Residents Asked To Boil Water

Residents of a suburban area southeast of the city were being asked Wednesday to boil their water after contamination was found.

Routine water tests this week indicated high levels of E. coli bacteria in the Carnhope Irrigation District’s water system. Symptoms of illnesses caused by E. coli contamination can include diarrhea, cramps and nausea.

“We’re not sure if there is a problem, but we kind of just want to nip it in the bud,” the district’s Terry Squibb said.

The district, which serves about 1,200 customers, was flushing chlorine through the system in an effort to kill bacteria in the water.

If tests indicate the water is safe, the boil order could be lifted today, Squibb said. The order took effect Tuesday. , DataTimes