E Coli Test Results: Narragansett-South Kingstown

NARRAGANSETT-SOUTH KINGSTOWN — The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) announced Wednesday and Thursday's E Coli test results Friday evening.

As of Thursday, all five affected water sources are E Coli and coliform free, the other dangerous bacteria being tested for, with the exception of one. Results are pending for the South Kingstown-South Shore supply.

A negative test is the first step towards the RIDOH ending the boil boil water advisory in the two affected communities. RIDOH cannot lift the boil water advisory until test results show no E Coli in the water for three days in a row.

All five water sources came up negative for E Coli Wednesday, but the Narragansett-North End supply tested positive for coliform bacteria.

"Because of the coliform bacteria finding in the Narragansett-North End system that was taken on September 5th, that system’s boil water advisory will be in place for at least one additional day, "RIDOH Public Information officer Joseph Wendelken said in a press release. "The boil water advisory for the Narragansett-North End system at this point would continue through Sunday evening, if all subsequent test results are absent of bacteria for three days in a row."

RIDOH said it evalauted several potential sources of contamination, but an exact source hasn't been found yet.

"Indications are that this was an isolated instance of contamination," Wendelken said.

Wednesday's results for Suez Water were already announced by South Kingstown Town officials Wednesday afternoon.

Image via RIDOH