City officials said Monday they are investigating a claim by a city woman that she found a worm in her drinking water.

Ironton Superintendent of Water Mark White said Monday the bacteria tests are being performed on the city’s water supply. A chlorine test performed Monday showed the chlorine level at 1.0 — above the state standards and above the level that would be hospitable for worms or other such critters to live.

“It’s highly unlikely that a worm or anything can live in a chlorine residual of 1.0,” White said. “We want to assure the public the water is safe to drink. We serve 4,850 residents and businesses.”

White said he found out about the alleged worm in the water when he saw the story on the Website of a local television station.