Following an E. coli scare that prompted a precautionary boil-water advisory for the city of Maricopa, Global Water Resources is assuring customers that things are "all clear".
According to thecompany’s website, Global Water announced around 2 p.m. on Oct. 7 that two preliminary tests indicated possible E. coli contamination in Maricopa’s tap water.
The water company urged Maricopa residents to boil all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth and washing dishes as a precaution.
"Until repeat testing is performed the presence of E. coli in the water system is not confirmed," the website said, "However, we are issuing this notice out of an abundance of caution."
Under Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) regulations,
Global Water was required to collect repeat samples near the locations of the two initial positive samples. According to the company’s website, test results typically take 18 to 24 hours.
Repeat samples collected on Oct. 7 were sent to a third-party laboratory for testing. Global Water also activated its Emergency Operations Center and prepared to issue a mandatory boil-water order if necessary.
At approximately 2 p.m. on Oct. 8, Global Water lifted the boil-water advisory after repeat tests came back negative for E. coli and total coliform bacteria, according to the website.
"Water utilities are stewards of public health," the website said, "From drinking water to fire protection, to sanitation and sustainability - we understand our services are vital to communities we have the privilege to serve."
Global Water Resources Special Projects Manager Joanne Ellsworth said the company is continuing to take every precaution in accordance with ADEQ regulations to ensure safe drinking water.
"That's why we continuously test and get those results to monitor all of that," Ellsworth said, "I think it's around 100 different test each month in Maricopa alone."
In the 15 years that Ellsworth has been working for Global Water Resources, she said only one incident similar to this has occurred. As a testament to their quality control, the water company goes through rigorous testing before water reaches their customers.
"We know this incident inconvenienced customers and we're sorry for that," said Ellsworth, "But at the same time, our mission is to make sure the water is safe, and so we just wanted to do everything we could to make sure people stayed safe."
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix-area city ensures their water is 'all clear' after worries
