E. Coli Found In Natick Water, But No Boil-Water Advisory

NATICK, MA — A main drinking water source in Natick has tested positive for E. coli, but the town is not issuing a boil-water advisory because the sample was taken before the water entered the treatment and distribution system.

The positive test result came from water at the Elm Bank wells. That source was taken offline following the positive E. coli test, town officials said. The town has not detected E. coli in treated water samples.

"The water delivered to your taps through the distribution system is disinfected with chlorine to kill viruses and bacteria, including E. coli," the town said in an advisory Thursday. "It is important to note that the treated water from the Elm Bank Wells, all of the other Natick wells, and treated samples collected in the distribution system did NOT detect any fecal contaminants."

Natick has been relying more heavily on the Elm Bank water source in recent months after wells at the Springvale site were found to contain PFAS chemicals higher than the state threshold.

Under state regulations, Natick is required to alert residents about potential fecal contamination, even if the contamination does not pose an immediate threat.

Natick had an E. coli scare in January when water tests showed the bacteria had entered the town water system. The town issued a boil-water advisory, but weeks later found that the water samples may have been faulty.