CALIFORNIA — The city was placed under a water boil order Friday by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
A routine sample from the California water distribution system taken Wednesday found positive traces of e-coli and coliform. After repeat samples were taken from the location the bacteria was found, the water system detected total coliform bacteria from a sample collected in the city’s distribution system Thursday. This exceeded the maximum containment level for e coli bacteria for June.
City workers announced they are working with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to conduct additional sampling and investigate the extent of the issue.
“Human pathogens in these waters can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms,” a news release from the city said. “They may pose a greater risk for infants, young children, the elderly and people with severely compromised immune systems.
The release said the order will remain in effect until water samples indicate the containment is no longer present. The city will notify residents when the order is over. For more information, contact the city's water and sewer department at 573-796-2268.