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Council postpones large‑scale water testing; asks for narrower resident survey and lab cost estimates
Summary
The council agreed Jan. 21 to postpone a request to test 100 homes for a broad 'full panel' of contaminants. Staff and labs told the committee that labs price by analyte; members instructed staff to narrow the scope through a resident survey and to return Feb. 18 with specific analytes, cost estimates and public‑health input.
Councilmembers postponed consideration of a proposal to test up to 100 homes for a wide range of water contaminants and bacteria, directing staff to narrow the testing scope and to consult public‑health authorities.
City staff and contractors said laboratories price tests by analyte (for example, lead, copper or specific bacteria), and that a 'full panel' must be specified element‑by‑element. Mr. Edwards (administration contact) told the committee labs will test for requested analytes but that costs multiply quickly when each additional metal or bacterium is added and multiplied by the number of homes tested. Members discussed costs for one metal vs. a large multi‑analyte panel and noted bacteria testing carries its own per‑sample cost.
Council asked to engage residents in the affected blocks to learn the specific complaints (discoloration, odor, black mold, taste) that would determine analytes to include. They also asked staff to consult the county office of public health and laboratories for recommended analyte lists and to return with a narrower, costed proposal at the committee meeting scheduled for Feb. 18.
The committee emphasized the need for transparency about testing choices, a clear resident outreach survey, and a plan to publish results. No testing contract or expenditure was approved at this meeting.
