WINNEMUCCA — The water operator for Gold Country Estates in Grass Valley is working to determine whether a line break was the source of E. coli contamination recently discovered in the water. Users of that system must continue to boil water used for cooking or drinking. 

According to Jill LuFrano, public information officer for the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP), that office is working with the certified operator and will continue to do so until the water is safe to drink, which will be declared after two consecutive days of clean samples.  The NDEP did not indicate when the break, or repair work, occurred.

The Nevada Medical Epidemiologist is monitoring the situation and reports there have been no “elevated frequency of illness” related to E. coli in the local area.  “These measures of active surveillance will continue until the water is deemed safe for at least 21 days,” LuFrano noted.

The discovery of E. coli began with a routine testing on Nov. 24, which indicated the presence of total coliform bacteria.  Total coliform bacteria are organisms present in the environment and in the feces of warm-blooded animals.  Total coliform bacteria will not necessarily cause illness, but may be an indicator of illness-causing organisms. 

The Nov. 24 test was negative for E. coli.  NDEP representatives indicated four repeat samples were taken as required on Nov. 30.  The results were obtained on Dec. 2 and all four indicated the presence of E. coli.

There are about 950 users in the neighborhoods accessing the Gold Country Estates system, which includes Grass Valley Elementary school.  School officials have adopted guidelines recommended by NDEP.