A park volunteer host accidentally directed the driver of a tanker with 1,000 gallons of the fire camp’s gray water to the park’s 10,000-gallon potable water tank for dumping on the evening of July 18, according to the Jackson County Parks Department.
The mistake went unnoticed until Monday morning, when a park ranger chatting with the tanker driver learned of where he had dumped the water, Lambert said.
Parks officials immediately closed access to the water and notified state and county health officials, Lambert said.
Tests of the water Monday showed the presence of E. coli and coliform bacteria, said Chad Peterson, the environmental health director for the Jackson County Health and Human Services Department.
The park’s water system was flushed and work was underway Tuesday to clean and disinfect the system, and crews hoped to be finished by Thursday, Lambert said.
Infants, seniors, women who are pregnant and those with compromised immune systems could face increased risks.
Peterson said Tuesday that health officials have not discovered anyone sickened by exposure to the water.
Camper Tiphanie Hulse said she drank the water every day during the contamination period and didn’t notice a change in the water or get sick.
“Nothing.” Reach Mail Tribune reporter Mark Freeman at 541-776-4470 or mfreeman@rosebudmedia.com.
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