RICHLAND, CITY OF

What this violation means

Total coliform bacteria are themselves usually harmless, but their presence signals that the water distribution system has a vulnerability — typically a cracked pipe, loss of pressure, or back-siphonage — that could allow disease-causing pathogens to enter. Repeated coliform-positive samples trigger mandatory utility investigation.

Recommended precautions

• →If your utility issues a boil-water advisory, boil all drinking and cooking water for at least one minute.
• →Use bottled water until the advisory is lifted.
• →Ice from icemakers and beverages made before the advisory should be discarded.
• →UV light and chlorination both kill coliform bacteria — most home filters do not.

What this violation means

E. coli detection is an EPA Tier 1 acute violation, requiring same-day public notification. It confirms that fecal matter has entered the drinking water supply, posing immediate health risks — particularly to children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

Recommended precautions

• →Do not drink the water until the utility has lifted the advisory.
• →Boil water for at least one minute (three minutes at elevations above 6,500 ft).
• →Disinfect dishes and surfaces that touched contaminated water.
• →Seek medical attention if you develop bloody diarrhea or persistent vomiting.