Bacteria was found in one of the 12 tests conducted on Brainerd's drinking water system, Brainerd Public Utility officials reported Friday, resulting in an extension of the order for residents to boil water to be used for drinking and cooking.
Because of the positive test, Brainerd Public Utilities and Minnesota Department of Health decided it was best to extend the city's current water boil order for a minimum of one week or until further notice, Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU) Superintendent Scott Magnuson said.
The test was conducted by the Minnesota Department of Health Thursday after a drop in water pressure that resulted from a broken water line near Kiwanis Park and prevented the water tower at the site of the former Brainerd State Hospital from filling up overnight. That water tower, which holds 750,000 gallons, is being used because the city's main water tower, located near downtown and which holds 1 million gallons, is out of commision while it's being worked on.
Magnuson declined to say where the positive bacteria test was found, but said the 12 areas tested included - by the water line break, by the water plant and in 10 other areas spread out evenly throughout the city.
Magnuson said BPU officials will meet with Department of Health officials again Saturday to determine whether there will be a retest. If that is done, it would be another 24-hour test, he said.
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"We hope to have a plan in place (Saturday)," Magnuson said. "Normally we would go back out and retest that one spot and five other spots nearby it, and if they're OK we'd go ahead and lift that order. We hope we can go back out and retest."
Magnuson said the bacteria found was not E.coli, and residents would be OK if they boil water which they plan to drink or cook with.
SuperAmerica announced it is donating 1,800 cases of water to Brainerd residents, which will be available from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday in the parking lot at Brainerd City Hall.
Donations of water are being accepted by the city during the boil order. Donations can be made by calling Brainerd Fire Chief Kevin Stunek at 218-839-1815.
