UPDATE: Boil water order lifted in Westerly

November 15, 2017 7:04 pm

By: News Staff

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

WESTERLY, R.I. (WLNE) — The boil water notice issued in Westerly after E. coli bacteria was found in a water sample has been lifted, authorities said on Friday.

A sample taken from the Bradford 2 Well taken on Monday showed the presence of the bacteria, Westerly Water Department officials said on Wednesday.

However, additional samples taken the following day showed no signs of the bacteria.

"The Westerly Water Department collected 13 samples throughout the distribution system on November 16th, including locations in Westerly, Rhode Island and Pawcatuck, Connecticut. The Bradford Well #2, which had the E. coli result earlier this week, will remain inactive until corrective action is completed and follow-up samples are absent of bacteria," said Joseph Wendelken with the Rhode Island Department of Health.

E. coli, a form of bacteria which indicates that water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes, could cause short-term health effects, such as cramps, nausea, headaches, diarrhea, or other symptoms.

Water contaminated with the bacteria presents a high health risk for infants, young children, and people with a severely compromised immune system.

With no other signs of contamination, residents are asked to flush their flush any faucets or taps.

"Before consuming water from the system again, people should clean and sanitize refrigerators with water dispensers and/or ice machines, replace any water treatment filter cartridges, and flush any faucets or taps not used during the boil advisory for 10 minutes," said Wendelken.