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For immediate release: November 19, 2006 (06-187)
Contacts:
Scott Shelton, Island Utility 206-484-8317
Denise Lahmann, Office of
Drinking Water 360-971-1239 (pager)
Jeff Smith, Communications
Office 360-240-3377 (pager)
Bainbridge Island water utility customers urged to boil their tap water before drinking
OLYMPIA ¾ Customers of Island Utility Water System on Bainbridge Island in Kitsap County, should boil their tap water before drinking. Recent samples showed the presence of E. coli bacteria.
The Washington State Department of Health and the utility are working closely to fix the problem. The boil water advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Island Utility operators are working to assure that all potentially affected customers are told about the situation and advised of ways to further assure their health protection.
"We want our customers to know what’s happening, so they can take protective measures. We are doing all we can to eliminate the bacteria from the water system," said Scott Shelton, Island Utility water system manager. "Responding to this kind of emergency is our highest priority. We believe this situation may be related to recent heavy rains."
Island Utility’s water system serves 146 connections and a population of up to 1,230. It also serves the Port Blakely Elementary School and IslandWood School. The latter is not open to students this Thanksgiving week. Shelton said the utility is working with school officials to determine how to protect students while this problem is being resolved.
No illnesses related to the community’s drinking water have been reported. To correct the problem water system operators are inspecting the system to identify potential contaminant entry points, are raising disinfectant levels and flushing water through the system.
The boil water advisory includes several precautionary steps that customers should take. These include using purchased treated bottled water or boiled water for any water that might be consumed: drinking, brushing teeth, dishwashing, preparing food and making ice. Water should be boiled for 3-5 minutes then allowed to cool before using.
Once water system test results are reported safe, customers will be notified by Island Utility that the advisory has been lifted.
Other information and publications about drinking water and coliform bacteria are available on the Department of Health Web site (www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw).
For any questions customers may have, contact Scott Shelton at 206-484-8317 (cell phone) or 206-319-2656 (office).
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12/18/2006 11:07 AM
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