South Pasadena : Water Test Result Doubted

Bacterial contamination was detected in water samples routinely tested by the city last week, prompting city workers to flush the water mains and increase the chlorine level in the seven reservoirs and tanks that feed the city’s water system. Further tests indicate, however, that the sampling may have been plagued by human error.

Public Works Director James Van Winkle said all 10 water samples collected Tuesday at various locations were contaminated with coliform bacteria.

Although the bacteria are not harmful, their presence could indicate that the water supply is contaminated with hazardous organisms that are not as easily detected, Van Winkle said.

He categorized the lab results as “very unusual,” saying the weekly tests normally yield a single contaminated sample every couple of months. “I’ve never seen an entire set of samples go hot like that,” he said.

Further tests conducted on water collected Wednesday revealed only two contaminated samples out of 38, suggesting that human error may have played a role in the initial findings. Van Winkle ruled out widespread bacterial contamination of the city’s water supply based on these latest results. “It’s a big relief,” he said.

Residents do not need to take any precautionary measures with their tap water and may notice a slight taste difference because of the additional chlorine, Van Winkle said.