E. coli and coliform bacteria found in the water supply of Estonia’s Kuressaare
Residents of Kuressaare, the capital of Saaremaa in Estonia, were advised to boil drinking water after coliform bacteria were found in the water supply network and E. coli was detected in two samples. According to ERR News, the results are preliminary and the official analysis report is not yet ready.
Network cleaning and repeat samples
The Saaremaa municipality has begun preventive chlorination of the water and flushing of the water supply networks. Repeat samples are planned to be taken immediately to determine the source of the contamination.
The municipality believes that the widespread detection of coliform bacteria may rather indicate contamination of untreated water at the water intake than a problem directly in the water supply network. At the same time, the causes cannot yet be conclusively assessed until repeat results are obtained. Kuressaare Veevärk informed the Health Board about the situation and coordinated further actions.
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Testing results
Following routine testing on July 30, the water utility began chlorinating the water supply system due to preliminary laboratory results. Coliform bacteria and E. coli were detected at the terminal sections of the pipelines. Residents of the Upa area were also advised to boil water as a precautionary measure.
Coliform bacteria may appear in warm weather due to stagnant water in pipes, the water utility said. Their small quantity usually does not pose a health risk, but E. coli requires an urgent response. The water utility called this the first detection of E. coli in three years.
E. coli is part of the natural microflora of humans and animals. Most of its strains are harmless, but some rare strains can cause disease, so every detection of the bacterium requires a water quality check and, if necessary, adjustments to its treatment.
