Officials Issue Alert After E.Coli Found In Edison Water Utility

EDISON, NJ — Edison officials issued a "boiling water alert" on Tuesday after E.Coli was detected in Edison Water Utility.

Officials said they collected a sample from the distribution system on Oct. 1 which tested positive for E.Coli. “These bacteria can make you sick and are especially a concern for people with weakened immune systems,” officials said in a statement.

Residents who get their water through Edison Water Utility have been advised to boil their water before use.

Town officials are not sure what could have caused the contamination. "Bacterial contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source (for example, following heavy rains). It can also happen due to a break in the distribution system (pipes) or a failure in the water treatment process,” they said.

Officials released the following guidelines for residents:

• Do not drink the water without boiling it first.
• Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute and let it cool before using, or use bottled water.
• Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice.
• E.Coli poses a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.
• Short-term bacterial effects include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms.
• If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice from their healthcare providers about drinking this water.

For more information, contact Roger Freda or Bob Smith at (732) 248-6400. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by bacteria and other disease-causing organisms are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

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