WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, ALTown Creek Water System contaminated with E Coli

A drinking water warning has been issued for Town Creek since the Town Creek Water System was contaminated with E Coli bacteria.

The bacteria was found in the water supply on December 21st. Three repeat samples were taken on December 22nd and one tested positive. Four repeat samples were taken on December 27th and all of those results came back negative.

Officials say they believe human error during sample collection as well as heavy rain were to blame for the positive test results.

Bacterial contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source (for example, following heavy rains). It can also happen due to a break in the distribution system (pipes) or a failure in the water treatment process.

The presence of E Coli indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in the wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune systems.

Those symptoms are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

For more information, please contact Joshua Horton at (256)685-3344 or PO Box 190 Town Creek , Al. 35672. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791.