For immediate release: October 30, 2009  (09-172)

Contact:
Media inquiries: Roger Lillejord, Riverbend Homeowners Association, 425-829-6425
Media inquiries: Gordon MacCracken, Communications Office, 360-236-4072

East King County water systems both urged to boil drinking water

OLYMPIA - Two water systems in Eastern King County, both named Riverbend, are urging customers to boil their drinking water.  The advisories are being issued because routine test samples show the water may be contaminated with E. coli. Although the systems have a name in common, the advisories are unrelated.

One advisory is for the Riverbend Homesites development off of Interstate 90 Exit 32, east of North Bend. The residential community has 533 homes and about 1,600 residents. The development entrance is off of Southeast 146^th Street.

The other advisory is for the Riverbend Mobile Home Park between Renton and Maple Valley. The Riverbend Mobile Home Park has 97 mobile homes and water hook-ups for 46 recreational vehicles. The park’s water was shut off on Thursday in order to repair a broken water line. The bacteria problem could be related to the line break.

The advisories don’t affect any other communities.

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

The state Department of Health is working closely with both water systems to help pinpoint the source of contamination and correct the problems. Residents will be notified when the advisories end.

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