For the second time this month, the City of Nelson has issued a boil water notice.
In a news release, the city said lab tests conducted on samples collected yesterday indicated the presence of two colony forming units of E. Coli bacteria. The other four samples tested negative for E. Coli.
The boil water notice replaces a water quality advisory issued on May 6 due to high turbidity levels.
“The presence of coliform bacteria, including E. Coli, in drinking water supplies is a serious concern,” the city said. “We will be implementing flushing and re-sampling our water distribution system to ensure the drinking water is safe.”
E. Coli can indicate the presence of organisms such as bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting or other symptoms. Boiling the water kills these organisms.
People with weakened or undeveloped immune systems are most at risk. This can include elderly people, pregnant women and their unborn, children under two years, people whose immune systems are compromised from illness or medications such as antibiotics or chemotherapy.
You’re advised to bring all drinking water to a rolling boil for at least one minute and let it cool before using it, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth and food preparation until further notice.