For immediate release: November 20, 2007 (07-200)

Contacts:
Carolyn Cox, Office of Drinking Water 360-236-3162
Allison Cook, Communications Office 360-236-4022

Water advisory ends for rural Whatcom community

OLYMPIA ¾ A water advisory for Whatcom County residents served by the Pole Road Water Association has been lifted. Residents can now drink their tap water without first boiling it.

The advisory was issued on November 13 because E. coli bacteria were found in one of two routine water samples. Repeat samples confirmed that potentially harmful bacteria were present.

The source of the contamination has not been confirmed; however, the system has been disinfected and flushed. Follow-up testing shows the water is safe to drink.

The state Department of Health’s drinking water staff has been working closely with the water system, which serves about 1,500 people in a rural area south of Lynden.

Customers who have questions may check the association’s Web site (www.poleroadwater.com) or call 360-354-8936.

###