Media Release

For Immediate Release
Date: March 29, 2006
Contact : Maria Wah-Fitta

RI HEALTH DOWNGRADES DO-NOT-USE ORDER TO BOIL-WATER ADVISORY FOR NORTH SMITHFIELD RESIDENTS SERVED BY BLACKSTONE WATER SYSTEM

The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) has issued a boil-water advisory for residents of the small area of North Smithfield affected by the break-in incident that took place in Blackstone, MA on Monday night.

Rhode Island and Massachusetts have done extensive testing at the Blackstone Water tank as well as throughout the system. Both Rhode Island’s and Massachusetts’ results have ruled out chemical contamination. However, bacterial test results are still pending.

RI HEALTH and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection will make a joint decision about a recommendation on the appropriate time to lift the boil-water advisory, after all appropriate test results have been evaluated. The public will be informed when the water is deemed safe to drink without boiling.

North Smithfield residents affected by this advisory must boil their tap water for one minute. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, food preparation, and bathing of infants until further notice. Infants should be bathed in water that has been boiled for one minute and then allowed to cool down.

Kids and adults can bathe in tap water if they are careful not to swallow it. Use boiled or disinfected water or a hand sanitizer for hand washing.

Water can be used with soap for laundry and general cleaning at this time. Dishwashers with a sanitizing cycle can be used to wash dishes and pots and pans. Hand-washed dishes should receive a final rinse of boiled and cooled water, or bottled water.

“Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms that may have gotten into the water system as a result of flushing the system,” explains David R. Gifford, MD, MPH, Director of Health. “The Advisory will remain in place until test results show the water is safe to drink,” he added.

There is drinking water available for affected for residents at the St. Paul’s Fire Station at 675 St. Paul Street and Great Road. People should bring clean water containers to fill up.

RI HEALTH will continue disease surveillance, and will take appropriate steps, should it become necessary.

People who believe they have been exposed to this water and are experiencing any symptoms may call (401)-222-8022 until 7:00 tonight and from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm tomorrow. After hours (401) 272-5952.