WINSLOW TOWNSHIP ISSUES E.COLI WARNING

DRINKING WATER WARNING
WINSLOW TWP. WATER IS CONTAMINATED WITH E. COLI BACTERIA
BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING/USE ALTERNATE WATER SOURCE

Winslow Twp water has violated a drinking water standard, specifically the Total Coliform Rule by exceeding the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for E. Coli bacteria during October 2010. E. Coli bacteria were found in the water supply on October 28, 2010.These bacteria can make you sick, and are a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems.


Do not drink the water without boiling 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.


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, some of the elderly, 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 about drinking water from their health care providers.


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 we are doing:
1.Wells_are_being_isolated._
2.Chlorine_disinfection_is_being_increased.
3.Water_mains_additionally_flushed.


Additional samples will be collected and you will be informed when the tests show no bacteria and you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving this problem within the next several days.


For more information, please contact Winslow Township at (609) 567-0700. 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.


Winslow Township is providing this notice to you.
Public Water System ID #: NJ 0436007
Date distributed: 10/29/10

UNofficially Winslow is preparing a posting regarding a rate increase for both the water and sewer utilities. The ordinance was introduced during the NON-TELEVISED township committee meeting of October 26, 2010. This new ordinance will be presented for a final vote while your preparing for Thanksgiving on Tuesday November 23, 2010. The public must be given a chance to comment on this new ordinance just prior to the final vote.

UNofficially Winslow will present documentation showing Committeeman Barry Wright, Director of Municipal Utilities, voted in favor of introducing the rate increase ordinance as well as Wilson, Flamini, Lawrence, Mackey, and Tomasello. While Karen Gibison and Mayor Metzner voted against the measure in an effort not to raise the water and sewer rates. (Bates was not present at the meeting.)