PORTSMOUTH — The Prudence Island Water District has proactively issued a boil-water advisory because E. coli bacteria was found in a sample collected at the water district's storage tank, according to the R.I. Department of Health (DOH). 

A list of streets that are affected is available here. The entire water district is affected by the boil-water advisory. Residents on private wells or on Prudence Park Water Coop are not affected. As many as 700 residents are impacted, according to DOH.

The water district is recommending that customers boil vigorously, for at least one minute, all water used for consumption. Alternatively, customers can use bottled water. These recommendations pertain to water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation. 

Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. Infants and young children should not be bathed in this water because they may swallow it accidentally. Anyone else using this water for bathing or showering should be careful to avoid swallowing the water. 

Additional guidance is available here.

The water district was scheduled to collect repeat samples on Monday, Oct. 1. If contamination is confirmed in these repeat samples, the Prudence Island Water District will issue updated public noticing, disinfect the water system, investigate the source of the bacteria, and perform any corrective actions required to remove the source of the bacteria. 

If contamination is confirmed in these repeat samples, the system will be-

The presence of E. coli bacteria indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal waste. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term health effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune systems.

The EPA has set a drinking water standard for E. coli to reduce the risk of these adverse health effects. Under this standard, drinking water must be free of these bacteria for water to be consumed from a system. 

The Prudence Island Water District would be in violation of this standard only if repeat samples collected on Oct. 1 are positive for total coliform bacteria or were collected incorrectly, according to DOH.

A healthcare provider should be contacted if someone is on this water systems and has diarrhea and any of the following symptoms:

• Fever over 101.5° F, measured orally 

• Blood in the stool 

• Prolonged vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down (which can lead to dehydration) 

• Signs of dehydration, including a decrease in urination, a dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up 

• Diarrheal illness that lasts more than three days

Customers with questions should contact the water district at 401/285-6192 or info@pih2o.org.