Suez Water Considers Reimbursing Businesses Affected By E Coli

NARRAGANSETT-SOUTH KINGSTOWN — Two weeks following the boil-water advisory due to E Coli in the water supply being lifted, Suez Water, the company which provides water to both towns said it is considering reimbursement for businesses affected by the contamination.

When asked by the Narragansett Times, Deb Rizzi, director of corporate communications at Suez said those discussions are still going on at the company.

“There has been no decision as of this time,” Rizzi said.

At a town council meeting on Sept. 4, Narragansett Town Manager Jim Manni said local businesses were hit hard by the boil water advisory, especially given the timing of the contamination during Labor Day Weekend.

“This was one of the best weekends they have to make their money in that 12-week (summer) period" Manni said. "Many of the smaller business, mostly the coffee shops, were actually closed."

On Aug. 31, E Coli was found in the water supply of five Suez public water systems serving Narragansett and South Kingstown . The last boil water advisory was not lifted by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) by until Sept. 10.

Suez Water and RIDOH both said they worked around the clock to rectify the situation as quickly as possible. Despite this, the actual source of the contamination was never confirmed. RIDOH was not concerned.

"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 Sept. 10 press release.

Image via RIDOH