UPDATE: Boil water advisory lifted for Sharptown

10/27 UPDATE: Sharptown officials have lifted the boil water advisory for the town as of Wednesday afternoon.

Town officials say after inspecting the water system and taking additional water samples at four separate sites, Total Coliform and E. Coli results were absent at all four site locations. It is believed that there were false positive test results.

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SHARPTOWN, Md. – Town of Sharptown officials are warning residents to boil their water before using it.

We’re told this comes after the town’s water system detected Total Coliform bacteria in the distribution system from a sample collected on October 20th at 401 Main Street. Additional samples taken on Friday reportedly confirmed the presence of the E. Coli bacteria.

These bacteria can make a person sick and are especially a concern for people with weakened immune systems. Bacterial contamination can happen when increased runoff enters the drinking water source, such as following heavy rains. It can also happen from a break in the distribution system or a failure in the water treatment process.

Residents should 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.

Town officials say they will inform residents when tests show no bacteria are present and they no longer need to boil water. It is anticipated that the problem will be resolved within 48 hours.

If you would like more information, you can contact William R. White at 410-883-3767.