E. coli detected in water well at Tripler Army Medical Center
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The U.S. Army Garrison said testing is underway after E. coli bacteria was detected during a routine drinking water sample in the distribution system at the Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC).
Officials said the sample taken on Dec. 16 tested “positive for total coliform bacteria.”
This triggered the collection of additional water samples for further testing to confirm the presence of E. coli.
The Army said water was safe to drink from the period of Dec. 16 to 18 because it was disinfected, and no E. coli bacteria were found in the distribution system.
In a press release, officials said the sample collected at the TAMC Water Well #2 on Dec. 19 tested positive for E. coli bacteria. The result was learned on Dec. 20 as the E. coli test takes 18 hours to process.
The Army said this sample was taken at the water well source before the water chlorination treatment station. However, water samples taken after the chlorination treatment station within the distribution system have tested negative for E. coli.
As a result of the positive E. coli sample taken from Water Well #2, subsequent samples were collected from the water wells and throughout the distribution system. Results are expected Sunday afternoon.
Following the positive detection, the TAMC Water Well #2 was immediately shut down on Dec. 20. Officials said the water well has been disinfected and has been resampled. Water Well #2 will remain shut down until a negative sampling result for E.coli is achieved.
The military said residents and patrons will be notified via email, command channels, and the housing managing partner (Island Palm Communities) when both wells are fully operational.
E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms.
Residents are urged to discard all ice, beverages, formula and uncooked food products made with tap water collected on or before Dec. 19.
For more information, click here or call (520) 687-2207.
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