Bacteria concerns stay afloat in Putnam

Putnam (WTNH) - A week ago officials tested six sites in Putnam and found E. Coli and coliform bacteria present at one site. They since tested the water again and results came back Wednesday show coliform is still present in the water.

Lunch time turned into fill-up time for restaurants and residents in Putnam.

Starting at noon, folks lined up at tanker trucks brought in by the town after bacteria was again found in the latest round of water samples.

"Coliform is concerning," said Putnam Mayor Robert Viens. "Coliform -- you can almost call it a precursor to E. Coli."

The town is now testing its water daily. Even if the town's water supply gets a clean bill of health, the tankers will be present for the next five days and workers will be there around the clock.

"This is the town of Putnam taking care of the people," said Mayor Viens.

"We got some [clean water] to put in restrooms so that they can clean their hands 'cause they can't use the water to wash their hands for anything like that," said Michael Phillips of the Putnam Science Academy.

While some would have liked to see the free drinking water sooner, a restaurant owner gave workers a gesture of thanks. 'Someplace Special' is already putting the water to use.

"It's been a little difficult but it's working okay," said Tony Pasiakos of 'Someplace Special.'

And the meals on the now limited menu are served on plastic and paper plates.

"But the food is still good," said customer Annette Hamilton.

It's too difficult, though, for a Putnam restaurant which hasn't been able to reopen while many residents continue to play it safe.

"We're all set now. We'll be back again I"m sure of it," said Ken Tomac of Putnam.