A culinary waterline that supplies about 3 percent of Riverton's water has been shut down because of bacterial contamination.

City Administrator Craig White said routine tests of the Bear Canyon waterline found it to be in violation of the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. The tests revealed the presence of total coliforms, he said.Dan Blake of the Drinking Water Division of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality said total coliforms are an indicator of other bacterial organisms. No boil order was issued because the city appears to have taken adequate precautions, he said.

Besides shutting off the Bear Canyon supply, Riverton also back-flushed the line to purge it of any residual contamination. Division environmental scientist Dave Hansen said additional water samples will be tested this week to make sure the supply remains clear.

The Bear Canyon line taps the Bear Canyon Spring near Riverton and supplies water to eastside residents and the town fountain, which is located in the city park, 12765 S. 1400 West.

White said the Bear Canyon line will remain shut pending further notice. "We wish to assure the residents that we are taking all necessary steps to identify and correct this problem," he added.

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Neither the state nor the city has reported any health problems associated with the bacterial contamination.

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