Test showed the presence of E. Coli Bacteria in a single sample station of Slidell Water Supply

Escherichia coli bacteria were found in a single sample station of the drinking water supply on Grafton Drive in the City of Slidell.

Sample Site Description:

TCR: 63 (Grafton Dr.)

Collection Date:

September 6; September 8, 2022

Sample Type:

Total Coliform and E. Coli

No other sample site areas tested throughout the City produced a positive result for E. Coli, including immediate upstream and downstream locations on Grafton Drive from the impacted sample station.

A boil water advisory was issued for the affected area on September 9, 2022. That advisory was lifted by the City of Slidell on September 12, 2022, after subsequent testing returned a negative result.

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.

What should I do? What does this mean?

No immediate action is required at this time, as the most current testing no longer shows the presence of E. Coli in the affected area. The Louisiana Department of Health advised the City of Slidell that the boil water advisory issued by the City on September 9, 2022 for the affected area is no longer necessary.

During the time the boil water advisory was in effect for the affected area, all impacted residents were advised to boil water from the City’s water supply, and let it cool, before using, as boiling water kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. If you did not receive direct notification of a boil water advisory, your residence/business was not affected.

About E. Coli

E. Coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Human pathogens in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as 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.

The symptoms above 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 also seek advice from their health care providers about drinking this water. 

What is being done?

The latest testing from the impacted area indicates E. Coli is no longer present in its water supply, and no other areas of the City’s water system have tested positive for E. Coli during this time period.

The City of Slidell, in consultation with the Louisiana Department of Health, continues periodic testing of its water supply at sample locations throughout the City. The City shall provide appropriate notice in the event future issues arise concerning similar bacterial contamination.

For more information, please contact Donnie Marshall, Director of Operations for the City of Slidell, at 985-646-4258 or 1325 Bayou Lane, Slidell, LA 70458. 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.  

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

This notice is being sent to you by the City of Slidell Water Supply, LA1103041.  Questions can be directed to: Donnie Marshall, Director of Operations for the City of Slidell, at 985-646-4258. 

Date distributed: September 13, 2022.