Birch Bay Water and Sewer District

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT YOUR WATER SYSTEM

  Coliform Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) Exceeded:  Non-Acute MCL Violation

The Birch Bay Water & Sewer District Water System, ID 95904U, in Whatcom County routinely monitors for the presence of total coliform bacteria. In September 2009, this type of bacteria was detected during routine testing. Although this incident was not an emergency, as our customer you have a right to know what happened and what we did or are doing to correct the situation

Coliforms are bacteria which are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, bacteria may be present.  Coliforms were found in more than samples than allowed for a water system of our size, and this was a warning of potential problems.  The samples indicating the presence of coliform were further tested to see if other bacteria of greater concern, such as fecal coliform or E.coli, were present.  None of these more harmful bacteria were found.

 You do not need to boil your water. People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at an increased risk and may want to contact their health care provider for additional guidance.

 The reason for this notice is because of two separate water samples that were reported as positive for total coliform bacteria.

1. Both samples were taken during the week of September 07-11, at two different, isolated, service areas (pressure zones) on the northern side of Birch Bay.
2.  Customers residing in the specific service areas with the initial coliform-detectable sample results are receiving this notice directly (see illustration on reverse side).  There was no potential for the water from these zones to feed into other areas. In addition, six sample results from other areas in the district were all satisfactory; therefore, unaffected customers will not directly receive a notice. However, all district customers, whether affected or not, may view this notice on the District’s web page at www.bbwsd.com and may request this notice be mailed to them at any time.
3. Three repeat samples (6 total samples) were taken within the next 24 hrs, in the same area as the two initial positive samples. Two of those six samples were taken from the exact same sample stations. All six samples tested negative for coliform bacteria.
4. Two other routine, monthly system samples, both of which were taken at the same time as the two bad samples, were negative for coliform bacteria. It is also important to note that these other two sample stations are located at points that feed into the areas that had the samples of concern: The water source is satisfactory and other areas fed by these points should also be satisfactory.
5. Four additional routine samples in other areas of the district, and, four additional samples in an affected zone (8 total additional samples), were taken & analyzed three days later. All sample results were satisfactory.

At this time, the problem has been resolved as all repeat samples and follow-up samples were found to be free of coliform bacteria. Other related actions include: 

1. The number of routine coliform samples increased from 7 to 8 per month for this year, for a total of 96 samples per year. Prior to the two bad samples, 66 samples had been analyzed to date this year, with satisfactory results.
2. In an effort to take every possible precaution, the Semiahmoo Reservoir was taken out of service, drained, flushed, and refilled. All hatches, vents, and instrumentation penetrations were resealed or replaced. A special epoxy coating was applied to the top concrete surface to protect against rainwater intrusion.
3. The reservoir water was tested and verified to be negative for coliform bacteria before being placed back in service.
4. We are installing additional monitoring equipment in nearby reservoirs, making provisions for chlorine injection (for disinfection, if necessary) along with other minor modifications to ensure that our system is tight and as impregnable as possible.  
5. We are continuing to take additional samples at any location(s) that we feel could have caused this situation or may help us identify potential trouble spots. 

In addition to the follow-up action noted above, it should be noted that 8 routine coliform samples will be taken next month.   

Illustration - Pressure Zones (service areas) affected by this notice

  For more information, please contact the Birch Bay Water & Sewer District, located at 7096 Point Whitehorn Rd, Birch Bay, WA, 98230, or by phone at (360) 371-7100.

 General information about Public Health, drinking water, and terms that are used can be found on the Washington State Dept of Health’s website at http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw/default.htm. Specific information on coliform testing and bacteria can also be accessed on the DOH website at http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw/Programs/coliform.htm

  Please share this notice 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 sent to you by the Birch Bay Water & Sewer District