The Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District urges Oak Vista subdivision residents to continue boiling their private well water and consider possible chlorination procedures until further notice.
CTGCD offers free bacteria tests for groundwater wells.
Residents may call the district at 512-756-4900 or visit www.centraltexasgcd. org to read chlorination instructions and order test kits.
The district receives samples 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday in Burnet at CTGCD headquarters, 225 S. Pierce, Suite 104.
Despite some small signs of recent improvement, CTCGD officials maintain Oak Vista residents are still vulnerable to groundwater contamination, especially from coliform bacteria and E. coli triggered by the July 4 flood, which broke limestone formations in the Ellenburger and San Saba aquifers, two shallow groundwater sources that flow directly beneath Oak Vista.
Chlorination treats groundwater in the wellbore, as well as the entire plumbing system, including faucets, pipes, pressure tanks and water heaters, according to district officials. A wellbore is the actual drilled hole for the purpose of extracting groundwater.
Before they conduct chlorination, Oak Vista residents are advised to avoid the use of well water for brushing teeth, cooking, drinking or making ice; boil water at least three minutes before any household consumption and; after chlorination, wait 48 hours, then, collect additional well samples to confirm water I safe and any residual bacteria in household plumbing is eliminated.
Generally, bathing with boiled or bottled water is permitted, also washing clothes with detergent, following by thorough drying; washing dishes with a sanitized dishwater cycle and a bleach rinse is safe, showering for adults and teenagers is OK as long as the water is not swallowed and; take care to clean bare surfaces with bleach on a ratio of 1 to 10.
As they continue to monitor Oak Vista groundwater safety, the district plans to notify residents of future developments and improvements.
