E. Coli Found In Uxbridge Drinking Water; Boil Order Issued

UXBRIDGE (CBS) – Uxbridge authorities are urging residents to boil their water before use after a positive E. coli test.

The town says it learned Saturday that a sample of Uxbridge Department of Public Works water tested positive for E. coli on Friday.

"These bacteria can make you sick, and are a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems," the town states.

Uxbridge residents should not drink, cook, brush their teeth or wash dishes using the water until it has been boiled.

"This is not a source issue," said Department of Public Works Director Benn Sherman. "It is an isolated location within the collection system, and the steps we are taking are being closely coordinated with DEP."

Any food, drinks or formula made with tap water should be thrown out, officials advise.

Schools have also been canceled on Monday, June 20 because of the water issue.

Harry's Famous Pizza in Uxbridge was open Sunday, but using boiled water for everything--even washing the floor.

"We couldn't serve any tap water for customers, so we offered bottled water, even if they didn't pay for it, we gave it to them for free," said manager Armia Rashed. "But for cooking, washing dishes, washing hands even the grill...we're not gonna use tap water."

The town is adding chlorine to water and flushing the system while it tries to figure out how the contamination occurred. Residents will be informed when the boil water order expires.