For immediate release: September 4, 2009    (09-142)

Boil-water advisory ends for east Whatcom County community

The boil-water advisory was issued Tuesday because routine monitoring samples detected potentially harmful E. coli bacteria in the water. An inspection by the state Department of Health and the Maple Falls Water Co-op operator determined the system’s water storage tanks were the likely source of contamination.

The water system has been disinfected and flushed, and the water has been retested. Lab results received today show the water meets safe drinking water standards.

The Maple Falls Water Co-op serves 87 homes and businesses in this small community on the Mount Baker Highway just west of the Mount Baker National Recreation Area. Several food service operations were closed for the duration of the advisory, but they are reopening today.

The advisory applied only to the town of Maple Falls.

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