Nine Wells Test Positive For E. Coli In Quispamsis

Officials are still trying to determine why E. coli has been found in some private wells in Quispamsis.

The Department of Health said Tuesday that 57 notices were delivered to homes and 42 wells had been tested.

Nine wells have tested posted for E. coli bacteria to date, according to Mayor Gary Clark.

“Our utility department has been actively assisting the regional medical officer of health and her staff with their investigation,” said Clark after Tuesday’s council meeting. “Our staff are in daily contact with Public Health and will continue to support them.

The town dealt with a blockage in its sanitary sewer system around the same time residents started to report issues.

But town officials have maintained that there is no link between the two issues.

“We have checked sewer lines in the area,” said Clark. “So far, we have determined there are no breaks or leaks of any kind and there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest the localized issue is in any way connected to the town’s sanitary sewer system.”

A boil water order was first issued Oct. 29 for dozens of residences along parts of Pettingill Road, Longwood Drive, Wellington Court, Cedar Grove Drive and Sparrow Court.

Affected residents have been told to boil their water for at least one minute before consuming it.

Clark was pressed by a reporter about why the town is not doing more to help those who are being affected.

“Wells are a private entity in the town, it’s not municipal water. We’re helping provide water for them,” he said.

That water source is a tap located on the outside of Quispamsis Memorial Arena.

A statement from the Department of Health said residents should contact the town for additional information.