E. Coli Found in Oldsmar Well

Residents who receive their water from the City of Oldsmar have no reason to be alarmed following the recent discovery of E. coli in one of the city’s water production wells.

That’s according to the city, which issued an announcement about the finding Tuesday afternoon.

“We are now conducting a thorough investigation, including additional sampling of the well to determine the extent of the potential problem,” an email to media from the city stated.

The city learned on Dec. 8 that one of its water samples collected in November had exceeded acceptable limits for E. coli indicators, the email said.

“The City of Oldsmar has shut down the well site and will be working with the appropriate regulatory agencies to exercise corrective measures and confirm that the water supplies are protected against contamination,” the email said. “Five additional samples at each well site will be taken on Tuesday, December 8th over a 24-hour period to ensure that there is not a problem with the sample site.”

Fortunately for water customers, the well that tested positive was not in service. That means there has been no boil water notice issued.

“You may continue to use water as you normally would,” the email said.

E. coli is an organism that can cause diarrhea, nausea, cramps and other symptoms. In some cases, life-threatening complications from exposure may arise, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported.

To find out more about E. coli in water, call the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

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