GONZALES — Well No. 5 has been removed from service to the residents of Gonzales due to coliform bacteria found in the water system.
“Coliform is a naturally occurring item in our dust and dirt around here,” said Public Works Director Harold Wolgamott.
The well in question is located on Fanoe Road. The well is regularly tested for safety, and during the month of August, 27 tests were conducted with four tests returning to show levels of coliform above the drinking water standard under the California Safe Drinking Water Act.
According to a news release from the city, the City of Gonzales is allowed one positive result per well testing period.
Gonzales is required to conduct 12 or more tests per month concerning safe water.
“We did what all farmers do,” said Wolgamott. “You super chlorinate the well at the direction of the State Water Board. You let it set for 24 hours and pump it out.”
The goal was to have no chlorine left in the well, but there was some left over. After a second test and a similar result, the well was shut down and has not been used since Sept. 11.
The news release says that the well is being repaired and will be tested thoroughly before coming back into service.
The city is expecting Well No. 5 to come back to service before Nov. 30.
“All the other wells are fine,” said City Manager Rene Mendez.
A notice concerning the well was sent out this past week from the city notifying residents that the well would be removed from service for repairs to correct the situation and get the well back up running quickly.
