Dear Kaukauna Utilities Water Customer:
Kaukauna Utilities is required to issue the attached notification titled, “Important Information About Your Drinking Water,” by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) due to exceedance of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for coliform bacteria in two water samples taken on August 11, 2010.
On Wednesday, August 11, Kaukauna Utilities personnel collected five samples from the water distribution system and sent them via overnight delivery to the WDNR State Hygiene Lab in Madison. On Friday, August 13 Kaukauna Utilities was notified by the WDNR that two of the five samples taken on August 11 tested positive for coliform bacteria. A minimum of 18 hours is required to complete the testing process for coliform bacteria.
As a result of the two positive tests, Kaukauna Utilities immediately began flushing the distribution system and monitoring chlorine disinfectant residual levels. An additional 17 follow-up samples were taken on Friday, August 13 and hand delivered to Clean Water Testing in Appleton for testing. On Saturday, August 14 we were informed that all 17 follow-up samples tested negative for coliform bacteria. An additional 10 samples were taken the week of August 16 and those also tested negative.
Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful bacteria may be present. As indicated above, further testing confirmed that the water system did not contain harmful bacteria and no further action or testing was required by the WDNR.
I want to assure you that the quality of our drinking water is a responsibility we do not take lightly. Including the 18-hour test-processing time, Kaukauna Utilities had resolved this issue within 24 hours of notification by the WDNR. Also, Kaukauna Utilities collects hundreds of water samples a year, including 15 each month to test for bacteria, to ensure we are providing you with the safest, most reliable drinking water possible.
Please contact Kevin Obiala, Water Superintendent, if you have any questions or concerns about this notification or Kaukauna Utilities drinking water system. Kevin can be reached by phone at 462-0233 or email at kobiala@ku-wi.org.
Sincerely,
Jeffery W Feldt
General Manager
