Standing water contaminated
Pond near Whitecone Elementary tests positive for E. coli bacteria

By Kathy Helms
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — A pond near Whitecone Elementary School contaminated by runoff from a lagoon due to flooding has tested positive for E. coli, a bacteria found with the presence of animal waste, according to Selena Manychildren, Navajo Department of Emergency Management.

Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency officials tested the pond and has advised area residents to avoid contact with the water.

Manychildren said the presence of E. coli is comparable to what is found in many lakes and standing water. Sunlight will break up the microbes in the pond, which is evaporating.

The bacteria is not a threat, but it also is not drinking water. If needed, the community can post signs at the perimeter of the pond, close access or lock gates to the site, she said. Indian Health Service will rechlorinate the old sewer cell.

The location of the pond poses no threat to drinking water because Navajo Tribal Utility Authority furnishes water to the community via a water line from Greasewood. Navajo EPA will test the pond again next Wednesday, Aug. 23.

Manychildren said that in Dilkon, the Oraibi and Pinon, washes were running full, and that Beaver Dam as well as another earthen dam is on the verge of breaking. Navajo Nation Safety of Dams has been alerted.

In Ramah, N.M., some Navajo Housing Authority units located in a flood zone, along with four homes, are threatened by four dams that are full and have a high potential of breaking, according to EOC Cmdr. Johnny Johnson.

Cibola County and Navajo Nation departments of Emergency Management are coordinating to handle the emergency situation, he said.

According to Manychildren, reports from Smith Lake, N.M., indicate that 52 NHA homes were flooded Tuesday evening. Four of the units were totaled while seven received some damage. Residents will be relocated for up to 30 days.

Former Navajo Nation Council Delegate Buddy Mexicano said the water line to the north side of the Alamo community has been repaired and will be flushed with chlorine today. Water systems should be back on-line by Saturday or Sunday, he said. In the meantime, the Emergency Operation Center will be donating more cases of bottled water.

According to briefings at the Emergency Operation Center, Incident Command Posts in Whitecone and Whippoorwill will begin demobilizing today.

Washed out roads continue to be a problem at Manuelito Chapter, Lupton, Black Mesa and in the vicinity of Whippoorwill. "Culverts are being replaced and alternative routes are being planned out. Repairs on these roads will take time, but the job will get done," Johnson said.

The EOC is sending sandbags to assist Hopi Emergency Management. Manychildren said six dams are reported full with one, which is about to break, being pumped. Three of the dams are above Keams Canyon; the others are located in the canyon. Johnson said the Hopi have a good handle on the emergency situation.

Manychildren said that while thunderstorm activity was light Thursday, more rain is on its way today. The Navajo public is advised to report any lagoon spills and failed septic tanks at private residences to Navajo EPA, (928) 871-7186.

To contact the Emergency Operation Center, call (928) 871-6581 or 6363.