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E. Coli Confirmation Prompts Water Boil Advisory in Three RI Towns

Chris Boardman

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Residents of three Rhode Island towns are being advised to boil their water because tests have found the bacteria E. coli in the public water supply.

The Rhode Island Department of Health on Tuesday says the tests showed E. coli in the Bristol County Water Authority water system.
The authority serves Barrington, Bristol and Warren.

The health department says water should be boiled first if residents plan to drink it or use it to brush their teeth, make ice, cook or bathe infants with it.

The water should be boiled for a minute because that kills bacteria and other organisms. The health department says people can also use bottled water instead.

E. coli can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea or headaches.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Friday, Sep 11 at 7:01 PM Kris wrote ...

How can this happen ? peoples jobs should be on the line here for allowing this poluted water to enter our homes, this could have been a terroist style of attack and it would not have been detected until it was to late shame on the Bristol water Authority !

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Friday, Sep 11 at 4:51 AM Kay wrote ...

JERRY, The water is NOT for E. Prov. residents. It's just one of two places we can pick up water. The other is in WARREN!

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Thursday, Sep 10 at 12:59 PM Jenn wrote ...

Someone said you can use your dishwasher. NO YOU CAN'T. Not unless you have a unique dishwasher which reaches boiling temperatures!

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Thursday, Sep 10 at 10:39 AM JERRY wrote ...

Here we have the problem in Bristol County yet the water company is offering free water at the Carousel in East Providence. They do not need the water, there's is ok, why do we not have free water in our county. Haven't these brains heard of water buffalos where they can put good water in Barrington, Bristol and Warren? Makes no sense at all to give East Providence free water where there is no problem and give Bristol County nothing where there is a problem. Come on start using your brains.

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Wednesday, Sep 9 at 3:03 PM Cat1222 wrote ...

There is no way of knowing how long this will be in effect. It is safe to wash clothes and take a shower. Use bottled water or boil water for one minute to wash dishes, brush your teeth or bath you infant. If you have a dishwasher, you are all set.

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Wednesday, Sep 9 at 3:00 PM cat1222 wrote ...

Jen, Bristol County, RI is comprised of the three towns you listed. They are not part of Newport County. There is also a Bristol County, MA. I believe if you go back in history, the three towns were originally part of Massachusetts Bay Colony. That's why both states have a Bristol County.

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Wednesday, Sep 9 at 9:13 AM ethel wrote ...

If you read the East Bay newspaper website, the water company found out on SUNDAY that the water tested positive for ecoli, So why the wait to let us know? They also state that the ecoli sample was found in Barrington. Was it the well in Barrington? ABC6 can you get the answers to these questions? thanks

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Wednesday, Sep 9 at 9:08 AM Lilly wrote ...

howlong will this be in effect?

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Wednesday, Sep 9 at 9:07 AM Anonymous wrote ...

how long will this be in effect?

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Wednesday, Sep 9 at 8:46 AM jen wrote ...

I'm confused. Isn't Bristol County in Massachusetts? I thought Bristol, Warren & Barrington were in Newport County? Could someone clarify this for me. Thanks.

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Tuesday, Sep 8 at 8:47 PM karen wrote ...

can we use the dishwasher to clean our dishes or is not going to kill the bugs?

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Tuesday, Sep 8 at 7:04 PM Cat1222 wrote ...

Anyone curious about where the Ecoli came from? Check out the farm on Serpentine Road in Warren. It borders the Kickimuit River and is owned by a Warren Town Councilman. The cows are often in the water doing there thing. How can he use that water, when swimming and boating are not allowed in that water? Also, think about all the run off from the other properties along the reservoir. I think it's surprising it doesn't happen more.

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Tuesday, Sep 8 at 6:50 PM MS,Bristol wrote ...

7:45pm and BCWA Website is not updated. This is where I would look to find any answers to questions re: public safety issues and any questions regarding my water supply. BCWA-where are you?...any updates for 3 Towns wanting answers....pls post them on your website!

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Tuesday, Sep 8 at 6:41 PM Marcia wrote ...

to Jim S: Talk about ignorant! Your email rant is filled with spelling errors. People have every right to question the powers that be. The water running through our faucets are filled with horrors on a daily basis. You, sir, are everything I hate about living in this state.

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Tuesday, Sep 8 at 6:38 PM Warrennite wrote ...

Your report list three towns (Bristol - Barrington - Warren)but lets get it right the water is being pumped from Warren; this backward little town has no idea how to handle animal waste.

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Tuesday, Sep 8 at 6:26 PM jim s. bristol, ri wrote ...

first of all the public was notified as soon as the found it, and for those ignorant people that dont know anything , you should learn to shut your mouth. first off all the water is tested DAILY, AND SECOND if you live in bristol , warren , or barrington 80 % percent of your water somes scituate and the other 20 % comes from warren resivore, so get your stuff straight before you run your mouth!!!!

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Tuesday, Sep 8 at 4:49 PM maria, bristol wrote ...

Can we take a shower in this water? or will it be harmful to even shower..??

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Tuesday, Sep 8 at 3:56 PM Anonymous wrote ...

How long has there been a problem before the public has been notified? The water come from the Scituate reservoir so who else is affected? How much will be deducted from our water bills?

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Tuesday, Sep 8 at 2:26 PM Gdub wrote ...

Because the BCWA website is 8 years old and the authority is ripe with nepotism/ignorance/trailer park/

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Tuesday, Sep 8 at 2:02 PM ethel wrote ...

I can not believe that the BCWA does not have anything on its website about the problem either! How long has it been bad and what made them test now? Something must have prompted the testing? I wonder if this problem is caused by that water main they are putting in for the college? They have Ferry road all dug up again today with men working down in the hole.

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Tuesday, Sep 8 at 1:54 PM Greg wrote ...

On their web page.

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Tuesday, Sep 8 at 1:54 PM Greg wrote ...

How can the BCWA not update with any information, how irresponsible!

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