Seabrook Water System Found Clear of Contaminants

The Town of Seabrook, after receiving a positive result on Friday July 13, 2018 from a single water sample indicating an E.coli contamination, has worked since that time with the New Hampshire DES to examine the Seabrook Water system, and ascertain whether the single test represented a wider problem with water quality in Seabrook. The Seabrook Water Department, represented by Superintendent Curtis Slayton and Chief Operator George Eaton, in close cooperation with DES, immediately began drawing new samples for testing. On Saturday morning, July 14, 2018, at 7:00 am, DES, with Chief Operator George Eaton, conducted a full sanitary inspection of the Seabrook Water System. Additional water sampling was also conducted and sent to a state certified lab. After the sanitary inspection was completed the N.H. DES representative indicated that there was “no apparent source of contamination” and found “no operational deficiencies” in the conduct of operations by the Seabrook Water Department. On Sunday July 15, 2018 extensive test results were returned to the Chief Operator George Eaton, as well as the New Hampshire DES. Those lab results show an absence of Total Coliform and E.coli bacteria. Since the initial positive result was not duplicated it appears that the initial finding was an anomaly. The residents of Seabrook can feel confident that the Seabrook Water Department continues to deliver high quality, clean water.

During this weekend the Seabrook Water Department closely adhered to NH DES rules, regulations, and established protocols. The Town of Seabrook is very grateful for the high level of assistance provided by the NH DES. DES was immediately available for consultation and was on site in Seabrook at 7:00 am Saturday. The strong work of Chief Operator George Eaton and Superintendent Curtis Slayton provided critical updates to the Seabrook Board of Selectmen, who are the Water Commissioners of the Town of Seabrook. Daily updates to the public were issued under the direction of the Seabrook Board of Selectmen, who instructed management to keep this process open and transparent. The Seabrook Water Department will continue to work with the N.H. DES, and will conduct additional testing beyond the traditional level over the next week.