Tests have showed no more presence of total coliform bacteria in Brainerd's water system, it was learned Wednesday.
As a result, the chlorination previously added to the city's water to disinfect against the bacteria - bringing with it a noticeable smell and taste - should be gone within the next few days.
Brainerd started chlorinating the city's water delivery system soon after total coliform was first detected Aug. 21 at a construction site on South Eighth Street.
Last week, after flushing the chlorine out of the system, tests by the Minnesota Department of Health showed the bacteria remained near South Eighth Street but no where else in the city. Chlorination was restarted and more tests of the system were ordered.
Tom Phelps, Brainerd Public Utilities superintendent, said two subsequent retests, both of which took 24 hours to complete and covered the entire water system have come back negative for total coliform bacteria. Chlorination of the water has stopped, he said, but the utility will not be flushing it out of the system this time.
"People should notice a change in the taste and smell of the water in the next few days," Phelps said. "Everything's back to normal then."
Total coliform bacteria are generally not harmful themselves, are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other potentially harmful bacteria, such as fecal coliform or E. coli bacteria, may be present. However, tests of Brainerd's water system were negative for the more harmful bacteria.
MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.
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