TIER 3 PUBLIC NOTIFICATION

August 30, 2019 at 1:10 pm

HMUA received a Notice of Non-Compliance from the NJDEP on April 11, 2018 for failure to collect a set of ground water source samples for each positive total coliform result, two (2) total, in the distribution system on March 13, 2018. Pursuant to the Revised Total Coliform Rule, ground water source samples are required for each positive total coliform result. HMUA collected one (1) set of ground water source samples for all wells operating at the time of the positive total coliform result, and all samples came back negative for total coliform. Per the rule, two (2) sets of ground water source samples were required to be taken. A second set of ground water source samples was taken on June 27, 2019 with all results negative for total coliform. The second set of ground water source samples corrected the non-compliance. This does not pose a threat to the quality of our water supply, as the water is continually disinfected at each source.

Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially-harmful, bacteria may be present. Whenever we detect coliform bacteria in any sample, we do follow-up testing to see if other bacteria or greater concern, such as fecal coliform or E. coli, are present. We did not find any of these bacteria in our subsequent testing.

This is not an emergency. If it had been, water customers would have been notified immediately. You do not need to use an alternative water supply and do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, pregnant women, and some elderly may be at increased risk of infection from microbes. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safed Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Please share this information with all other people who drink this water. You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. If you have any additional questions, please contact our office at 908-852-3622 and ask to speak to Frank Biank; or you may email us at custserv@hmua.com.

After Hours or Weekends/Holidays Emergency Call - (908) 246-9520