FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Residents in Doney Park in Flagstaff were surprised Sunday when they received a notice saying "Drinking Water Problem Corrected," delivered by Doney Park Water.
Here's what happened:
Last Tuesday, Nov. 8, routine tests in the water supply showed levels of E.coli and coliform which were above the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality's acceptable levels.
Pursuant to the ADEQ regulations, retests were administered to the water within 24 hours, which confirmed a positive test for the coliform, but not e. Coli. At this point, it was mandatory that Doney Park notify residents.
Officials failed to do so, citing they "just misinterpreted what the requirements were," according to Bill Linville, the general manager at Doney Park Water, "And we should have sent out the notice 48 hours earlier than it actually did get sent out."
A spokesperson from the ADEQ says an employee in the department's office discovered the tests and quickly notified DPW, which reportedly acted quickly effectively to inform the residents that there had been an issue, and that it was resolved. According to the water company, tests have been run since then and shown levels of e. Coli and Coliform at normal and safe levels, resulting in the order to boil water being lifted.
The ADEQ says that it is not taking any action against DPW, as it appears to have been an honest mistake, but says it is fully capable of pursuing several different processes of enforcement procedure should the need arise in other situations.