DPH: Boil water advisory issued for Del. customers after samples test positive for E. coli

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A boil water advisory remains in effect after officials say water samples tested positive for E. coli in Sussex County.

The Delaware Division of Public Health says on Friday, water samples collected from the Broadkiln Beach Water Company system tested positive for the presence of E-coli bacteria. Health officials say they advised the operator of Broadkiln Beach Water Company to issue a boil water notice to customers. Officials say Broadkiln Beach Water Company shares a connection with PrimeHook Water Company, anyone who uses drinking water from either system should not drink the water without boiling it first. 

According to DPH, Consumers are advised to bring the water to a boil (212 degrees F), let it boil for a 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. DPH reports that E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes.

On Monday, health officials tell 47ABC that additional samples were collected on Friday after a chlorination treatment system was installed, and results indicated they are negative for Total Coliform (and E. coli).  When receiving positive E. coli results, officials say "it requires two sets of samples to be negative for Total Coliform and E. coli before consumers can begin drinking the water again without first needing to boil."

The second set of samples apparently is to be collected on Monday and results are expected on Tuesday.

Health officials report that the water is safe for bathing/showering and for washing clothes. 

For more information about E. coli, click here.