What is E. coli? Bacteria found in Melbourne water sample. What you need to know

Officials hope to resolve the problem within 48 hours

• If you’re a customer of Melbourne water, boil your water until further notice due to the possible presence of E. coli, a bacteria associated with feces.
• Either use bottled water or boil your water for everything, from drinking to brushing your teeth.
• Symptoms of an E. coli infection include diarrhea and stomach cramps.

A boil water advisory was issued Friday, April 11, by Melbourne officials after E. coli bacteria were found in a water sample.

Residents in several locations have been advised to not drink water without boiling it first, which could last up to 48 hours.

E. coli are associated with human or animal feces and can make you sick.

The advisory also includes not using tap water for making ice, brushing your teeth, washing dishes or preparing food.

Here’s what you should know.

Melbourne, Florida, warns E. coli present in city’s water supply

E. coli bacteria were found in a routine sample taken in the 1000 block of Ashley Avenue in Indian Harbour Beach on Thursday, April 10, according to an email from Cheryl Mall, Melbourne public information officer.

“This positive e. coli sample could be due to a laboratory error and was only found at one location in the water system.

“However, bacterial contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source (for example, following heavy rains). It can also happen due to a break in the distribution system (pipes) or a failure in the water treatment process.

“These bacteria can make you sick and are especially a concern for people with weakened immune systems,” Mall said in an email.

What Brevard cities are affected by the boil water advisory?

All water customers served by the city of Melbourne are affected by the boil water notice issued Friday afternoon, including:

• Indialantic
• Indian Harbour Beach
• Melbourne
• Melbourne Beach
• Melbourne Village
• Palm Shores
• Satellite Beach
• Unincorporated Brevard south of Pineda Causeway, which includes customers who live in unincorporated Brevard County south of Pineda Causeway and receive a water bill from the city of Melbourne.
  • Suntree and Viera are served by the Cocoa water system, not Melbourne.

What should you do — and not do — when under a boil water notice?

• Do NOT drink the water without boiling it first, Mall said. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice.
• The symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice from their healthcare providers about drinking this water.

How long should you boil water to be safe from e. coli?

Vigorous boiling for at least one full minute is the safest and most effective method of disinfection.

• Fill a pot with cold water and start timing when steady streams of bubbles pop from the bottom of the pot.
• Water must be adequately cooled before it can be used for washing or brushing teeth.
• Store the boiled water in clean, covered containers.

Use bottled water if you don’t want to boil water for all uses

Using bottled water is an option if you don’t want to boil your water.

Remember to use the bottled water for everything, including:

• Drinking
• Ice
• Brushing your teeth
• Washing dishes
• Food preparation

How long will the boil water advisory last?

Mall said the city of Melbourne is conducting additional sampling.

“We will inform you when tests show no bacteria are present and you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving the problem within 48 hours of this notification,” the email said Friday afternoon.

For more information, contact David Phares at 321-608-5700.

What is E. coli?

“E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes.”

What are symptoms if you’ve been infected by e. coli?

Symptoms of an e. coli infection include:

• Diarrhea that can be bloody or watery
• Stomach cramps that can be severe
• Some people also have vomiting or a low fever.

Short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.

When to call the doctor

The CDC suggested calling the doctor if you think you’ve been infected by e. coli if you have:

• Diarrhea or vomiting lasting more than two days
• Bloody poop or pee
• A fever higher than 102 degrees
• Signs of dehydration, which include:
  • little or no peeing
  • very dark pee
  • being very thirsty
  • having a dry mouth or throat
  • feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • crying without tears
• Signs of hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition, which include:
  • little or no peeing
  • losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids
  • unexplained bruising or rash of tiny red spots
  • blood in pee
  • feeling very tired or being irritable (cranky)
  • decreased awareness (alertness).

Who is more likely to be infected by E. coli?

According to the CDC, people at an increased risk for E. coli infection include:

• Children younger than 5
• Adults 65 and older
• People with weakened immune systems
• International travelers