ESSEX, Conn. (WTNH) — Residents in the Connecticut Water Company’s Chester and Guilford systems are under a boil water order due to detections of E. coli, a harmful bacteria, in Essex.Customers in the Chester Water System — in Deep River, Essex, Haddam and Chester — and the Guilford Water System — in Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, Madison and Guilford — are told to not drink their tap water without boiling it first.E. coli was found by The Connecticut Water Company during routine testing a...
ESSEX, Conn. (WTNH) — Residents in the Connecticut Water Company’s Chester and Guilford systems are under a boil water order due to detections of E. coli, a harmful bacteria, in Essex.
Customers in the Chester Water System — in Deep River, Essex, Haddam and Chester — and the Guilford Water System — in Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, Madison and Guilford — are told to not drink their tap water without boiling it first.
E. coli was found by The Connecticut Water Company during routine testing at one sample point in Essex and issued a .
The bacteria is a type of fecal coliform bacteria, and its presence in water is “a strong of recent sewage or animal waste contamination,” according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH).
E. coli can make a person ill, including cramps and diarrhea, according to DPH. Symptoms usually appear within two to four days, but can take up to eight days. Most people recover without medicine in five to 10 days.
The bacteria may pose a special health risk for infants, young children and some elderly individuals, as well as people with severely compromised immune systems, officials said.
Residents in the affected areas should bring tap water to a boil for one minute and let it cool before drinking it, using it in food preparation, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes. This order is until further notice, officials said.
If you suspect an E. coli infection, stay hydrated, do not take medicine for diarrhea symptoms, and talk to a doctor, according to DPH.
The Connecticut Water Company consulted with the DPH and are doing additional sampling at numerous locations in its delivery system.
The water company expects results from those tests in 24 hours.
Customers will be contacted when further information about their tap water is identified.
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