Three village of Germantown wells that earlier tested positive for bacterial contaminants each tested negative for E. coli, officials reported Aug. 19.
One well remains shut down – Well No. 7 on Western Avenue – after it earlier tested positive for coliform and E. coli in the aftermath of the historic rainstorms and flooding in the Milwaukee area from Aug. 9 to 11.
Two other wells – Well No. 2 on Potomac Circle and Wells No. 5 on Western Avenue – tested positive for coliform, according to an Aug. 15 post on the Village of Germantown’s Facebook page.
Village officials say they will continue more testing of both raw water from the village wells and treated water from the distribution system throughout the weekend of Aug. 23 and 24 and into the last week of August.
“We will take appropriate action and inform the public if there are any changes,” according to the Aug. 15 post.
With guidance from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the village has been increasing the amount of chlorine used to treat village water. “You may notice a slight change in the smell or taste of the water, but it is still safe to drink,” according to the village officials.
Village officials are encouraging all residents with private wells to get their water tested before consumption.
For more information on water testing, visit dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Wells/privateWellTest.html.
For updates on the water in Germantown, visit dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Wells/privateWellTest.html.
Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Village of Germantown says wells test negative for E. coli after earlier water contamination
Reporting by Cathy Kozlowicz, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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