Baltimore Boil Water Advisory Remains In Effect; Hogan Comments

BALTIMORE, MD — A boil advisory issued earlier this week remains in effect two days after officials detected E. coli in water samples in west Baltimore.

The advisory issued Monday affected residents, businesses, and other facilities located within west Baltimore's boundaries. The area is bordered by Riggs Avenue to the south, West Franklin Street to the south, Carey Street to the east, and Pulaski Street to the west.

The advisory was also extended to parts of Baltimore and Howard counties as a precaution, the notice said. Despite the extension, water samples in both counties came back negative, city officials said.

See the map of affected areas.

Baltimore officials issued the notice after three water samples taken in the Sandtown-Winchester and Harlem Park neighborhoods tested positive for E. coli contamination.

During a Wednesday news conference, Public Works Director Jason Mitchell said the city is continuing to test water samples. Of the 90 samples taken, 25 have been returned and only one has come back positive for E. coli contamination, Mitchell said.

Meanwhile, the advisory remains in effect for all initial areas, he said, adding the city hopes to have all test results back by Thursday.

While city officials have not determined a cause, the presence of E. coli bacteria in water usually means it is contaminated with animal or human waste. Symptoms of E. coli infection generally include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting.

Anyone living or working in the affected areas should boil water for at least 1 minute before consuming it.

Baltimore City officials are distributing clean drinking water at the following locations. The limit is three gallons per household. Locations will reopen at 9 a.m. Thursday.

• Harlem Park Elementary/Middle School, 1401 W. Lafayette Ave.
• Middle Branch Park, 3301 Waterview Ave.
• Landsdowne Library, 500 Third Ave.

The Maryland Department of Emergency Management is also distributing water in Baltimore County until 8 p.m. Wednesday at Lansdowne Library and the following sites, according to WBAL:

• Baltimore County Fire Station No. 5 in Halethorpe, 4501 Washington Blvd.
• Our Lady of Victory Parish in Catonsville, 4416 Wilkens Ave.

Multiple state agencies are working in partnership with the city to "ensure that all appropriate standards for health protocols are being met," Gov. Larry Hogan said in a statement released Wednesday.

"Our agencies are working around the clock to assist city officials and help ensure access to clean water," Hogan said. "Residents in the affected areas should follow the boil water advisory until it is lifted. We will continue to provide coordination and technical assistance, and make available what resources and personnel are needed as the situation warrants."