Once again Bellingham water customers will notice the smell of bleach (chlorine) in their tap water.
Our routine sampling during the month of July has shown the presences of total coliform bacteria at a few sampling sites; therefore as a precaution, we started to feed sodium hypochlorite as a disinfectant. We activated the disinfection systems on July 23rd and will keep it running until we get a few sets of clean samples.
We have been in touch with Mass Department of Environmental Protection as is the routine procedure when total coliform is detected. Apparently Bellingham is not alone in dealing with total coliform issues this summer. Many water suppliers in the State are experiencing total coliform detections. Although not officially determined to be the cause, it is fairly likely that the unusually high number of intense rain events is a contributing factor.
Total coliform bacteria are generally not harmful themselves. Coliforms are bacteria which are naturally present in the environment. They are used as an indicator that other, potentially-harmful, bacteria may be present.
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. All our follow up samples to date have confirmed that NO Fecal Coliform or E. Coli is present in our system or sources.
This is not an emergency, violation, or a serious health threat, but, below I have copied the health warning DEP suggests water suppliers publish when total coliform bacteria violations occur, as an FYI:
People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk from total coliform bacteria. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-(800)-426-4791.
Again this is not an emergency, violation, or serious health threat. We just want our water customers to understand why their tap water tastes and smells a little different right now.
A little bleach smell or taste means there is disinfectant in your tap water and if there is disinfectant present there are no bacteria.
| 
