Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: April 14, 2004
Contact: Richard Amirault 222-7762

Boil Water Advisory in Effect for Customers of Brandy Acres Water Supply (Chepachet)
Advisory is a precaution due to maintenance work on the water system

The RI Department of Health (HEALTH) advises all customers served by the Brandy Acres Water Supply in Chepachet, RI to boil water before drinking it.  HEALTH suggests all water be boiled for one minute, and allowed to cool before using. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.  Bottled water can also be used.  Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, food preparation, and bathing of infants until further notice.

No bacteria have been detected in the water at the Brandy Acres Water Supply.  The water system is having difficulty retaining stored water.  The Brandy Acres Water Supply is draining, cleaning and disinfecting a storage tank and the adjacent distribution area.  The Brandy Acres Water Supply is continuing to work closely with the Rhode Island Department of Health to correct the problem as soon as possible.  The boil order was placed as a precaution until the work is completed and tests reconfirm the water is satisfactory for drinking and cooking..

Over the next few days, the water system will be monitored for the presence of E. coli bacteria.  The presence of E. coli bacteria would indicate the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes.  Microbes in these wastes could cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms.  If residents experience any of these symptoms, even if tap water has been avoided, they should seek medical advice.  The microbes would pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune systems.  Those at increased risk should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

 No bacteria have been detected in the water at the Brandy Acres Water Supply.  However, a boil order is in effect for the next few days as a precaution while work is performed to correct a storage tank problem.  Chepachet residents in the Echo Lake area are asked to contact neighbors who may not be aware of the boil water order.  There are no food establishments affected by this boil water order. 

For more information, contact Glenn Coutu, Secretary of the Echo Lake Water Association at 225-7666, or Ed Brennan at 568-0778.  Information is also available during business hours from the Rhode Island Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water Quality at (401) 222-6867, after hours at (401) 272-5952 or at the department website address.  Questions regarding Food Establishments should be directed to the Office of Food Protection (401) 222-2750.  General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426-4791.