Media Release

For Immediate Release
Date: Wednesday April 20, 2005
Contact: Robert J. Marshall, PhD 401-222-1017

Public Health Update
Status of the East Providence Water System
Boil Water Advisory in Effect Until Further Notice

On Saturday, April 16, 2005 the RI Department of Health (HEALTH) issued a boil drinking water advisory to consumers of the East Providence Water System. The advisory, effective until further notice, occurred after routine testing detected the presence of bacteria associated with contamination by human or animal wastes. HEALTH officials continue to work with the East Providence Water System to identify the source of the contamination. Local water system engineers are taking appropriate steps such as purging the system and adding chlorine to sanitize the water.

“Unfortunately, this creates a real hardship for many residents and businesses in East Providence,” said David R. Gifford, MD, MPH Acting Director of Health, “but our primary concern has to be for the public’s health and safety. We will keep the boil water advisory in place until we either find the problem and fix it or have clear evidence that the risk to the public is no longer present. Hopefully, the water authority can resolve the problem quickly, but it could take some time. We will keep the public updated as work progresses.”

Yesterday, State Senator Michael Damiani and the RI Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) worked with East Providence emergency officials to locate supplies of bottled water for elderly residents, the homebound and others who cannot afford bottled water.

HEALTH advises consumers to boil tap water for one minute and allow it to cool before using it for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, food preparation, and bathing of infants. Normal showering and bathing is permitted unless fresh or open wounds are present. Boiling water kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. Bottled water can also be used. Bacterial contamination in the water can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms which pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune systems. Water system consumers experiencing these symptoms should seek medical advice.

For more information, contact the East Providence Water System (401-435-7741) or the HEALTH Office of Drinking Water Quality (401-222-6867) during regular working hours. For general information on drinking water quality go to http://www.health.ri.gov/environment/dwq/waterqa.php.