Thursday, September 29, 2011
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
When the news broke that a routine test of Burlington's water supply came back positive for trace amounts of E. coli, it sparked a flurry of news reports. Print, online and television journalists quickly put out stories on the finding and advice on what to do. There was a lot of coverage of the water contamination. What we want to know today is How do you think the media, in general, handed the story? Did you feel that the coverage was appropriate or do you think some outlets overly sensationalized the story? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Two full rounds of tests came back negative for E. coli, allowing the town to lift the water-boil order.
Burlington, you can now grab a glass of tap water worry-free again. Burlington's Department of Public Works just verified through a voicemail to Burlington Patch that the boil-water order that was placed on the town after a routine test of the water supply tested positive for trace E. coli has been lifted. The second round of full tests conducted by the town and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection came back negative of the E. coli bacteria. The first round, which came back yesterday, was also negative. Two full rounds of tests with negative results were required before the order could be lifted. As a precaution, residents are advised to flush all taps for five minutes before use. The DEP recommends the following on…
The second round of tests is currently being conducted.
Burlington's water-boil order, put in place on Monday at the direction of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection after a routine test of the town's water supply turned up positive for trace E. coli, could be coming to an end. Burlington Department of Public Works Superintendent John Sanchez told Patch that the first round of full testing, with samples collected Monday, came back last night negative for E. coli. The second test, with samples taken yesterday, is currently being conducted and the results should come back tonight. The town needs to have two full rounds come back negative before the DEP will remove the boil-water order. Sanchez said he was "cautiously optimistic" the situation could be resolved soon and it …
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Town Administrator Robert Mercier said town needs two full tests with negative results before situation can be closed.
Town Administrator Robert Mercier and Burlington Department of Public Works Superintendent John Sanchez updated Town Meeting members on the E. coli situation during Town Meeting last night. As reported yesterday on Burlington Patch, the town is currently under an advisory from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to boil water after a routine test of the town's water supply came back potentially positive for trace amounts of the E. coli bacteria. Mercier said the town first became aware of a possible issue last Friday when a routine test showed the water may have been contaminated. Town officials connected with the DEP for additional tests and verification of a problem. Mercier said in the past positive test results …
Monday, September 26, 2011
Treatment has begun following a positive test of E. coli in Burlington's water supply.
Burlington's Department of Public Works reported this afternoon that treatment has begun on the town's water supply after a routine test came out positive for trace amounts of the E. coli bacteria. Lisa Matarazzo of the town's Engineering Department said residents should avoid consuming tap water until further notice, but said treatment has begun and the town's water should be safe to drink in two days. Residents will be alerted when the town's water is safe again. The restriction includes all tap water, either for drinking or for hygienic activities such as teeth brushing. Also, any drink mixes, baby formulas, ice cubes or other uncooked items made with Burlington tap water after Sept. 20 should be discarded. Though the test results came …
Richard Hosford
3:39 pm on Thursday, September 29, 2011
Hi Sara and Julie, when I last heard from DPW Superintendent John Sanchez he said the town will be trying to trace the contamination back to the source but said this will be difficult because the sample that came out positive was surrounded by areas where samples came back negative. I have been trying to get in touch with him for an update, but haven't been able to connect. I will continue to try… more ›