EXACT CAUSE OF CARY E. COLI SCARE REMAINS ELUSIVE

Study Confirms Contamination Was Localized

CARY , NC – A private consultant’s CSI-like DNA investigation into E. coli found in one sample of Cary’s water this summer could not conclusively identify the cause of the contamination but did say that the contamination was localized, according to the report commissioned by the Town of Cary.   No charges were filed in the incident.

Hired by the Town to help pinpoint the E. coli’s origin, Camp Dresser & McKee (CDM) concluded that a cracked pipe at one home in the 100 block of Coronado Way and un-permitted construction activity at another home on the same street created a high potential for the coliform contamination.  However, and despite extensive after-incident testing and analysis, CDM could not be more specific since the Town extensively flushed and increased chlorine in the water system immediately following discovery of the contamination to protect public health.

“While we wish we could have learned more from the study, protecting our community’s health is always our top priority, and we’re relieved to have it confirmed that the contamination did not spread beyond this small area,” said Public Works Director Mike Bajorek.

Bajorek will present the study’s findings to the Cary Town Council during the December 11 Operations Committee meeting.  He expects the study’s final cost to be about $10,000.

On August 18, 2006 , a Boil Water Notice was issued for the entire Town of Cary after routine sampling and testing revealed the presence of E. coli in one home on Coronado Way .  The Notice initially led to most food-related businesses in Cary having to close while the Notice was in place.  The Notice was lifted for Cary water customers in the Western Pressure Zone on August 19 after the Town was able to isolate the affected area.  On August 20, the Notice was canceled for the rest of Cary with the exception of 12 homes on Coronado Way ; the Notice was discontinued for these 12 on August 22.

For more, see the Town Council Operations Committee staff report and the Boil Water news release file at www.townofcary.org.

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