What was the sequence of events in the Water Bureau’s response to the discovery of potential contamination in the water system?
On Thursday, November 26, 2009, the results from a routine water quality sample from Washington Park Reservoir 3 taken the previous day indicated the likely presence of E. coli bacteria. Water Quality staff were notified by the bureau laboratory of the results in the early evening. Review of the sample on Thursday evening indicated a low, barely detectable concentration of the bacteria. Resampling was scheduled for Friday morning. On Friday, November 27, 2009, another water sample was taken from Reservoir 3. Additional samples were taken both upstream and downstream of the sample point. The Commissioner-in-Charge, Water Bureau management staff, public information staff, emergency management staff and customer service staff were notified to prepare for a response and boil water notice on Saturday, if needed. State health officials were notified. At approximately 9:30 am on Saturday, November 28, 2009, the second water sample from Reservoir 3 indicated a clear presence of E. coli bacteri
