E Coli Found In Portsmouth Prudence Island Water Supply: Boil It

PORTSMOUTH, RI — The Prudence Island Water District issued a boil water advisory after E Coli bacteria was found in a storage tank's water sample, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) initially announced Sunday.

According to RIDOH, more sampling was scheduled for Monday, but those results are yet to be released. RIDOH Public Information Officer Joseph Wendelken told Patch that as of 2 p.m., Wednesday those results have still not been released.

"If contamination is confirmed in these repeat samples, the Prudence Island Water District will issue updated public noticing, disinfect the water system, investigate the source of the bacteria, and perform any corrective actions required to remove the source of the bacteria," Wendelken said in a press release. "If contamination is confirmed in these repeat samples, the system will be required to obtain three consecutive days of satisfactory bacteria results before the boil water advisory can be lifted."

As many as 700 residents could be affected by the advisory, according to a press release from RIDOH. Residents with private wells and those part of the Prudence Park Water Co-op are not affected. A list of affected streets can be found here.

Anyone affected by the advisory should boil all water for at least one minute before drinking or brushing teeth. Infants and young children should not be bathed in the water because they might swallow it.

People should call their healthcare provider if they came in contact with contaminated water and experience diarreah and any of the following symptoms:

• Fever over 101.5° F, measured orally
• Blood in the stool
• Prolonged vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down (which can lead to dehydration)
• Diarrheal illness that lasts more than 3 days

Image via Shutterstock