Mount Shasta Implements Precautionary Water Chlorination After Bacteria Detection

Mount Shasta officials began chlorinating the city’s drinking water system on December 5th following the detection of total coliform bacteria in multiple spring source samples. The measure affects approximately 3,000 residents served by the city’s water system.

Ken Kellogg, Director of Public Works, emphasized this is not an emergency situation and no E. coli bacteria were detected. “Residents do not need to boil their water or take any corrective actions,” said Kellogg.

The chlorination decision was made in conjunction with the State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Drinking Water. The treatment will continue at minimum state-required levels until several consecutive tests show no coliform presence.

The bacteria were found in samples from the city’s spring water system, which consists of eight collection boxes currently buried under snow. Total coliform bacteria are commonly found in soil and vegetation and are generally harmless but can indicate potential vulnerabilities in the water system.

City officials are conducting ongoing testing through a state-certified laboratory. The chlorination will cease once test results consistently show the spring water is free of total coliform bacteria and meets state requirements.