BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Primo Water North America has alerted customers that a water vending machine at a Bethlehem supermarket was shut down after detecting bacteria.
In an email release Friday, the company said it detected "total coliform" in its water vending machine at the C-Town market at 230 E. Third St. in South Bethlehem.
The finding is part of "our routine and rigorous testing program and protocol," Primo Water North America said.
An article from PennState Extension says coliform bacteria are common in soil, surface water and even on skin.
"Large numbers of certain kinds of coliform bacteria can also be found in waste from humans and animals," the article says. "Most types of coliform bacteria are harmless to humans, but some can cause mild illnesses and a few can lead to serious waterborne diseases."
The company said it shut down the machine "out of an abundance of caution."
It will remain out of order "until appropriate repairs and safety measures are rechecked and confirmed," the statement said.
"The health and safety of our products are our top priority," Primo Water North America said.
The Florida-based company has around 23,000 refill stations across the country, according to a fact sheet. Primo Water's website shows the following other self-service water refill locations in the Lehigh Valley:
- 2425 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem (Weis)
- 1201 Airport Road, Allentown (Redner's Market)
- 630 N. Seventh St., Allentown (Little Apple Market)
- 1313 Linden St., Allentown (La Parada Food Discount)
- 2323 Lehigh St., Allentown (Redner's Market)
- 3745 Nicholas Street, Palmer Township (Redner's Market)
- 3722 Easton Nazareth Highway, Lower Nazareth Township (Walmart Super Center)
- 2180 MacArthur Road, Whitehall (Redner's Market)
- 2601 MacArthur Road, Whitehall (Walmart Super Center)
