brain eating ameobas in Lake Jackson municipal water

[bernorange 8359]

Quote

The city of Lake Jackson has lifted its "do not use water advisory" but has also placed a boil water notice in effect after brain-eating amoeba was found in various water supplies across the area, according to officials.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality said it is working with the city to flush and disinfect the entire system.

A disaster declaration was issued Saturday in the city of Lake Jackson. Mayor Bob Sipple signed the declaration at 7 a.m. Saturday. It will allow the city to get outside assistance and activates the local Emergency Operations Center.

Earlier this month, a 6-year-old boy was diagnosed with naegleria fowleri and died. His hospitalization prompted the city to test the water and reach out to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for assistance testing water.

The T is also investigating.

Officials believe the child contracted the amoeba at the Lake Jackson Civic Center or a watering hose at his home.

Three of several samples came back positive and a “do not use” water advisory was issued Friday. Lake Jackson gets half its water from local wells and the other half from ground water supplied by the Brazosport Water Authority. For now, investigators are trying to determine whether the BWA water is safe enough to use.

If not, the city officials said they will begin the three-day process of switching to well water safety system.
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https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/lake-jackson-disaster-declaration-brain-eating-amoeba/285-158867ec-18e8-412c-9d39-27b10a5c0526

6yo boy died on Sept 8.  Took almost 3 weeks to test the water and then take steps to protect the public.  Yikes.

[Neonmoon 38129]

Edited September 27, 2020 by Neonmoon

[Mighty fine 169]

Hmm, interesting. Not uncommon in surface water supply (stagnant water areas). That the city uses groundwater is a bit of a head scratcher. Could be an 'old water' issue from water in dead end mains, but I'd wager its a contaminated ground storage tank at the bwa/ city connection (top of the head, non informed assumption).

Good news, easily rectified (pending they can quickly id the source).

[Nivek 16923]

Rumor has it the Amoeba started in college station but not one noticed.   

[Pato del Muerto 52487]

21 minutes ago, Nivek said:

Rumor has it the Amoeba started in college station but not one noticed.   

It quickly died out due to lack of nutritional resources, but not before being offered admission to tamu. 

Edited September 27, 2020 by Pato del Muerto

[fattyflattie 4639]

1 hour ago, bernorange said:

6yo boy died on Sept 8. 

My little brother knows the family.  I can't imagine.

[Helobious 9451]

You can drink the amoeba all day long and be fine. It only kills if you get it up your nose.

[Mighty fine 169]

You can drink the amoeba all day long and be fine. It only kills if you get it up your nose.

Following a couple of deaths from the bug at our local lake growing up, we all got in the habit of plugging our nose before skiing/tubing and jumping off boat houses for that very reason