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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Parasite In Drinking Water Suspected In Flu-Like Illness

Associated Press

Eight people may have become sick from drinking water that was contaminated by untreated irrigation water, officials say.

As of Monday, seven people in the Nob Hill neighborhood had tested positive for giardiasis, a flu-like intestinal ailment, said Marianne Patnode, communicable disease nurse for the Yakima Health District. An eighth person who lives nearby and drank water from the affected area also tested positive.

The area of about 250 households is served by the Nob Hill Water Association.

Residents began complaining about cloudy water a month ago, and the problem was initially believed to be linked to a main water line that had been damaged during construction work, said Dave England, the association’s assistant manager.

Repairs were made, lines were flushed and the water quality appeared to improve, he said. Domestic water systems are not typically tested for Giardia, the parasite that causes giardiasis.

But complaints about the water persisted, with some residents reporting diarrhea, nausea, cramps and other problems.

A faulty pipe connection that apparently allowed untreated irrigation water to flow into domestic supplies was discovered Friday, England said.

He said was unsure if any action would be taken against the business that made the connection.

After the discovery, water to the business was immediately shut off and lines in the area were repeatedly flushed to clear out any contaminated water.

Tests conducted Monday detected no contamination, England said.