County residents affected by city water

BY CINDY TOOPES COURIER STAFF WRITER

April 16, 2009 10:16 pm

— OTTUMWA — Residents of both the city and Wapello County are affected when there’s a problem with drinking water from Ottumwa Water Works.
That’s because Wapello Rural Water Association (WRWA) buys water from the city water works. Crae Smith, the distribution supervisor for the rural water association, said he also issued a public notice about the fouled test sample found by the city.
WRWA pumps water to most residents south of Ottumwa, including some in Davis County. Also, they supply water in the Blakesburg area and “the area past Eldon.”
“We are required by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to give public notice,” he said.
Smith said WRWA does water sampling “in the same time frame” the water works does.
“We haven’t had a problem in quite a while,” he added.
Rodney Hamilton, acting manager for the city’s water operation, said Monday he believed there is “good, residual chlorine in the city’s water system and the water is excellent.”
Hamilton’s report noted water is routinely monitored for the presence of drinking water contaminants. Crews collected 25 samples for coliform bacteria during January and two of them showed the presence of coliform bacteria.
The standard is that no more than one sample can test positive for coliform. Hamilton said that means he has to report the fouled sample but no one has to boil water.
However, people with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk. Residents with these problems should seek advice about drinking water from their health-care providers, Hamilton said.
Smith said anyone with questions about water supplied by Wapello Rural Water Association should contact his office, (641) 682-8351.
Cindy Toopes can be reached at (641) 683-5376 or via e-mail at cindy@ottumwacourier.com.