Boil Water Advisory for Westwood YMCA

COVENTRY, RI — A boil water advisory was issued for the Westwood YMCA, the Rhode Island Department of Health said Thursday night. E. Coli bacteria were present in a sample taken from the water system last week.

The department issued the boil water advisory because the YMCA failed to complete the repeat samples required after the bacteria is detected in a water sample. If the tests are not completed, a boil water advisory is required.

Water should be vigorously boiled for at least one minute to be safe for consumption, the department said. This includes water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, preparing food, washing dishes and brushing teeth. Infants and young children should not be bathed in the water while the boil water advisory is in effect.

The advisory will remain in effect until the YMCA determines the cause of the bacteria in the water supply, takes corrective actions including disinfecting the system and has three consecutive days of water samples without bacteria. The Department of Health will then notify the water system management that the notice can be lifted.

Read more about boil water advisories on RIDOH's website.