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This notification of the public is being done in compliance with Section 64464, Title 22 of the CCR as a means of keeping the public informed.
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IMPORTANT HEALTH NOTICE Bacteriological Water Quality Failure at SSU The drinking water served by Sonoma State University, water system number 4910027, during the month of October 2004, exceeded the maximumcontaminant level for total coliform bacteria as specified in Section 64426.1, Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. The California Department of Health Services sets drinking water standards and has determined that the presence of total coliforms is a possible health concern. Total coliforms are common in the environment and are generally not harmful themselves. The presence of these bacteria in drinking water, however, generally is a result of a problem with water treatment or the pipes which distribute the water, and indicates that the water may be contaminated with organisms that can cause disease. Disease symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and possible jaundice, and any associated headaches and fatigue. These symptoms, however, are not just associated with disease-causing organism in drinking water, but also may be caused by a number of factors other than your drinking water. The Department has set an enforceable drinking water standard for total coliforms to reduce the risk of these adverse health effects. Under this standard, no more than 5.0 percent of the samples collected during a month can contain these bacteria, except that systems collecting fewer than 40 samples per month that have one total coliform-positive sample per month are not violating the standard. Drinking water which meets this standard is usually not associated with a health risk from disease-causing bacteria and should be considered safe. Persons wishing more information should contact Craig Dawson, Director of Environmental Health and Safety, 4-2932, craig.dawson@sonoma.edu Tom Sargant of Environmental Health and Services provided answers to some commonly asked questions about this report. Why do we hear about the problem so late? Detection of total coliform, which is not harmful in itself, indicates that harmful bacteria may be able to survive in the system. Harmful bacteria, E. Coli and fecal coliform, are always tested concurrently with total coliform samples. Notification to consumers for two positive coliform samples in a month typically occurs when the citation for non-compliance is issued by the California Department of Health Services - Office of Drinking Water. This is typically about thirty days after the second detection in the same month. Resident students are the primary water customers at Sonoma State University and the first issue of the STAR was the next opportunity for circulation. Water purveyors are required to shut down the water system and provide immediate notification to consumers the same day if a single sample confirms Is the water dangerous to drink? Disease-causing bacteria have not been detected in the SSU drinking water system. The presence of total coliform is an indicator that harmful bacteria may be present, but is not considered dangerous in and of itself. Where total coliform is detected, the potential cause is investigated and three repeat samples are taken: downstream, upstream, and at the original location until all repeat samples test negative. This procedure assists in locating potential problem areas. More often than not, repeat sample sets test negative for total coliform. What was the reading? Total coliform samples are collected in sterile sample containers with thiosulfate tablets that neutralize chlorine present in the water. The water samples are delivered to the Sonoma County Public Health Laboratory for analysis by the Presence-Absence (P-A) method. The Presence-Absence method is a qualitative method in which the water sample is added to culture media that facilitates bacterial growth. This method determines whether coliform bacteria were present or absent in the sample, but does not indicate how many bacteria were present in the sample. Routine bacteriological samples are taken weekly at two rotating locations on campus. Additional samples are taken monthly from the two well heads or "raw water" source. Campus engineering and EHS have taken action to reduce the potential for the presence of coliform in the system. This includes a new chlorination/disinfection system, periodic testing for accidental cross-connection of water lines, concurrent testing of chlorine residual with bacteriological samples, and strict adherence to the EPA sampling protocol to prevent the possibility of accidentally introducing bacteria to samples. Historically, total coliform samples have occurred randomly in Boiling campus water is not presently called for by the Department of Health Services as the presence of harmful bacteria has not been confirmed. In terms of reducing exposure to harmful bacterial contamination related to coffee, tea, and other foodstuffs, proper kitchen sanitation will make the greatest difference. I recommend reading the short article "How Safe is Your Kitchen?" at www.chefdepot.net/sanitation.htm for identification
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Updated 2/7/05 |