Four towns in Massachusetts have been issued a boil water notice after routine tests found E. Coli in drinking water supplies.
The notice was issued yesterday (Wednesday, October 6) by the Mattapoisett River Valley Water District, and affects residents living in Mattapoisett, Fairhaven, Rochester, and Marion.
To tackle the issue, the district is flushing and chlorinating the system in a process that will last several days.
More water samples will be collected today. It can take at least 48 hours for bacteriological test results to be returned.
When tests show that no E. Coli is present, the notice will be rescinded and residents will be informed.
It is not known how E. Coli came to contaminate the water system. This bacteria can cause diarrhea and stomach cramps if consumed, and is usually killed during water disinfection.
For more information, visit the Mattapoisett Town Hall Facebook page, or click here to learn more about what to do when a boil water notice is issued.
