Thirteen Homes Affected by Water Contamination near Mahogany Drive and 9220 North

September 17, 2012

CEDAR HILLS – On September 4, 2012, City officials and staff were notified of possible watercontamination in a line near Mahogany Drive and 9220 North. Residents in that area complained that theculinary water was discolored and had a bad taste. A few residents stated that they may have become illfrom the drinking water. Public Works staff took water samples from six different parts of the City forlaboratory testing. The test results came back negative for E. Coli in all six areas, but tested positive fortotal coliform in one water line near 9300 North and Canyon Road. The other five areas tested negative fortotal coliform.

According to Washington State Department of Health, “Total coliform bacteria are commonly found inthe environment (e.g., soil or vegetation) and are generally harmless. If only total coliform bacteria aredetected in drinking water, the source is probably environmental. However, if environmentalcontamination can enter the system, there may also be a way for pathogens to enter the system. Therefore,it is important to find the source and resolve the problem.”

Cedar Hills Public Works staff isolated the contaminated area and shut off water lines that had beenfeeding the area. There are 13 households that were connected to this line and all 13 were connected to aseparate culinary water line until the issue could be identified and resolved. City officials supplied bottledwater to those residents and have agreed to refund amounts paid for water that was contaminated.
“Any issue with our water system is a high priority,” stated Mayor Gary Gygi. “The health and safety ofour residents is of utmost importance to us and we will continue to work with those residents who wereaffected by this issue.”

Last week Public Works staff discovered a cross-connection between the culinary line and an irrigationline. The City joined forces with the Utah State Division of Drinking Water, the Utah County HealthDepartment, and Rural Water Association of Utah to create a plan for disinfecting the affected line. Thecross-connection was fixed, and on Saturday the line was flushed with a chlorine solution, which aims ateliminating any contaminants in the line. Additionally, the water lines for each residence were flushedwith the chlorine solution. Fresh water was then used to clear out the chlorine and tests showed that theculinary water was at safe levels. Daily testing will occur on this line through Friday and will then returnto a regular testing schedule.
“We appreciate the assistance that we’ve had from State and County officials,” said city manager DavidBunker. “These agencies were very complimentary on how quickly our Public Works staff was able toidentify and resolve the situation.”______________________________________________________Media inquiries can be sent to Jenney Rees at jrees@cedarhills.org