Drinking Water Fails May Tests

The Fredericksburg Water System may be in violation of state drinking water regulations after samples collected in May showed greater than allowed coliform bacteria levels. 

Residents were notified of the potential violation in a letter which arrived in many city mailboxes on Saturday.

According to the letter, written on the letterhead of Public Works Director Doug Fawcett, two water samples taken on May 2 and May 4 showed the presence of total coliform bacteria. Normally, 25 samples monitoring for the presence of total coliform bacteria are taken every month. Regulations only allow one sample per month to exceed prescribed coliform levels. 

According to the notice, coliform bacteria are not harmful outright, but are used as an indicator that other potentially harmful bacteria may be present. 

 The notice notes that the water is safe to drink for most people. Those with compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk.