Final Boil Water Advisory Lifted In Narragansett

NARRAGANSETT, RI — The last boil water advisory in place for E Coli contamination was lifted Monday by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH).

The Narragansett – North End water system was the last of five contaminated public water sources to have the advisory lifted. Advisories on the Suez, Narragansett-Point Judith, South Kingstown-South Shore and South Kingstown-Middlebridge water systems were lifted on September 8th after three consecutive days tested without the coliform bacteria in the water supply.

A positive test for bacteria on Friday delayed the advisory's lifting at the North End location.

"This could not have happened without the partnership of dozens of leaders at the state and local levels, Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott said in a press release." We will continue to build on these collaborations to ensure that people continue to have safe water to drink, safe and healthy food to eat, clean air to breathe, and healthy communities to call home, regardless of their ZIP code.”

The Rhode Island Department of Health said the source of the contamination has still not been identified.

"Indications are that this was an isolated instance of contamination as opposed to contamination from an on-going issue," Public Information Officer Joseph Wendelken said in a press release.

Although customers of these five water systems no longer need to boil their water, there are steps that people should take before using their water again.

• Clean and sanitize refrigerators with water dispensers and/or ice machines.
• Replace any water treatment filter cartridges, and run all faucets and taps for 10 minutes.

Additional guidance, including guidance for schools, food establishments, and healthcare facilities, is available at www.health.ri.gov.

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