UPDATE: The boil notice was lifted Saturday.
The City of Decatur Friday afternoon issued a boil water notice after E.coli bacteria was detected in the city’s water supply.
“As part of our routine monthly drinking water testing, one of the 10 sampled sites returned an unsatisfactory result. The affected location is 1100 N. Church, and per TCEQ regulations, we are required to issue a boil water notice,” City Manager Nate Mara said in an email Friday afternoon.
The city has already conducted resampling, he said, and updated results are expected by Saturday afternoon.
The bacteria can make people sick and is especially a concern for people with weakened immune systems, the city said in the boil notice.
The contamination can occur when increased run-off caused by heavy rain enters the drinking water source. It can also happen due to a break in the distribution system or a failure in the water treatment process.
All water should be boiled prior to human consumption. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation until further notice.
The testing results showing E. coli indicates the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes, the city said. Short-term effects of consumption could include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly and people with severely compromised immune systems.
“Area water lines are being flushed, water samples will be taken and tested. We will inform you when tests show no bacteria are present and you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving the problem within 24 hours,” the notice stated.
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