Loudoun Water is mailing this notification to all Lenah Run residents tomorrow and they have requested that the HOA also post it on our website to get the information out at its earliest.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LENAH RUN DRINKING WATER
Raw Water in One Well Tested Positive for E. coli
A low level of E. coli was detected in the smallest of the three wells that serve as the water source for Lenah Run. One of the routine raw water samples collected on July 13, 2010 indicated the presence of E. Coli bacteria. A confirmation raw water sample was collected on July 21, 2010 from the well and it tested positive for E. Coli. These samples were collected in the raw water (i.e., prior to treatment). The
water is disinfected prior to distribution to residents. All samples collected from the distribution during July and prior months indicate no contamination in the distribution system. We have every reason to believe that water was sufficiently treated prior to distribution but are sending this notification as a precaution. We are now conducting additional source water sampling to determine the extent of the issue.
What should I do?
This notice is being provided to you as a precaution. Water that is delivered to you for use should be adequately disinfected by our chlorination facilities. As a further precaution, you may wish to use bottled water for drinking, making ice, preparing food, brushing teeth, and washing dishes.
People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk. 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.
What does this mean?
Fecal indicators (E. coli) are microbes whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term health effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. These symptoms are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.
What is being done?
A chlorination facility has always been in place and in operation at Well B-2. We will be taking measures to ensure that the treatment provided will consistently provide protection against E. Coli and other microbes. We will be working with the Department of Health to implement any needed corrective actions to ensure that our water supply is protected against contamination. We will keep you informed of the steps we are taking to protect your drinking water and will provide information on
any steps you should be taking, until this problem is corrected.
For more information, please contact:
Todd A. Danielson, P.E., BCEE
Manager of Community Systems
Loudoun Water
PO Box 4000
Ashburn, Virginia 20146
Tel: 571-291-7835