PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Phil Dyer Mayor Pat Miner Mayor Pro Tem Lissa Smith Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Ben Harris Place 2 Andr Davidson Place 3 Jim Duggan Place 5 Jean Callison Place 7 Lee Dunlap Place 8

Contact
Gerald P. Cosgrove Director of Public Works (972) 941-7152

June 9, 2011

MCL Coliform Violation (TCR 22)

The City of Plano water system, PWS ID # 0430007, collected 23 water samples during April, 2011 that contained coliform bacteria. This water system is required to submit a minimum of 150 routine water samples each month for bacteriological analysis. Twenty routine samples were coliform-found and three repeat samples were coliform-found for the month and year indicated above. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) sets drinking water standards in Texas and has determined that the presence of total coliform is a possible health concern. Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other potentially-harmful bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems. For water systems analyzing at least 40 samples per month, no more than five (5) percent of the monthly samples may be positive for total coliform. For systems analyzing fewer than 40 samples per month, no more than one (1) sample per month may be positive for total coliform. The City of Plano Public Works Department tests 150 water samples per month. These are obtained from all areas of the city to insure the public drinking water supply is safe for consumption and are sent for final testing to a laboratory at the North Texas Municipal Water District, who treats and supplies our municipal water. In an unusual occurrence in mid to late April, 23 test results, out of 217 samples, returned with higher than acceptable results for total coliform bacteria, an indicator of possible contamination. No pathogenic organisms (those which cause illness) and no indicators of fecal contamination, such as E.coli or fecal coliform, have been detected. The samples had shown average chlorine residuals would protect the water system from minor contaminations. Since May 1, all water samples have tested good, with no presence of total coliform bacteria. For quality assurance, a private lab and environmental consultant have been employed to review this issue. As a result, the City of Plano is doing additional testing to find the reasons for the testing results. If you have questions regarding this matter, you may contact Gerald P. Cosgrove, Director of Public Works at 972-941-7152 or at geraldc@plano.gov.

Bruce D. Glasscock City Manager

P.O. Box 860358 Plano, Texas 75086-0358 972-941-7000 www.plano.gov

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