For immediate release: October 3, 2007 (07-168)

Media contacts:
Donn Moyer, Communications Office 360-236-4076
Tim Church, Communications Office 360-236-4077
Jeff Johnson, Spanaway Water Co. 253-875-5230; or 253-531-9024

OLYMPIA ¾ Spanaway Water Co. is urging the 20,000 people on its system to boil their water.

The precautionary health advisory was issued because E. coli was detected in two routine water samples and total coliform was found in a third. The utility has taken additional samples to confirm the presence of the coliform bacteria findings. Those results will be known Thursday.

"We’re investigating to try to determine why bacteria were in the water samples," said Jeff Johnson, manager of Spanaway Water Co. "In the meantime, we’re taking a cautious approach to protect the health of our customers."

The state Department of Health is working with the water company to find the source of the contamination and fix the problem.

The boil water advisory means customers should use boiled or bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, dishwashing, preparing food and making ice. Tap water should be boiled for 3-5 minutes, and then allowed to cool before using.

The utility has established a special phone line for customers who want information; the number is 253-875-5223.

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