Stanton coffee shop combats contaminated drinking water
In Stanton the boil alert is still on going, but for residents here that isn’t stopping them from getting their full cup of coffee.
By News Channel NebraskaSTANTON, Neb. - In Stanton the boil alert is still on going, but for residents here that isn’t stopping them from getting their full cup of coffee.
Stanton County Emergency Management Agency announced that E. coli was found in the towns running water two weeks ago, forcing residents to find drinkable water by other means. Shannon Hekrdle owns the local coffee shop. Hekrdle depends on water keeping her business afloat and found a solution faster than instant brew.
“The first thing I did was call my water guy Teeco here in Stanton, ”said Hekrdle.” So I was like what are my options. We can't not be operating for 10 days, especially just opening here in march so luckily, he was like hey let’s get you set up with the Uv light system. So it’s killing the E. coli in our water so that we can continue to operate.”
Stanton Mayor Kyel Voecks confirmed that The City Of Stanton took water samples and sent to them to the state lab for tests… Despite the contamination, many in town — including the mayor — have kept their normal routines.
“And I can tell you I’ve never stopped drinking the water,” said Mayor Voecks.
Tony Kander runs the local grocery store and is offering free bottles of water. He's only needed to give away about a pallet-worth over two weeks.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says E. Coli can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea.
Hekrdle is thankful to see the community stepping in for each other with water donations.
“ It's definitely been an inconvenience but luckily we’re able to get bottles of water,” said Herkrdle.
Officials are hoping to have drinkable water back to Stanton by Friday. But until then, Herkrdle had a final cup of advice.
“ Drink good coffee,” said Herkrdle.