operational practices to identify and correct any causes of the contamination.
They are also reviewing all protocols and conducting additional training to prevent something similar from happening in the future.
What should you do?
According to the notice, no corrective actions, like boiling water, for example, should be taken.
Older people, infants and those with severely compromised immune systems may be at greater risk. It is recommended to consult your healthcare provider should you have specific health concerns.
Diana Leyva covers breaking and trending news for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Murfreesboro water tests positive for E. Coli bacteria
