12/18/2024 @ 15:48 | Boil Water Advisory Presentation: A presentation delivered by City Manager Heath Lloyd at the December 16, 2024 City Council meeting is available for viewing below:
12/17/2024 @ 15:04 | Boil Water Advisory Overview: To ensure the safety and quality of our drinking water, the City of Pooler conducts regular monitoring and testing of our water system. As part of our state-regulated monthly sampling for coliform bacteria, we test 20 sites throughout the City to collect data from all areas. Outdoor, accessible water sources are often used for testing due to the need for constant access to the sampling point and the ability to torch (high-heat disinfect) the sampling point if needed.
Last week, one of our exterior test sites, located on a hose bib at a commercial building east of I-95, tested positive for E. coli. Upon receiving the positive result, we followed the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) guidelines for resampling. Disinfection and flushing of the affected site began immediately, and a second test was conducted to verify the accuracy of the initial result. The second test also returned positive. It’s important to note that exterior test sites can, on occasion, be contaminated by animal waste (e.g., from birds or rodents) or other sources due to their exposure to the outdoors.
While awaiting the second result, we conducted further investigation in accordance with EPD protocols. Notably, no other test sites returned positive results, and no positive tests were recorded upstream or downstream of the affected location, suggesting the issue was isolated. In response, we initiated a comprehensive system-wide flush using fire hydrants connected to the water system. To maintain stable disinfection levels across the City, we increased the runtime of our groundwater wells and reduced the use of purchased surface water during the event.
As a precautionary measure and in accordance with EPD regulations, the City issued a Boil Water Advisory. Notifications were sent to the public through various channels, including the Department of Public Health, CEMA, the City’s website, the Police Department Facebook page, local TV, radio, and web/print media outlets, as well as the Incode water utility billing notification system.
Subsequent water testing continued throughout the City. Since bacterial samples require a 24-hour incubation period, results were not available immediately. After the third round of testing returned negative results, we were able to lift the Boil Water Advisory. The City of Pooler remains committed to ensuring a safe and reliable water supply for our citizens, and will continue to follow rigorous protocols and take swift action to protect public health.
12/13/2024 @ 21:11 | Boil Water Advisory Lifted: The City of Pooler is pleased to announce that the Boil Water Advisory has been lifted for all users of the municipal water system. Following extensive flushing and thorough testing of the water supply, the results have confirmed that the water is safe for consumption.
What You Need to Know: The advisory has been lifted, and the water supply meets all safety standards. Normal water use can resume, and you no longer need to boil water for drinking, cooking, or food preparation.
For More Information: The City of Pooler is required to monitor drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis, and results are an indicator of whether or not drinking water meets health standards. Questions? Contact the Water Department at (912) 330-8650 or at [email protected]. We thank you for your patience during this process.
12/13/2024 @ 14:09 | Boil Water Advisory Update: Please be advised that the Boil Water Advisory remains in effect until further notice. The City is continuing to flush the water system as part of ongoing efforts to restore normal water quality. We are awaiting the results of additional testing, which are expected to be conclusive later this evening. The City will provide further updates as soon as test results are available.
12/12/2024 @ 17:38 | Boil Water Advisory: The City of Pooler Municipal Water System is issuing a Boil Water Advisory after the detection of E. coli bacteria at one of twenty water sample sites on December 12, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. The E. coli presence is isolated to a single site, and further testing indicates that this is likely an isolated incident. However, we are issuing this advisory as a precautionary measure to protect public health.
Affected Areas: Due to the looped nature of the City’s water system, all users of the supply are being notified.
What is Being Done:
- The Water Department is flushing the system and will continue doing so until tests confirm a negative result at the affected location.
- Ongoing testing will ensure the water supply meets safety standards.
- The advisory will remain in place until the water is confirmed to be safe.
What You Should Do: To minimize health risks, please follow these precautions:
- Boil water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, pet consumption, or preparing food for at least one minute.
- Do not use unboiled water from the affected system for drinking or food preparation.
- Water used for handwashing, bathing, or showering is safe as long as it is not ingested.
- Water can be used for laundry and dishwashing without boiling, provided the usual cleaning methods are followed.
For detailed guidance, please refer to the CDC’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/drinking/drinking-water-advisories/boil-water-advisory.html
Potential Health Risks: Harmful microbes (Fecal coliforms and E. coli) indicate that water may be contaminated with waste and can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, seek medical advice.
When Will the Advisory End: The Boil Water Advisory will be lifted once testing confirms the water is safe. Please monitor local news and the City’s website at www.pooler-ga.gov for updates.
For More Information: The City of Pooler is required to monitor drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis, and results are an indicator of whether or not drinking water meets health standards. Questions? Contact the Water Department at (912) 330-8650 or [email protected].
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to ensure the safety of our water supply.