The state Department of Health has issued an advisory urging everyone served by the Town of North Kingstown Water System to boil water before drinking it because fecal coliform bacteria has been found in the water.
The advisory does not apply to the Saunderstown and Slocum areas (west of Route 4 and south of the Hamilton Allentown Road) or the Rhode Island Port Authority.
Seifert Systems Invests in Energy Efficiency to Strengthen Operations
For manufacturers, energy is more than just another operating expense. It plays a critical role…
Learn More
Health officials suggest boiling all water for one minute and then allowing it to cool, or else using bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, food preparation, and bathing of infants until further notice, health officials said on Sunday.
The water system is implementing a system-wide disinfection and working closely with the Health Department to correct the problem quickly, state officials said.
The presence of fecal coliform bacteria indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune systems, health officials said.
If residents experience any of these symptoms, even if tap water has been avoided, they may want to seek medical advice, health officials said. Those at increased risk should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.
