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Bacteria found in Selleck, WA, water supply
Release Date: 6/13/1997
Contact Information: Larry Worley
larry.worley@epamail.epa.gov
(206) 553-1893
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bacteria has been found in tap water in the south King County town of Selleck, prompting the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency today to renew its warning tha t the 150 residents of the community should not drink water from their taps
unless they boil it first.
Discovery of the bacteria was made by an EPA laboratory analysis of samples collected in Selleck on Wednesday (June 11)
by agency pe rsonnel who, during their visit, noticed that the chlorination system used to disinfect the water was not operating.
Until further notice, all users of the Selleck system should bring water to a rolling boil for a full minute before using it
for drinking, food preparation or personal hygiene.
EPA has long been concerned about proper chlorination of the Selleck system. In 1993, fecal coliform bacteria were found in
tap water at a Selleck residence being used as a daycare center.
Coliforms are indicators that the water may be contaminated with organisms that can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea and,
possibly, jaundice. Chlorination offers protection against most bacteria and viruses.
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