Boil water recommendation issued in N. Stonington

North Stonington — The Southeastern Connecticut Water Authority is recommending that customers boil water after bacteria was found at several points in the water system.

Roughly 300 customers in the center of town, who get water from wells near the Shunock River, are affected and have been notified.

According to a news release, E. coli bacteria was detected during a routine water test in a home on the water system.

The system was immediately re-tested for E. coli and none was found, though total coliform, a group of related bacteria, were detected during both the initial testing and the follow-up tests, said Josh Cansler, general manager of the Southeastern Connecticut Water Authority.

Total coliform, while not necessarily harmful itself, can indicate the presence of other pathogens in the water, according to state Department of Public Health information, and can cause illness in some people.

Coliform-type bacteria can enter the well system after a heavy rainfall, Cansler added.

The system was immediately flushed and the state recommended the boil water order be sent out pending further tests.

Customers are encouraged to boil water for one minute, use bottled water or an alternative source of drinking water, the news release stated.

“Basically any water you put you your mouth, to drink or brush your teeth” is included in the boil water order, Cansler said.

The water authority expects the state Department of Public Health to give approval to lift the boil water order by Thursday after additional testing has been completed.