Aurora Water on Friday sent notices to residents near Altura Elementary School advising them that water at the school tested positive for the presence of and total coliform.
However, the testing process was faulty, Aurora Water spokesman Greg Baker said. More than 200 subsequent tests have shown no signs of either bacteria.
“The water is fine,” Baker said. “It was just a testing issue.”
The tests at the school, at 1650 Altura Blvd., and at a nearby horse property were conducted Jan. 11 and 12.
When the original test samples were taken, aerators on the sinks at the school were not removed and the faucets were not sanitized, which led to detection of bacteria.
Water tested at the horse property showed signs of total coliform. Baker said the aerator at that horse property could not be removed from the faucet. Another sample at a different location there showed no signs of coliform.
Letters are being sent out to residents who live in an area bounded by East Sixth and 28th avenues, Chambers Road and Interstate 225.
Even though the water is fine, the city is required to send out the notices.
Total coliform is a bacteria that is naturally present in the environment and generally not harmful, according to the letter sent out to residents. However, it can indicate the presence of other potentially harmful bacteria.
The presence of means the water may be contaminated with human or animal waste.
Baker said residents do not need to boil their water or refrain from drinking tap water.
Aurora Water is also examining its sampling protocol and locations to ensure future samples are taken properly.
Carlos Illescas: 303-954-1175 or cillescas@denverpost.com
