Media Release

For Immediate Release
Date: March 28, 2006
Contact : Maria Wah-Fitta

Security Breach in Blackstone Water System, MA
Potential Contamination in System That Serves 83 RI Households

NEWS UPDATE

Based on all the information available at this time, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has decided not to pursue Federal response on this incident.

Only Blackstone Water System is affected. Woonsocket Water System and Slatersville Water System are not affected by this incident. All affected households have been notified. The affected area is even smaller than we originally thought. The only affected streets are:

St. Paul Street
Colerick Street
West Street
Fountain Street
Elizabeth Street
Middle Street
Industrial Park
Meadows Park

The water system is currently being flushed. Test results are expected tomorrow at the earliest.

HEALTH is collaborating closely with the State of Massachusetts, the Town of North Smithfield, RI State Police, MA Department of Environmental Protection, RI Emergency Management Agency,

Drinking water will be available at St. Paul Fire Station at 675 St. Paul Street and Great Road later tonight. People should bring clean water containers to fill up.

Schools in North Smithfield (Dr. Harry L. Halliwell Memorial School, North Smithfield Elementary School, and North Smithfield Jr. –Sr. High School) are not affected by this incident.

No disease has been reported at this time.

All community water systems have been notified and no one has reported any suspicious activity.

People who believe they have been exposed to this water and are experiencing any symptoms may call (401)-222-8022 until 7:30 tonight and from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm tomorrow. After hours (401) 272-5952.