PUBLIC NOTICE

DRINKING WATER WARNING E. Coli. is present in the Lower Valley Water Users Association Drinking Water BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING

Fecal coliform [or E. Coli.] bacteria were found in the water supply on 10/14/26. These bacteria can make you sick and are a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems. 

Bacterial contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source (for example, following heavy rains). It can also happen due to a break in the distribution system (pipes) or a failure in the water treatment process. 

What should I do? What does this mean?

• DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for three minutes, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

• Fecal coliforms and E. Coli. are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune systems.

• The symptoms above 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. People at increased risk should seek advice from their health care providers about drinking this water.

What is being done?
We are currently working with NMED.  We are chlorinating and flushing the water system   We are increasing sampling for coliform bacteria to determine the source of contamination.  We will inform you when tests show no bacteria and you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving the problem within 96 hours of the notice.

For more information, please contact David Signs at 505-529-8121 or at wkl1949@gmail.com. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.*