E. coli detection prompted temporary boil order in Bondsville

Date: 9/26/2023

PALMER — The Bondsville Water District lifted a boil water order on Sept. 20, four days after E. coli was found in water samples collected Sept. 15. A second sample tested for Coliform, which indicated fecal contamination.

Customers were notified Sept. 16 about problems with the drinking water. A boil water order went into effect immediately. “We are pleased to report that the problem has been corrected and that it’s no longer necessary to boil water before consuming,” the update read.

The system was flushed to raise chlorine residuals interconnected with the Three Rivers water system.

Two rounds of bacteria tests came up negative, and the chlorine residuals were back to normal as of Sept. 20.

The district noted that the samples stemmed from repairs being conducted on the system. “Bondsville is now interconnected with Three Rivers Water. Until the system is flushed and stabilized, [The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection] has required all users to boil water before drinking, cooking, or using for oral hygiene,” the warning read.

The notice applied to Bondsville users and not Thorndike or Three Rivers. The bacteria can make people sick and harm individuals with weakened immunity systems. The warning stated, “Bacteria contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source.”

Heavy rain events, breaks in the water system, and failure in the treatment process are common causes of bacteria outbreaks.

In case of a future contamination event, the Water District recommends residents and businesses adhere to the following guidelines:

Only drink the water after first boiling or use bottled water. Bring the water to a roiling boil for at least one minute. The water may be cooled to make ice or prepare food, brushing teeth, or washing dishes.
The MassDEP website offers additional recommendations.

• Discard all ice, beverages, uncooked foods and baby formula made with tap water collected on or after Sept. 14.
• Restaurants and similar establishments must adhere to the state Department of Public Health and local board of health guidelines.
• Use only prepared canned baby formula instead of powder that requires water.
• Wash hands with boiled or disinfected water and, if necessary, sponge baths for children to prevent water from being swallowed.
• Disposable tableware and utensils are preferred.

“We will collect more samples to ensure the system is free of bacteria. We will inform you when tests show no bacteria,” the initial warning stated, “and you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving the problem as soon as possible.”

For questions or comments, contact Robert Flagg at 413-348-7122 or eastnationalwater@comcast.net.