Boil water advisory lifted for shoreline customers after E. coli detected

ESSEX, Conn. (WFSB) — The mandatory boil water order was lifted for all customers on the shoreline around 4:15 p.m. on Saturday after E. coli was detected during routine testing, according to Connecticut Water.

New water testing confirmed the water meets all state and federal drinking standards and is safe to use. Officials said residents may return to normal use of their tap water.

The bacteria was found at one sample point in Essex on Friday. Connecticut Water said the results of additional testing found this was an isolated incident localized to one tap in Essex.

The boil water order affected customers served by two Connecticut Water systems: the Chester System and the Guilford Water System. The affected towns included Deep River, Essex, Haddam, Chester, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, Madison and Guilford.

While the advisory was in place, customers were asked to bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute and allow it to cool before drinking it, using it in food preparation, making ice, brushing teeth or washing dishes.

Connecticut Water said E. coli could pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some elderly individuals and people with compromised immune systems.

The announcement caused dozens of restaurants and business to close. Residents said common grocery stores were quickly cleared out of bottled water. Lines were wrapped around grocery stores late Friday night.

“My sister and I are senior citizens so we better stockpile some of our paper supplies, some plasticware for eating and some cups for drinking the water. Get some more water supplies so we won’t have to use our tap water. Fortunately, I did all my dishwasher dishes today so I know they’ve all been sanitized,” said Richard of Old Saybrook.