Alaska News

Haines public water system tests positive for E. coli

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and officials with the Southeast Alaska community of Haines said water from the Haines Borough public water system tested positive for E. coli during routine sampling earlier this week.

Residents utilizing the public water system have been placed on a boil-water notice, with officials advising residents to boil any water intended for cooking or consumption for two minutes before ingesting.

"Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice," the document said.

One out of two standard bacterial tests collected earlier this week tested positive for the bacteria, the notice said. The sample in question was collected on June 22, with the positive test reported to the DEC and Haines officials on June 24.

Cindy Christian, program manager for the DEC's Drinking Water Program, said that every public water system in Alaska is required to be sampled regularly for coliform bacteria. When samples come back positive for E. coli, it's often a mistake, Christian said.

"Most of the samples we get back that test positive for E. coli turn out to be sampling error," Christian said. "We can't make that assumption, though."

E. coli in the water is a sign the water could be contaminated by human or animal waste. The bacteria can cause a variety of ailments, including severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or headaches. The biggest risk is to infants and children, or those with compromised immune systems, the notice said.

ADVERTISEMENT

About 1,500 people are connected to the Haines Borough public water system, Christian said.

The Department of Health and Social Services' epidemiology section hasn't received any reports of illness related to the possible presence of E. coli, epidemiologist Donna Fearey said Thursday morning.

Five additional samples were collected Thursday, Christian said. If any of the additional samples also test positive for the bacteria, the department will disinfect and flush the water system and continue collecting samples to verify the issue is gone.

Christian expected to have the results from the additional tests by Friday afternoon.

Megan Edge

Megan Edge is a former reporter for Alaska Dispatch and Alaska Dispatch News.

ADVERTISEMENT