"Scam artists are taking water samples," Water Department Superintendent Gene Camp said, "but they're taking such a small sample that it can't be accurately tested."
Camp said every few years a random "company" will come to town and create a panic among residents.
"They're trying to sell water filters," Camp said. "They're getting all this information from people -- their name, address and telephone numbers, what time is the best time to call, do they own their home, what the household income is, if someone is employed or retired, what source of water do they have, do they conserve water -- and they've got these conditions if someone smells chlorine or a rock smell, sees iron stains or cloudiness. They've got all these things you can check off."
Camp said that the water department has obtained a copy of the notices these people are giving out, and he said, "If it was a legitimate company, they would have their name on the card."
As far as what residents are being told, Camp says that "depends on who you are."
"They told someone he had too much lead in his water and another had sulfur," Camp said. "Basically, whatever they can tell them, they're telling them and they won't put it in writing."
The Bartow County Water Department conducts a minimum of 60 samples a month from all over the area.
"Our monthly samples are for bacteria," Camp said. "What we do on a quarterly basis is a full-blown analysis with about 80 different contaminants we test for. We have a contract with the state for them to do the testing for us."
Camp and the department issues a word of caution to anyone who receives any notification claiming there are problems with the water and not to make an unnecessary filter purchase.
Further questions may be answered by the department at 770-387-5170.