Bonnie Cranmer
Contributing writer
On Friday, June 28, as required by law, the Craig New Castle Public Service Authority Waterworks released the following statement.
“State Health Officials have advised us of a failure to meet the Primary Maximum Contaminant Level (PMCL) for Escherichia coli (E. coli) in accordance with the Virginia Waterworks Regulations. Water served to our customers during June 2024 did not comply with the PMCL because E. coli was detected in a sample collected from our distribution system on June 11, 2024.”
“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 greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. We violated the standard for E. coli, indicating the need to look for potential problems in water treatment or distribution. When this occurs, we are required to conduct a detailed assessment to identify problems and to correct any problems that are found.”
General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
Residents and businesses on the PSA Waterworks system are advised to boil water before use for drinking, beverage, and food preparation, brushing teeth, and making ice. While it is safe to use water when it is not ingested, care should be taken with babies and small children during bathing not to allow the water into their mouths. Bottled water is recommended if boiling water is not available.
The statement was distributed primarily on Facebook by the Craig County Virginia Sheriff’s Office, Supervisor Jordan Labiosa, Craig Botetourt Electric Cooperative and concerned citizens. Several posts provided further information about an inspection expected on Friday, June 28 but no further information is available. The PSA anticipates solving the problem within 10 days of the notice. For status about the water situation, contact Donald Jones at 540-864-6368.
Courtesy photo
