Members of the Richland County Public Works Committee were informed that tests at the LA Community Building detected chloroform and E. coli in the building’s water supply, prompting an immediate cessation of water use at the facility and short-term mitigations.

Committee members heard that Schreiber provided emergency water service while the building’s staff “shocked” the system with bleach and retested. The committee was told the building has produced three clean follow-up water samples. Staff said the entity has increased physical security at the reservoir and locks, and that facility staff are continuing to investigate how contamination entered the system.

Committee members discussed whether the contamination originated from the reservoir or closer to the buildings; staff said testing indicated the issue was more localized near the buildings than the well, but that they have not identified a definitive source. Staff also said they did not perform tests to classify whether the contaminant material was human or animal in origin.

A facility representative named Britney is scheduled to present an update to the county’s Executive and Finance committee next week, according to the committee. No formal action was taken; the item was placed on upcoming-agenda lists for a fuller briefing.

Committee members asked staff to keep testing and to provide additional details as they become available. The committee did not make any policy decisions at the meeting.