(SLIDELL)---In a public notice to be sent to all customers who use water service from the City of Slidell, city officials say that a higher than normal level of bacterial coliforms was noted recently in the water supply. They add that action was taken to eliminate the contamination and that there's no cause for alarm.

Slidell Water and Sewer Supt. Mike Isenberg reports that during routine testing recently, the bacteria were found by city inspectors in water samples. Isenberg says that the findings indicated to them that there may have been a problem with the treatment or distribution of water through the network of city pipes.

According to Isenberg, other possible causes of the increased bacteria coliform levels could have been improper handling of the samples, water main breaks in the distribution system, failure in the water treatment process, or a problem in the prevention of cross-connections in the distribution system.

"Whenever we detect coliform bacteria in any sample, we do followup testing to see if other bacteria of greater concern, such as fecal coliform or E. coli, are present," said Isenberg. "We did not find any of these bacteria in our subsequent testing. If we had, we would have notified the public immediately."

He adds that coliforms exist as numerous strains, such as those that cause diarrhea, are naturally present in the environment, and are indicators that other bacteria may be present. He advises that people with severely weakened immune systems, infants, and some elderly people may be at an increased risk and should seek advice about drinking water from their healthcare providers.

Slidell city officials emhasize that a slight increase in coliforms like this one is a minor violation, occurs in water systems nationwide, and has to be reported by law. They add that had this been a significant problem, the public would have been alerted.

Anyone with questions or concerns about the report should call the City of Slidell water supply office at 985.646.4291.

---