Brookhaven’s water treatment plant produces about 1.5 to 2 million gallons of water per day, he said.
The Public Water Supply Program ensures safe drinking water to the 2.8 million citizens of Mississippi who utilize the state’s public water supplies by strictly enforcing the requirements of the Federal and State Safe Drinking Water Acts.
City officials attributed the contamination to leaks in water lines earlier in the week that were caused by the freezing temperatures over the weekend.
The state required two days of clear samples before the advisory could be lifted.
But even while on alert, Augimeri said, the city’s water supply was still safe.
Fecal coliforms and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes.
“It even meets the requirements for some things that aren’t regulated yet.” The EPA asks some areas to test for additional compounds that aren’t required to be regulated yet.
Others, like the test for bacteriologicals are checked monthly.
Mitchell Technical Services checks 10 to 12 sites each month based on a schedule set up and approved through the state Department of Health.
They also check the chlorine to make sure levels are at an adequate level.