Dell Rapids drinking water recently had two test sites that tested positive for coliform bacteria for the month of October. City Administrator Justin Weiland discussed the finding with members of the Dell Rapids City Council during their regular meeting on Monday, October 19th. A letter was also sent out to residents explaining the findings.
The letter stated that coliform bacteria are generally not harmful themselves and that this was not an emergency. Coliform bacteria is used more as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, bacteria may be present in the water. When Dell Rapids received reports of coliform bacteria numbers being higher than standard for two of the test sites, the city did follow-up testing to determine if other bacteria that was of a greater concern was present in the water. The additional testing did not find any of those bacteria.
The letter also stated that city employees immediately flushed the water lines following the positive tests. More testing was completed after the flushing was completed. The results from those tests came back negative for coliform. According to the letter, all indicators point to no bacteria in the water, but the city plans to continue testing and monitoring the area that had the failed tests to be certain the bacteria is fully removed.
The area that had the failed tests was in the area of the new water main replacement project. The new lines were tested for bacteria before the lines were connected, but it is believed that loose debris entered the pipe during the connecting of the lines causing the failed tests.
Residents are encouraged to still contact City Hall for additional information at 428-3595.