JENKS - The state Department of Environmental Quality has lifted the precautionary boil water advisory for Jenks that was issued Friday when a water sample showed signs of E. coli bacteria.
Follow-up tests on Saturday showed no evidence of the bacteria, city officials said.
DEQ has determined that the water is now safe for human consumption and verified that there is adequate chlorine in the distribution system for disinfection.
City officials expected precautionary measures taken by businesses, including restaurants, to be lifted by the Tulsa City-County Health Department.
The contaminated sample came from an outside faucet and an environmental factor - such as an animal making physical contact with the faucet - could have created the contamination, officials said.
Possible causes of the E. coli appearing in the sample include the manner in which the test was taken, authorities said.
After the city was notified of an irregular sample, it ordered follow-up tests near where the original sample was taken.
After the second test, the water system was flushed and another sample was taken.
The final sampling showed no signs of bacteria, and the water has been deemed to be safe, officials said.
"We've had people here cleaning since about 11 a.m. this morning," said Stephen Sutton, manager at Louie's Grill & Bar.
The Tulsa City-County Health Department has been going over proper cleaning techniques with Jenks businesses. Sutton said they have sanitized all areas exposed to water, thrown out all the ice and well drinks, and have run the dishwasher several times to flush it out.
Sutton said they opened Saturday about 2 p.m. The bacteria alert caused the restaurant to miss its Friday evening dinner crowd and lunch on Saturday.
"We're glad everything is going to be good to go," he said.
Lea Anne Stephens, health department spokeswoman, said they are waiting to receive official word from DEQ that the final bacteria test was negative.
Once that happens, Stephens said businesses are free to reopen after they have followed the recommended cleaning procedures.
"Our sanitarians are in the area to notify businesses about the proper procedures," she said. "We do try out best to notify our customers. We understand that it's a time of frustration for our people."
DEQ requires all public water systems to submit regular samples to DEQ to ensure safe drinking water.
Susan Hylton 918-581-8381
susan.hylton@tulsaworld.com
Original Print Headline: Boil order lifted in Jenks after DEQ follow-up
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