Beginning November 9th the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE), is requiring the North Platte Water Department to chlorinate a portion of our drinking water system.

This requirement is a result of coliform positive water samples that were taken in September and October. Coliform bacteria are neither harmful nor considered a health hazard. Coliform bacteria are naturally found in the air, the ground, and in water. Coliform bacteria are easy to identify and are used as an indicator that harmful bacteria could be present in the water. There haven’t been any other bacteria identified in our water samples. At no time was the water in our system unsafe to drink.

NDEE requires water systems that have two or more coliform positive samples in a month to undergo an inspection of the water system. The North Platte Water system has been inspected three times in the past several months. Results of these inspections, failed to identify any issue or problem with the water system, its procedures, personnel, or operations that would account for the coliform bacteria being present in our water.

We will begin treating the water on November 9th 2021. It may take several days to achieve the required .20 mg/l Once we have the .20 mg/l established the thirty day monitoring period will begin. We are required to test and document the level of Chlorine in the water every day. If the level falls below the mandatory .20 m/gl at any time during the 30 day period, we are required to start the 30 days over again. While the chlorination will be focused on the north side of town, some residual chlorine could be noticed throughout the entire system.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact our office at (308)-535-6740 #3133