The San Mateo community is back in the news after a recent preliminary report from a US based university confirmed that tests show that the water in the San Mateo Subdivision are contaminated.
"Engineers without Borders-USA" sent a group of students from the Texas A & M University to conduct a reconnaissance trip in January of 2012 during which they conducted a three part evaluation of potable water in the San Mateo Community. These evaluations included water quality field tests, water and sewer infrastructure assessment and a water quality survey. The alarming results confirmed what many have suspected for years.
The report states that "the bacteria, coliform, found in the water, can be linked to feces; thus we believe it is due to the inadequate handling of sewage in San Mateo. Our spot testing of water taps showed irregular contamination. Some taps provide contaminated water at times and not at other times. This is likely due to the current design, operation, and maintenance of the piped system. As the water distribution lines pass through sewage contaminated surface water, the erratic pressure (including no pressure) in the lines likely results in variable contamination of the entire system." The report analysis indicates that the current San Mateo water distribution system is "inadequate" and is a problem that cannot be easily fixed.
According to the preliminary report, there exists a high possibility of acquiring a waterborne illness from consuming water from either water sources. Those at risk are particularly infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly and anyone with a weak immune system.
Click here for the rest of the story and pictures in the San Pedro Sun