Aug 11, 2008 9:21 pm US/Eastern
Origin Of E.Coli Narrowed Down To 2 Sources
PEMBROKE (WBZ) ―
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Officials have isolated the problem to one of Pembroke's water towers, similar to this one.
WBZ
Officials are getting closer to figuring out the source of the E. coli found in Pembroke's water supply. The problem has been narrowed down to one of the town's water towers and a water main, WBZ's Bill Shields has learned.
Officials say routine bacteria samples taken last week tested positive for the bacteria. E. coli can cause illness, particularly among the very old, very young and those with weakened immune systems.
Since learning about the contamination, officials have implemented a boil-water order for the entire town. Even if the source of the bacteria was found today, the boil water would remain in effect for at least a few more days.
Officials will announce the latest water test results Tuesday at noon. Three clean test results must come back before the water can be deemed drinkable. Officials say they are hoping to lift the boil order by Thursday, but until the results come back they don't know exactly how much longer the water ban will be in effect.
Officials believe the origin of the bacteria could be in the High Street Water Tower, or a water main that is fed from another part of town.
Shields has learned the town may have divers search the water tower this afternoon. They believe someone may have climbed the tower and put something in it, or there could be a dead bird inside.
On Saturday, bulletins were posted on public buildings, and officials used local cable access and the local radio stations to spread the word.
"As soon as the problem was found it was shut down and chlorination began immediately on surrounding lines," said Fred Leary with the Health Department.
On Friday night, officials used Plymouth County's communicator to send a reverse 911 advisory to the town's 5,600 households. A second call was sent out Saturday afternoon.
The call instructed residents to avoid using tap water for drinking, cooking or brushing teeth unless it's been brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute.
In the meantime, free bottled water is being handed out to residents at Pembroke High School. According to officials, the town spent $6,000 on bottled water.
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