Reporting Error FAQs
What happened?
During our routine bacteria collection for one of our wells, the groundwater sample (before any disinfection was added), tested positive for low amounts of bacteria, specifically Coliform and E. coli.
Who/what area was affected?
This affects anyone who lives/works in the Cox pressure zone. That includes approximately the following streets or boundary lines: north of Campbell Ave, east of Miller Ave, south of Stevens Creek Blvd and west of Hwy 17.
When did this occur?
The sampling occurred on May 5. As soon as we received the results, we immediately shut down the well and resampled. Once all the additional samples came back clear (no bacteria present), the well in question was put back into rotation.
Why did this occur?
Wells are a groundwater source, meaning the water has run over rocks and through soil. It is possible that small traces of bacteria are in the water. Samples are taken to determine if there are bacteria, and in this case, it did show up. The well is treated with disinfectant (to remove the bacteria) before any water is served to customers.
How did this reporting error occur?
San Jose Water shut down the well and did all expected resampling. However, with the type of bacteria that was documented, E. coli, notification had to be given to the State DDW within 24 hours of San Jose Water receiving the results. This did not occur.
What is E. coli and why is it bad?
E. coli is a form of Coliform bacteria, otherwise known as fecal Coliform. It is commonly found in the feces (waste) of animals. It has the potential to cause sickness in the form of nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting at various degrees.
Why am I just hearing about this now?
On June 9, we realized we made a reporting error and did not notify the state that a raw water sample collected before treatment was positive for E. coli. As required, we informed the state of our error and followed their necessary guidance in relation to the public notification. We were informed on June 14 that we would be issued a citation requiring public notification. The letter you received needed to be approved by the state, translated into Spanish and Vietnamese, and then printed and mailed to your home.
Our primary mission is to serve our consumers with clean drinking water that exceeds drinking water standards. When this anomaly of a sample result occurred, we immediately took precautionary actions to confirm and rectify the situation. The raw water sample contained the contaminant. All of our wells are treated with a disinfectant to kill or neutralize this type of contaminant before the water enters the distribution system. We promptly shut down the well, flushed it and resampled the raw water source with various testing methods. The resamples all came back negative for bacteria.
What is happening next?
The specific well is currently out of service as more sampling occurs. The frequency of sampling for the well has also been increased.
Can I use and drink my water?
Yes, you can use and drink your water. All customers are receiving treated drinking water.
Am I in any danger?
No, the well was immediately taken out of service.