(City of American Falls, July 29, 2026)
Good morning everyone. We don’t have our test results back so hang tight. We will be posting results as soon as we can. In the meantime, we wanted to share more information about the failed test results from yesterday.
The City of American Falls recently received water test results indicating the presence of coliform bacteria in one or more water samples.
First, it’s important to understand that coliform bacteria are not necessarily harmful themselves. Coliforms are a group of bacteria that are commonly found in the environment, including soil, vegetation, and the digestive systems of humans and animals. Their presence is used as an indicator that other disease-causing bacteria or contaminants could potentially enter the water system.
Think of coliform bacteria as a warning flag, not proof that the water contains harmful bacteria. Finding coliforms simply tells us that additional testing and investigation are necessary to ensure your drinking water remains safe.
When a sample tests positive for coliform:
The City is required to immediately collect additional water samples.
Our operators investigate the cause, which can include issues such as a water main break, hydrant flushing, maintenance activities, or other events that may have allowed contamination into the system.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is notified, and the City follows all required state and federal regulations.
The City of American Falls takes the safety of our drinking water very seriously. Our water system is routinely tested to ensure it meets all state and federal drinking water standards.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete the required follow-up testing and continue working to provide safe, reliable drinking water for our community.
