Public notice

GARFIELD -- The Garfield Waterworks is a public water system subject to regulation under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Those regulations require the notification of customers whenever a violation occurs and this is the basis for this notice.

In the month following the collection of bacteriological sample containing total coliform or E. Coli bacteria, not less than five samples must be collected from the distribution system. This requirement was not met during January 2016.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets standards for drinking water. Public water systems are required to regularly have their water bacteriologically tested in a certified laboratory. These samples are analyzed for total Coliform and E. Coli bacteria. Coliform bacteria is used as an indicator for more serious pathogenic organisms.

Failure to meet this requirement does not necessarily mean that the water is unsafe or that alternate sources of water should be used.

The Garfield Water System has contacted the Arkansas Department of Health in regards to sampling. Six samples were pulled in a thirty (30) day time period after the failed sample in the month of December 2015. Three additional samples were pulled in December 2015 and all three were safe. Three regular system samples were pulled in January 2016 and all three were safe. Five were required in the month of January 2016. Only three were collected and were safe. Proper requirements will be followed for future sampling.

Should you have any questions concerning this notice, contact the water system at 479-359-3652 or 479-936-1220. You can also contact the Engineering Section of the Arkansas Department of Health at 501-661-2623.