E. Coli Found In North Jersey Town's Water Supply, Officials Say

WARREN COUNTY, NJ — E. coli has been found in a Warren County town's water supply, and officials are warning residents to boil their water.

On Saturday, Hackettstown officials announced that a sample of water collected from Well 4 has tested positive for the potentially dangerous bacteria.

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Officials are urging residents to boil their drinking water until further notice.

The town has shut down Well 4, is collecting additional samples, and is providing water from an alternate source until the issue is resolved, officials said.

Additionally, town officials are evaluating Hackettstown's water systems to "identify and correct any causes of contamination."

E. coli, or Escherichia coli, is a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of people and animals. Some strains are harmless, but its presence in drinking water is a warning sign that the water may be contaminated with human or animal waste and could contain other harmful germs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The bacteria can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis, and other illnesses when ingested. It's also been known to cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious health condition called that can lead to kidney failure, permanent health problems, and even death.

To learn more about E. coli and how to prevent illness, visit the CDC's website here.