One of Lantana’s 10 water production wells tested positive for fecal coliform (E. coli) bacteria on March 13, according to a public notice.
The presence of E. coli bacteria indicates the well may have been contaminated with human or animal waste.
After the positive test, the well was taken out of service and isolated, and then was chlorinated and flushed. There are no steps the public has to take because the water is safe, said Eddie Crockett, the town’s director of operations.
“The well is a pretreatment water source,” he said. “The water from each well goes to the treatment plant where it is processed and dispensed town-wide.”
Crockett said the town tests its distribution system monthly and none of its samples has tested positive for total coliform or fecal coliform.
“We have not had any positive distribution sample for all of 2022,” he said.
“There is no way we can tell when we are going to have a positive test for bacteria, but it is not uncommon,” said Crockett. “Residents are notified via the town website and local newspaper.”
The Palm Beach County Health Department was informed within 24 hours of the positive test.
The water test is not related to yellow water, Crockett said. “That has many causes which must be vetted on an individual basis.”
Residents with questions about the quality of their water may call 561-540-5760.
— Mary Thurwachter
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