OXFORD COUNTY, Maine — Officials have closed Cooper Spring in South Paris as the water undergoes treatment for total coliform bacteria.
The issue was caused by a tree root allowing some soil to enter the spring, the Oxford County Soil and Water Conservation District said in a social media post.
Officials said the issue has been fixed but the spring would still be closed until the chlorine treatment clears the system and the water passes another test.
As of Tuesday, Aug. 6, the water district anticipated the spring would be closed for up to a week.
"We will post a sign when it's ready for use again," the post stated.
The most basic test for bacterial contamination of a water supply is the test for total coliform bacteria, according to the New York State Department of Health. A variety of bacteria, parasites, and viruses, known as pathogens, can potentially cause health problems if humans ingest them, the United Stated Environmental Protection Agency said.
Cooper Spring is a public, roadside spring owned and operated by the Oxford County Soil and Water Conservation District. It's located on Mt. Mica Road in South Paris, on property that was the former homestead of Fred and Estella Pearson Cooper, who settled in the area in 1881.
The water district said the spring water is tested monthly for coliform bacteria and annually for nitrates and nitrites to assure that it is safe to drink according to Maine Drinking Water Program standards.
The water district said anyone with questions can email Michele Windsor at oxfordcountyswcd@outlook.com.
