The Quonochontaug East Beach Water
Association has issued a boil water notice to its customers because E. coli
bacteria was found in the water supply.
Quonochontaug East
Beach Water Association customers should boil vigorously for at least one
minute all water used for human consumption, including drinking and cooking.
Alternatively, customers can use bottled water.
This health advisory will remain in effect
until corrective actions are completed and satisfactory bacteria results are
obtained. The Quonochontaug East Beach Water Association will issue a public
notice when this requirement is lifted.
E. coli is bacteria whose presence indicates
that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes.
Microbes in these
wastes can cause short-term health effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea,
headaches, or other symptoms.
They pose a
special health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely
compromised immune systems.
Under this
standard, drinking water must be free of these bacteria for water to be
consumed from a system.
The recommendation to boil for one minute
pertains to water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth,
washing dishes, and food preparation.
Boiling kills
bacteria and other organisms in the water. Infants and young children should not
be bathed in this water because they may swallow it accidentally.
Anyone else using
this water for bathing or showering should be careful to avoid swallowing the
water.
Further guidance
can be found online (see link below).
Quonochontaug East Beach Water Association
serves approximately 112 homes and 200 customers.
The neighboring
Central Beach Fire District is not affected.
E. Coli was
detected in a routine sample taken at Quonochontaug East Beach's Well #1 on
1/23/18. This well has been turned off until it can be inspected and
disinfected, and bacteria samples come back absent.
Well #2, which is
absent of bacteria, will supply the water system. The water system will be
disinfected the night of 1/25/18 and flushed on 1/26/18.
Residents should
refer to the notice provided by the water system for further instructions and
information relating to the disinfection of the water lines.
The boil notice
will not be lifted until three consecutive days of samples are absent of
bacteria and approved by RIDOH. People with questions should Ken Andrew at
860-377-6202.
Related links