E.coli Found In Rye Water District Water: Officials

RYE, NH — Bottled water will be distributed to Rye Water District customers after E.coli was found in several water samples in the district, according to town and district officials.

A water boil advisory was issued on Oct. 12 after “higher-than-acceptable levels” of the bacteria were discovered during routine water testing. The district then resampled water, and E.coli was detected at three locations: Breakfast Hill Tank at 271 Lafayette Road, 1257 Washington Road, and 235 Parsons Road.

“Upon identifying the positive samples, officials immediately engaged the state department of environmental services and issued a boil order,” officials said. “The source of the E.coli has not been detected.”

All water used for cooking, drinking, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food prep should be boiled for at least two minutes before use. The use of bottled water was also encouraged by officials.

Rye Water District residents can pick up a free case of bottled water at the fire station from 3 to 7 p.m., Thursday to Monday. Residents are limited to one case of water per day, and proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, automobile registration, or utility bill, must be shown. Residents are asked to pull up to the station bays to get the water.

At the direction of the board of selectmen, the town's leadership team — Town Administrator Matthew Scruton, Health Officer Dr. Gail Snow, Police Chief Kevin Walsh, Fire Chief Mark Cotreau, and Public Works Director Jason Rucker, and Superintendent Arik Jones met Wednesday to receive updates and discuss strategy. Team members remain in constant communication and will meet daily until the order is lifted, and residents will be notified when the boil order ends, officials said.

District residents may register for email and-or text alerts by visiting ryewaterdistrict.com and clicking “Sign Up for Alerts."

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