For immediate release: September 1, 2009    (09-139)

East Whatcom County community urged to boil drinking water

OLYMPIA - Residents of Maple Falls in eastern Whatcom County are asked to boil their drinking water because routine monitoring samples show potentially harmful E. coli bacteria may be in the water.

The Maple Falls Water Co-op serves 87 homes and businesses in this small community on the Mount Baker Highway just a few miles west of the Mount Baker National Recreation Area.

The state Department of Health is working closely with the water system to help identify and fix the problem. An engineer from the agency will inspect the water system on Wednesday.

Residents who use tap water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, mixing infant formula, dishwashing, and ice making should bring the water to a rolling boil for one full minute and allow it to cool before using. Tap water can be used for other purposes.

The boil-water advisory will remain in effect until any necessary repairs are made and the water system operator and the Department of Health are satisfied the water meets safe drinking water standards.

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