Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: December 28, 2007 (11:45 am)
Contact: Carol Hall-Walker, HEALTH Public Information Officer, 401-639-5137
Owen Bebeau, Woonsocket EMA Public Information Officer, 401-641-9089

DRINKING WATER PROBLEM CORRECTED
Boiling Water No Longer Required
Normal Water Use Restored in East Woonsocket Area

East Woonsocket customers of the Diamond Hill water system no longer have to boil water.  HEALTH’s Drinking Water Quality are pleased to report that the problem has been corrected and that it is no longer necessary to boil water. 

HEALTH’s Drinking Water Quality  (DWQ) has just received the results of the coliform testing from the Diamond Hill Road area of Woonsocket, taken on December 27, 2007, after water service was restored.  All the results are negative.  DWQ has informed Woonsocket Water that they may rescind their precautionary boil water advisory.  HEALTH appreciates the rapid response and resolution of  the situation by the Woonsocket Water Department. 

The water system was completely flushed and samples throughout the distribution system were collected.  We are pleased to report that field tests and laboratory results indicate that boiling the water is no longer required.  There is no confirmation of bacterial contamination in the water supply and there are no reports of disease at this time.

HEALTH and the Woonsocket Water Department reminds all customers to flush their water lines in their homes or businesses for 1 to 5 minutes to reduce residual microbial contamination. Here is the link to the cleaning and sanitizing procedures in food establishments http://www.health.ri.gov/environment/dwq/boiladvisory.php#clean

Please contact the Water Treatment Plant at 401-767-1410 with any comments or questions.

Any individual who has been in contact with, or consumed water from this system, and is experiencing any unusual symptoms is urged to contact their physician or go to the Emergency Room.