Official: Water advisory could be lifted as early as Monday morning

PNT staff writer

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Water samples tested Sunday were clean of e. coli bacteriological contamination, according to Roosevelt County Water Co-op Manager Clarence Smith.

“We got the results around 10:30 a.m.,” said Smith.

The state issued a boil-water advisory Friday morning for Roosevelt County Water Co-op customers after a sample tested positive for e. coli.

Water was tested four times between Friday and Sunday, according to Smith, and all four tests came back clean. This means that the boil-water advisory could be lifted as early as Monday morning. Sunday's test results have been faxed to the New Mexico Environment Department, according to Smith, where they will be reviewed Monday during office hours.

Smith said that a source has not been located from the original contamination. Smith also said no extra precautions will be taken this week if the boil-water advisory is lifted.

“All the tests are passed and we’ve done everything required of us by the Environmental Department, so I see no reason why it won’t be lifted (Monday),” said Smith.

The boil water advisory was for Roosevelt County Water Co-op customers only, of which there are 3,800.