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| You are here: DOH Home » News Releases Home » 05-136 |
For immediate release: October 19, 2005 (05-136)
Contacts:
Scott Torpie, Office of
Drinking Water, Eastern Region 509-456-3183 After
Hours: 509-468-9428
Jeff Smith, Communications Office
360-236-4072
Boil Water Advisory for Spokane County area residents issued
OLYMPIA ¾ Water customers on the Consolidated Irrigation District #19 System 2 in Spokane County are being advised to boil their drinking water after E. coli bacteria was confirmed to be present in the water system.
The samples were taken by the district and confirmed unsatisfactory earlier today. The area affected is limited to a portion of the district’s service area south of Interstate 90, east of Flora Road and west of Henry Road (See attached map). The boil water advisory affects about 5,000 residents.
District customers that are located north of Interstate 90 are not affected by this advisory. This includes the water supply for Spokane Valley Mall and the surrounding area. The water supply for this portion of the system’s customers has been tested and is safe.
"We’re working directly with Consolidated Irrigation District #19 to find the source of the contamination and fix the problem," said Scott Torpie, eastern regional office manager for the Department of Health’s Office of Drinking Water. "The district is working with our office and the Spokane Regional Health District to notify customers and restore safe and reliable drinking water for customers in this area."
"We’re doing all we can to eliminate the bacteria from the water system. Responding to this kind of emergency and working to protect the health of our customers is our highest priority," said Sharron Kimball, irrigation district spokeswoman.
Emergency chlorine treatment has been applied to the affected area. District staff are inspecting, flushing and cleaning the water storage reservoir as well as the water distribution mains serving the affected area. No illnesses related to the community’s drinking water have been reported. Anyone who feels ill should contact their health care provider.
Health officials recommend several precautionary steps that customers should take. These include: boiling water at a rolling boil for three to five minutes or using purchased, treated bottled water for brushing teeth, dishwashing, preparing food and making ice, as well as for drinking. All beverages and ice made with tap water should be discarded.
The advisory will remain in effect until the district and the Department of Health are confident there is no longer a threat of illness to their customers. Questions for Consolidated Irrigation District #19 should be directed to Sharron Kimball, district secretary, at (509) 924-3655.
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