Media Release

For Immediate Release
Date: Sunday, July 24, 2005
Contact: June Swallow, Chief, Office of Drinking Water Quality
(401) 623-0467 after hours or (401) 222-6867 during regular M-F workhours

Drinking Water Warning

Boil Water Advisory in Effect for the Town of North Kingstown Except the Saunderstown-Slocum Areas and RI Port Authority

Providence, July 24, 2005 : Those served by the Town of North Kingstown Water System, excepting those in the Saunderstown and Slocum areas (west of Route 4 and south of the Hamilton Allentown Road and excepting those at the Rhode Island Port Authority), are advised to boil water before drinking it. The RI Department of 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.

The presence of fecal coliform bacteria was confirmed in the public water supply of the Town of North Kingstown, Rhode Island today (July 24).

The Town of North Kingstown Water System is implementing a system-wide disinfection and working closely with the Rhode Island Department of Health to correct the problem as soon as possible.

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

If residents experience any of these symptoms, even if tap water has been avoided, they may want to seek medical advice. Those at increased risk should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

For more information, contact Susan Licardi of the Town of North Kingstown Water office at 268-1520, 268-1521, or 268-1522. For more information and a complete listing of roads affected by this advisory go to http://www.northkingstown.org . 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.

For general information on water supply bacterial contamination problems go to http://www.health.ri.gov/environment/dwq/waterqa.php or for 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. Food establishments can get more information at this page: http://www.health.ri.gov/environment/dwq/boiladvisory.php

North Kingstown residents are asked to contact neighbors who may not be aware of this water problem. Please note that the RI Port Authority section and the Saunderstown and Slocum sections of the Town of North Kingstown Water service area are not affected by this notice.