HAMILTON — The town's water system was found recently to be in violation of drinking water standards, though the finding does not constitute an emergency, one official said.
John Tomasz, director of public works, said the town will be mailing out notices to alert residents about the discovery of coliform bacteria in seven of 33 samples of the town's water supply. The state standard is that no more than one sample per month exhibit coliform bacteria, according to a notice being sent to residents.
"At no time was the public in any health (danger)," Tomasz said. "We had to tweak our chlorine and flush the system, and everything's fine since then."
For that reason, the town says in the notice, "You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor."
The town also points out that people with severely compromised immune systems, infants and some senior citizens may be at risk and should seek advice from their doctors about drinking town water.
"Only two places tested positive," Tomasz said during last night's selectmen's meeting at Town Hall. "Here, and the college campus."
"This is not an emergency," reads the notice. "If it had been, you would have been notified immediately."
Coliform bacteria occurs naturally in the environment and can be indicative of other potentially harmful bacteria, the notice adds, including fecal coliform bacteria. However, the town says the latter bacteria was not found, and further testing shows the problem has been resolved.
For more information, residents can contact Tomasz at 978-468-5580.
— Staff reports
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