For immediate release: November 13, 2007 (07-192)

Contacts:
Carolyn Cox, Office of Drinking Water 360-236-3162
Jeff Smith, Communications Office 360-236-4072

Whatcom County community urged to boil water due to E. coli
Advisory affects Pole Road area

OLYMPIA ¾ Whatcom County residents served by the Pole Road Water Association’s water system are being urged to boil their tap water or drink bottled water. The precautionary health advisory was issued when E. coli bacteria were found in one of two routine water samples.

There are many species of E. coli bacteria, only two of which are harmful to people. The test results do not indicate which species of E. coli bacteria were in the water sample. More samples are being collected and results are expected by Thursday.

The association and the state Department of Health issued the advisory today. Customers are advised to use boiled or treated bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, dishwashing, preparing food and making ice. Water should be boiled for 3-5 minutes then allowed to cool before use.

The water system serves about 1,500 people in an area south of Lynden. The area is roughly bounded by Old Guide Road on the west, Wiser Lake Road on the north, Noon Road on the east, Pole Road on the southeast, and Beard Road on the southwest.

Customers who prefer not to boil their water or who are without power, can disinfect their water by adding five drops of household bleach to a half-gallon of water and letting it stand for 20 minutes. Avoid using bleaches that contain perfumes, dyes or other additives.

The association is attempting to contact customers by telephone to inform them of the initial test results. The association has also collected additional water samples from the distribution system and added chlorine into the water system for additional protection.

"We’re pleased at how swiftly the association responded and believe they’re taking appropriate action to protect public health," said Bob James, manager of the Office of Drinking Water’s northwest office.

For recorded information about the water advisory, call 360-354-8936. A map of the service area is on The Pole Road Water Association Website (http://www.poleroadwater.com/). Click on "About Us."

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