The city of Lehi is urging residents not to drink or play in pressurized irrigation water amid an E. coli outbreak that has sickened at least a dozen people.
City officials sent out letters to 26,000 homes on Monday, announcing that E. coli 0157 had been detected at the Sandpit Reservoir and five exposure sites. At this time of year, the majority of pressurized irrigation water is delivered to the Sandpit Reservoir, then pumped to other storage reservoirs around Lehi, city officials said.
The particular E. coli strain causes severe intestinal infection in humans, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
The city’s investigation has linked the outbreak to the use of pressurized irrigation water for drinking and recreation, such as playing in sprinklers, according to the letter. Pressurized irrigation water is used for fire suppression, watering lawns and crops, and other uses. Unlike culinary water, it isn’t treated, which can leave it susceptible to harmful bacteria.
As of Thursday, the Utah County Health Department had reported 12 cases and no current hospitalizations. The outbreak was reported earlier this month. On Aug. 4, the Utah Health Department said in a news release that at least five people had been hospitalized due to the severity of their symptoms.
Symptoms of E. coli infection include diarrhea (often with blood), abdominal cramps, fever, nausea and vomiting. Some cases can lead to kidney failure, especially in elderly individuals, young children and people with compromised immune systems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
To help deactivate and lower the levels of E. coli bacteria in the water, crews from the city’s Water Department are “shock-treating” the key Sandpit Reservoir and Low Hills Reservoir with a sodium copper liquid, said Jeanteil Livingston, communications manager with Lehi City.
This is the first time the city has had to treat its pressurized irrigation system. “It’s a test run; they don’t know how it’s going to work. They’re hoping that it is effective,” Livingston said. Even after treatment, some bacteria will remain in the water, she said, and it will never reach the same level of safety as culinary water.
The City urged residents not to water their lawns or use pressurized irrigation water in pools, bounce houses or any other recreational activities. Residents also shouldn’t consume uncooked produce from home gardens that have been watered with pressurized irrigation water, as washing may not remove all the bacteria. Cooked produce is safe to eat, as the cooking process can eliminate the risk of E. coli infection, the letter said.
Residents should keep an eye on children when they’re playing on grass that has been watered with pressurized irrigation water, the letter continued, and make sure they don’t put their hands or anything that has touched the lawn in their mouths. E. coli can be present on a lawn even when it’s dry, the letter said, so anyone who touches the lawn or its soil should wash their hands after contact.
E. coli in Cache County
As of Monday, six confirmed cases of E. coli infection in Cache County have been reported to the Bear River Health Department, according to a news release.
The health department is investigating the cause of the cases, and is also working with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services and the Utah State Laboratory to determine whether the cases in Cache County are linked. “Preliminary findings suggest a potential cluster of cases,” the release said.
“Although we are actively working to identify the source of this outbreak, there is no specific risk to the general public at this time,” said Jordan Mathis, health officer at the Bear River Health Department. “However, we advise residents to practice good hygiene, such as thoroughly washing their hands, especially after using the restroom and before handling food.”
E. coli bacteria is often found in the environment in the intestines of humans and animals. Most strains are harmless, but some can cause severe illness, the release said. It’s unclear what strain of E. coli has been reported in Cache County.
The Bear River Health Department urged people to take the following safety steps:
Wash hands with soap and water before cooking and eating food, after using the restroom, and after contact with animals.
Make sure to cook meat thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria.
Avoid consuming raw milk and undercooked meat.
Thoroughly wash garden-grown vegetables and fruits before eating them.
Seek medical attention if you have symptoms of E. coli infection.
