Dye tests may find source of bad water

WEST FRANKLIN -- As of Wednesday, the water in Shadyside Village in West Franklin still is contaminated with fecal coliform, state Department of Environmental Protection officials said. For residents, that means the taps have to stay turned off.

It's been more than a week since a high concentration of bacteria was found in the well which services the residents of about 40 homes in the rental community owned and operated by KH Real Estate.

Last week DEP took lab samples from the water, which tested positive for fecal contamination, after several people in the community were hospitalized with intestinal illnesses.

DEP officials returned to the community Tuesday to continue their investigation of the bacterial contamination of the water supply there.

The department hopes by tracing the paths of dyes that were placed into the system, they can locate the source of the bacteria.

"We are continuing to monitor the level of bacteria and will re-evaluate the system when those test results are available," said DEP Southwest Regional Director Kenneth Bowman. "At this time, we have not pinpointed the source of the contamination, but the high level of fecal coliform in the water supply suggests that the water has come in contact with untreated sewage."

DEP reminded residents that the do-not-use the water advisory remains in effect. Residents are not to use their water for drinking, cooking or bathing.

"The contamination is great enough that contact with cuts or open sores could pose a danger, so all residents have been advised not to use the water for anything other than flushing toilets," Bowman said.

DEP and the state Department of Health are working together to minimize potential human health risks associated with the contamination, officials said.

Armstrong County's Emergency Management Agency has put two water buffaloes on site for residents' drinking water. Residents also can use the showers at the Kittanning YMCA.

"If the problem can't be resolved, options include drilling a new well or buying water from another water system," Bowman said.

The owners of KH Real Estate would not comment on the situation.