CITY OF NORTH PLATTE WATER DEPARTMENT
N.D.E.E. Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy requires public water systems that have two or more coliform positive samples in a month to undergo an inspection of the water system. The North Platte Water system has been inspected three times in the past two months. Results of these inspections identified two possible causes of the positive samples, the first was a larger than normal amount of flushing of fire hydrants in the area where the positive samples were collected. The second was we were provided a different style sample bottle with a flip cap by our lab.
The positive samples were collected from the middle section of the north side of town. That area has a history of higher water temperatures due to its small size water mains and limited usage. That is why we over flushed the hydrants in that area and may have cause this problem.
As a result of the positive samples The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) is requiring the North Platte Water Department to chlorinate our drinking water system beginning November 6th, 2023. Once the system has reached the minimum chlorination level of .20 mg/l at the furthest section of the system, our mandatory thirty (30) day period will begin. Chlorination will end as soon as we have fulfilled this requirement. We are required to test and document the level of chlorine in the water every day. If the level falls below the mandatory .20 mg/l at any time during the 30-day period, we are required to start the 30 days over again. Those with chlorine sensitivities should take the proper precautions.
Two positive samples in one month constitutes a violation. Our water system had that situation in late September and again in early October. Coliform bacteria are neither harmful nor considered a health hazard. Coliform bacteria are naturally found in the air, the ground, and in water. Coliform bacteria are easy to identify and are used as an indicator that harmful bacteria could be present in the water. There haven't been any harmful bacteria identified in our water samples.