Narragansett-South Kingston Water Systems Look For E Coli Source

NARRAGANSETT-SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI — Workers at public water systems are currently conducting an investigation to find the source for E Coli in the water supply.

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) announced the contamination affecting Narragansett and South Kingstown on Friday. A boil water advisory has been in place ever since.

In a press release late Sunday night, Rhode Island Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott said corrective action will be taken as soon as the source of the E Coli contamination is found. The investigation and a response are expected to be completed by Wednesday. After these steps are completed, follow-up testing of the water supply will be the next step.

"Test results showing the absence of bacteria in the water are required every day for three days in a row before RIDOH can lift the advisory," Alexander Scott said. "Water system administrators and municipalities are continuing to alert customers about this advisory and will alert customers when it is lifted."

RIDOH provided the following key alerts for those living in the affected areas:

South Kingstown

• West Kingston Park, which is not affected by the boil water advisory, is letting residents from both communities fill up water bottles at the station. Please bring your own water bottles. The West Kingston Park is located at 3840 Kingstown Road in West Kingston. Business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency is providing about 10 pallets worth of bottled water to schools on Monday. Water will also be provided to Public Housing Authority and Senior Center on Tuesday.
• Other residents who need help getting water should contact South Kingstown Town Hall at 401-789-9331.

Narragansett

• A 24-hour hotline has been established at 401-789-1091. The elderly, people with disabilities, or others who can't leave their home may call to request free water delivered from the Narragansett Police Department.
• The Town of Narragansett has sent automated messages to residents enrolled in the Code RED notification system to alert them about the boil water advisory in effect.
• The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency is providing about 10 pallets of bottled water to schools on Monday.

The Rhode Island Department of Health urges everyone affected to boil any tap water before cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, or doing anything with tap water. Water should be at a full boil for at least one minute before drinking.

People should seek medical attention if they have diarrhea and any of the following symptoms. These symptoms include fever, blood in stool, prolonged vomiting, or any signs of dehydration. Anyone with diarrhea illness lasting longer than three days should also see a doctor.

Residents should direct all questions to their designated public water system. Contact information can be found below:

• Suez Water: 401-789-0271 (primary) or 401-316-2201 (secondary)
• Narragansett-Point Judith: 401-789-1091 (Narragansett Police dispatch line)
• Narragansett-North End: 401-789-1091 (Narragansett Police dispatch line)
• South Kingstown-South Shore: 401-789-9331 (South Kingstown Town Hall)
• South Kingstown-Middlebridge: 401-789-9331 (South Kingstown Town Hall)