Gattman Under Boil Water Notice

PRESS RELEASE

The Mississippi State Department of Health is issuing a Boil-Water Alert for customers who receive their drinking water from the Village of Gattman  water supply located in Monroe County.

This affects 1,535 customers in the area.

Sampling showed the presence of total coliform bacteria in the drinking water.

Health officials strongly recommend that all water be boiled vigorously for one minute before it is consumed. This precaution will last at least two full days and water system officials will be immediately notified when the boil water alert is lifted.

Presence of total coliform bacteria

The United States Environmental Protection Agency sets drinking water standards and has determined that the presence of total coliform is a public health concern. Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other potentially harmful bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems with the treatment process or pipes which distribute the water.