For immediate release: July 10, 2009 (09-114)

Contacts:
Carolyn Cox, Office of Drinking Water 360-236-3162
Gordon MacCracken, Communications Office 360-236-4072

Boil-water advisory issued for Tapps Island system’s customers 

OLYMPIA ¾ The Tapps Island Association is advising all water customers to boil their drinking water after recent distribution samples showed the presence of coliform bacteria.

The system is located at Lake Tapps in Pierce County. It’s near, but separate from, the Bonney Lake water system.

The Tapps Island Association is working closely with the Washington State Department of Health’s Office of Drinking Water to find the source of contamination and to fix the problem. That may require disinfecting the system. The boil-water advisory is in effect until further notice.

“We are doing all we can to eliminate the bacteria from the water system,” said Don Lisko, the association’s interim general manager. “Safe and reliable drinking water is critical to good health and responding to this kind of emergency is our highest priority.”

No illnesses related to the community’s drinking water have been reported.  The association is inspecting all water facilities to find the contamination source. Chlorine is being applied to the entire water system.

Customers should use treated bottled water, or should boil any water that might be consumed: drinking, brushing teeth, dishwashing, preparing food, and making ice. Water should be brought to a rolling boil for 1 minute, and then be allowed to cool before use.

Customers with questions may call the association at 253-862-6616.

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