Watch CBS News

Boil water order issued for parts of Cape

WBZ-AM

The Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills water system issued a boil water order last night until further notice.

According to Craig Crocker, superintendent of the water system, water samples taken Tuesday found a "fecal indicator (E. coli or enterococci)"  in one of the water department's 19 ground water sources.

The source of the bacteria is in Marstons Mills off Crooked Cartway Road, according to the advisory, but no bacteria was found in the distribution system. Residents are being advised to boil their water for one minute and let it cool before using.

The boil order applies to water used for drinking, brushing teeth, washing dishes, ice and food preparation.

"These bacteria indicate that potentially harmful organisms may be present, which can make you sick, and are a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems," according to the water district's website. "While fecal indicators are not typically harmful when ingested, fecal indicators are microbes whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes."

More information is available on the water department's website, www.commwater.com

The water system is undergoing repeat testing and evaluation to determine if further actions are necessary to reduce the risk of drinking water contamination from potential viruses, the website says. "We anticipate resolving the problem as soon as possible and will inform you when you no longer need to boil your water."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.