Boil Water Notice LIFTED

UPDATE:
Boil Water Notice Lifted for Towns of North Attleboro, Plainville
NORTH ATTLEBORO AND PLAINVILLE — The Towns of North Attleboro and Plainville would like to inform residents that the boil water notice that was issued Thursday, Sept. 22 has been lifted.
The order was lifted for both towns as of 4 p.m. today, Friday, Sept. 23.
Representatives from each town worked closely with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection since routine water samples from the raw part of the water system and treatment facility shared by the two towns tested positive for E. coli on Wednesday, Sept. 21. Testing continued over the next two days.
“We would like to thank our residents for their cooperation and understanding since the boil water order was issued,” North Attleboro Town Manager Michael Borg said. “We assure our residents that the water has been thoroughly tested and has been deemed safe for public use.”
“Officials from our respective towns worked diligently to address the issue that was discovered earlier in the week and we thank Mass DEP for their support while the issue was resolved,” Plainville Town Manager Brian Noble said. “We would also like to thank everyone who helped distribute water over the past two days for residents in need.”
Residents with questions can contact the North Attleboro Department of Public Works at 508-695-7790 and the Plainville Department of Public Works at 508-699-2071.

North Attleborough Officials Announce Boil Water Notice

NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH — The Town of North Attleboro reports that the Town is currently under a boil water notice following the detection of E. coli in routine water sample collections.

The notice was issued after routine Town water samples collected on Wednesday, September 21 tested positive for E. coli. The E. coli was detected in the raw part of the water system and treatment facility that the Town of North Attleborough shares with the Town of Plainville.

Immediately after identifying the positive samples, officials engaged the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and a boil water notice is currently being issued. The cause of the contamination remains unknown at this time.

The boil water notice remains in effect Town-wide for all those who utilize public water, and will continue until further notice. All water used for cooking, drinking, brushing teeth, washing dishes or food preparation should be boiled for at least one minute prior to use, or bottled water should be used as an alternative.

Any ice, beverages, formula or uncooked foods that were prepared with water from the public water system on or after September 21 should be discarded.

The same precautions to protect humans also apply to pets. Pets should be given bottled water or boiled water that has cooled. Water from any appliance connected to your water line, such as ice and water from a refrigerator, should not be used for pets while under a boil water notice. Fish or other aquatic pets should not be exposed to water containing elevated bacteria levels, and appropriately boiled or bottled water should be used instead.

To ensure residents have safe drinking water, the Town will distribute water at the Department of Public Works Garage, 240 Smith St., Thursday from 3 -7pm and Friday from 8am – 6pm.

The towns will collect additional water samples today, September 22.

Residents will be notified when the boil water notice ends.

E. coli is a sub-group of the fecal coliform bacteria group. There are many strains of E. coli, most of which are harmless, but some strains can cause illness. Symptoms of E. coli sickness can include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms. These symptoms may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. These symptoms, however, are not just associated with water-borne illness; they may also come from other diseases. If you are ill with these symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider.

Residents with additional questions can contact the North Attleboro Department of Public Works at 508-695-7790. Additional information regarding drinking water boil notices and other public health orders can be found on the DEP’s website.

FAQ's

FAQs

When E. Coli is found in my drinking water, what does that mean?

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Project (DEP) monitors drinking water throughout the state through regular testing. Sometimes water testing finds E. coli/ fecal coliform bacteria in the drinking water supply. E. coli and fecal coliform bacteria indicate that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Drinking water with these wastes can cause short-term illness, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune systems. If this happens, the Town issues a boil water advisory. A boil water advisory lets people know that they should boil their water for at least one minute, or use bottled water, for drinking, cooking, food preparation, making ice, brushing teeth, bathing children, and washing dishes. In addition, infants and young children should not be bathed in this water because they may accidentally swallow it.

How long will this problem with the water last?

During a boil water advisory, the the Town and the State will need to investigate the cause of the contamination and fix the problem. Then they need to do a series of tests to ensure there are no more bacteria in the water. As soon as MassDEP is assured that the water is safe, we will lift the boil water advisory and the Town will issue a public notice.

Should I drink bottled water during an advisory?

Yes. If bottled water is available, that is the best option until officials say otherwise. If you do not have bottled water available, the next best option is to boil your tap water to make it safe to drink. Filters do not remove E.Coli fecal coliform bacteria.

I do not have bottled water available for drinking. How do I boil my water to make it safe to drink?

Fill a pot with water.
Heat the water until bubbles come quickly from the bottom of the pot to the top.
Keep heating the water for one more minute.
Turn off the heat source and let the water cool.
Pour water into a clean, sanitized container with a cover for storage.

I don’t like the taste of boiled water. What can I do?

To improve the taste of boiled water you can:

Pour cooled, boiled water back and forth from one clean glass or container into another to add air to the water, or
Let the water stand for a few hours, or
Add a pinch of salt to each quart of boiled water.

I do not have bottled water for drinking and I cannot boil my water to make it safe to drink. How do I disinfect my water to make it safe to drink?

Disinfectant tablets obtained from a wilderness store or pharmacy may be used. In an emergency, liquid chlorine bleach such as Clorox© or Purex© can be used at a dose of 8 drops (or 1 teaspoon) of bleach to each gallon of water. (Careful measurement with a clean dropper or other accurate measuring device is required when using liquid chlorine bleach.) Let stand for at least 30 minutes before use. Read the label to see that the bleach has 5-6% available chlorine.

Can I use my coffee maker, ice machine, or water or soda dispenser?

Do not use water from any appliance connected to your water lines. This includes the water and ice dispensers in your refrigerator/freezer. Most kitchen and other household water filters typically do not remove or kill all bacteria or viruses.
Use bottled, boiled, or disinfected water to make coffee and ice.
When the boil water advisory is lifted, consult the owner’s manual to find out how to sanitize appliances.

Can I use ice from my refrigerator/freezer?

Do not use ice from ice trays, ice dispensers, or ice makers.
Throw out all ice made with tap water.
Make new ice with bottled, boiled, or disinfected water.

What should I do about preparing food and beverages? How should I wash fruit, vegetables, and food preparation surfaces?

Wash fruits and vegetables with bottled, boiled, or disinfected water.
Use bottled or boiled water that has cooled to cook food.
Use bottled, boiled, or disinfected water when preparing drinks, such as coffee, tea, and lemonade.
Wash food preparation surfaces with bottled, boiled, or disinfected water.

What should I do about feeding my baby?

Breastfeeding is best. Continue to breastfeed. If breastfeeding is not an option:

Use ready-to-use baby formula, if possible.
Prepare powdered or concentrated baby formula with bottled water. Use boiled water if you do not have bottled water.
Wash and sterilize bottles and nipples before use with bottled or boiled water.
If you cannot sterilize bottles, try to use single-serve, ready-to-feed bottles.

How do I wash dishes during a boil water advisory?

Use disposable plates, cups, and utensils, if possible. If you do not have disposable dishes, follow the instructions below.

Household dishwashers generally are safe to use. If possible, set your dishwasher so it is using a hot water rinse or sanitizing cycle.
To wash dishes by hand:
- Wash and rinse the dishes as you normally would using hot water.
- In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of warm water.
- Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least 1 minute.
- Let the dishes air dry completely before using them again.

I already drank the water. Will I get sick?

Almost everyone who drinks this water will be fine and will have no symptoms at all. Those people who do develop symptoms may suffer nausea, diarrhea, cramps, and possibly a mild fever. These symptoms are very much what you would expect from a case of food poisoning.

If you get these symptoms, you should wash your hands frequently and avoid dehydration. Call a doctor if an infant or elderly person develops these symptoms or if you have a weakened immune system. You should also call a doctor if you have diarrhea and any of the following symptoms:

Fever over 101.5° F, measured orally.
Blood in the stool.
Prolonged vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down (which can lead to dehydration).
Signs of dehydration, including a decrease in urination, a dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up.
Diarrheal illness that lasts more than 3 days.

What should I do if I have symptoms?

The most important thing to do is avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid drinks with caffeine, such as soda, coffee, and tea. If you are concerned about your health or the health of a family member, contact your healthcare provider.

Should I give my pets boiled water?

Yes. Pets can get sick from the same contaminants as people. It is a good idea to give them bottled, boiled, or disinfected water. Boiled water should always be cooled before using.

Do I need to worry about my fish or aquatic pets (e.g., reptiles, frogs)?

Most germs that infect people do not infect reptiles or fish. If your water system is using more chlorine or changing disinfection, be cautious about changing the water in your fish tank or aquarium. Standard aquarium operations require removal of chlorine and chloramines, which can be toxic to fish and reptiles.

Contact your local pet store or veterinarian for more information.

Is it safe to water my garden and house plants?

Yes, you can use the tap water for household plants and gardens.

Is it safe to let my children play in a kiddie pool filled with tap water?

No. Due to the high chance that children will get water in their mouth while playing in a kiddie pool, we recommend that you avoid using your kiddie pool during the boil water advisory.

Can I use tap water to wash my hands?

In many situations, you can use tap water and soap to wash your hands. Be sure to scrub your hands with soap and water (warm or cold) for 20 seconds and rinse them well under running water. It is important to dry hands completely with a towel or by letting them air dry. Hand sanitizer can be used after proper washing for an additional layer of protection.

Can I use tap water to brush my teeth?

No. Use bottled water or boiled water that has cooled to brush your teeth.

Is it safe to take a shower or bath?

Yes, as long as you don't swallow the water. Infants and young children should not be bathed in this water because they might swallow some accidentally. To prevent this, bathe your children with pre-boiled or bottled water or give them sponge baths using only a small amount of water. There is no problem with bathing nursing home or elderly patients unless there is any possibility of them swallowing the water. Patients with open sores should not be bathed even under normal conditions. Don't use swimming pools as a substitute for bathing. Tap water is safer.

What about shaving?

Yes, you can shave as usual.

What about doing laundry?

Yes, it is safe to do laundry as usual.

What about cooking?

Use pre-boiled water for all preparation of food. If food is to be cooked in water, boil the water first for more than one minute.

View All

Quick Tips

RESIDENTS ACTIONS DURING A BOIL WATER ORDER

A “boil water order” is a precaution in the event that the water treatment does not effectively remove or treat the potential contamination.

You should:

Drink or wash food with bottled or boiled water.
Brush teeth with boiled or bottled water
Boil water at a rolling boil for 1 minute to disinfect. Food may be cooked in boiled water after 1 minute, 5 minutes if large quantity of water. Food establishments must boil water for 5 minutes.

You can:

Wash hands with tap water and soap for 20 seconds. Use alcohol based hand gel after for extra precaution.
You can shower, and wash hair, with tap water as long as you do not swallow the water. Infants and small children should have a sponge bath.
You can wash your clothing with tap water
Wash dishes in dishwater on sanitize (150 degrees), or hand wash in warm soapy water and rinse in warm water with one teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water.

Follow these precautions until the “Boil Water Order” is lifted.

Bottled water will be given out at the Highway Garage on Smith St. on Thursday from 3 -7pm and Friday from 8am – 6pm.

If you are having symptoms that you think are related to the water, you should call your provider to be tested for e-coli as there may be other reasons for your symptoms.

if you feel ill

General Precautions during a boil order

General precautions during a boil order

Below are general precautions MassDEP recommends when a public health order is in effect. Please check with your local water department for specific instructions.

DISCARD any ice, juice, formula, stored water and uncooked foods prepared with tap water during the period of concern.
USE BOILED OR BOTTLED WATER for
- drinking
- food preparation
- mixing baby formula
- making ice
- washing food
- manual utensil and equipment washing, rinsing and sanitizing
- brushing teeth
- any other activity involving the consumption of water.
CHILD CARE CENTERS AND SCHOOLS should use only bottled or boiled water for
- mixing infant formula
- hand washing
- mixing sanitizing solutions for diapering areas and surfaces such as tabletops and toys

Adult employees should use a hand sanitizer after washing hands with tap water and soap. Do not use drinking fountains and discontinue the use of water play tables. Follow all guidance provided by the Massachusetts Department of Education (DOE) and/or the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC).

RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS must follow the guidance of the local board of health and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MassDPH). Wholesale food manufacturers must follow the guidance of MassDPH. Meat processing plants must follow the guidance of MassDPH and the United States Department of Agriculture.
SWIMMING POOLS, HOT TUBS, AND SPAS that are operated properly, including routine monitoring for adequate disinfection levels, may continue to operate.
SHARE THIS INFORMATION with all others who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice, such as visitors. You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
TRANSLATE THE PRECAUTIONS for anyone who does not understand English.

CDC Boil Water Advisory Information

Tips For Water Use During a boil order

1 Minute

Boil water for at least 1 minute

Use only boiled or disinfected water for bathing and food prep.

Water for drinking: There are two simple methods you can use to treat drinking water for microbiological contaminants (bacteria). Both methods are effective against bacteria in water.

Boiling: Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute. Laboratory data show this is adequate to make the water safe for drinking. You can also boil water in a microwave oven using a microwave-safe container, but it is advisable to include a glass rod or wooden or plastic stir stick in the container to prevent the formation of superheated water (water heated above its boiling point, without the formation of steam). The water should then be cooled and poured into a clean container or refrigerated until you are ready to use it.
Disinfecting: Use disinfectant tablets obtained from a wilderness store or pharmacy. In an emergency, you can use liquid chlorine bleach such as Clorox™ or Purex™ at a dose of 8 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of bleach to each gallon of water. (Careful measurement with a clean dropper or other accurate device is required when using liquid bleach.) Let stand for at least 30 minutes before use. Read the label to see that the bleach has 5-6% chlorine.

Washing dishes: You may use a dishwasher if it has a sanitizing cycle. If it does not have a sanitizing cycle, or you are not sure if it does, you may hand wash dishes and utensils by following these steps:

Wash the dishes as you normally would.
As a final step, immerse the dishes for at least one minute in lukewarm water to which a teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water has been added.
Allow the dishes to completely air dry.
You may also use boiled and cooled water or bottled water.

Bathing and showering: Sponge-bathe young children. Do not bathe them in a bathtub where they might ingest the water. Adults or older children should take care not to swallow water when showering.

Brushing your teeth: Use only disinfected or boiled water for brushing your teeth.

Ice: Use only disinfected or boiled water to make ice cubes. Freezing does not kill bacteria or other microorganisms.

Washing food: Use only disinfected or boiled water to wash fruits and vegetables or to rinse rice or other grains.

Hand washing: Wash your hands with soap and boiled water, or soap and bottled water. If you only have tap water to use, it is best to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after washing your hands. If neither is possible and your hands have been exposed to germs (such as after using the bathroom), washing with warm tap water and soap and thoroughly drying your hands is much better than not washing them at all. In these instances, try to keep your hands away from your mouth and use a hand sanitizer as soon as possible after you're done.

Cooking: Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute before adding food.

Infant formula: Use only prepared canned baby formula that is not condensed and does not need added water. Do not use powdered formulas prepared with contaminated water.

Houseplants and gardens: You can use untreated water for watering household plants and gardens. However, do not use untreated water on food plants such as tomatoes or berries.

Pets: The same precautions to protect humans apply to pets. Do not expose aquatic organisms (e.g., fish) to water containing elevated bacteria levels. If you need to refresh the organism's water, use appropriately boiled or bottled water.

What to do after the Order is lifted

Flush all taps when the order is lifted

When flushing, it is important to follow the instructions provided. Flush your household and building water lines, including:

Interior and exterior faucets,
Showers,
Water/ice dispensers,
Water treatment units, etc.
Water heaters may need to be flushed to remove any contaminated water.
Some types of water treatment devices may need to be disinfected or replaced before being used. Check with the manufacturer for details.

Detailed guidance for what to do after a boil order ends follows.

Cold Water Faucets: Run until the water feels cold, one minute or more, before drinking, brushing your teeth, or using for food preparation. If you have a single-lever faucet, set it to run the cold water first.

Hot Water Faucets: To clear hot-water pipes and water heaters of untreated water, change all faucets to hot water and flush for at least:

15 minutes for a typical household 40-gallon hot-water tank
30 minutes for an 80-gallon hot water tank or larger

Hot water is then safe to use for washing hands, dishes, pots and pans, etc. Never use water from the hot faucet for drinking, rinsing your mouth, or cooking.

Dishwashers: After flushing hot water pipes and water heaters, run the dishwasher empty one time.

Humidifiers: Discard any water used in humidifiers, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines, oral, medical or health care devices. Rinse the device with clean water.

Food and baby formula: Discard baby formula and other foods prepared with water on the day or days of the boil order. (If unsure of the dates, contact your water department.)

Refrigerator water-dispensing machine: Flush with at least one quarter of water. If unsure of your dispenser's capacity, refer to manufacturer specifications.

Ice cubes: Empty automatic ice dispensers of ice made during the boil order and run through a 24-hour cycle. Discard this ice to assure purging of the icemaker's water supply line.

Note: After a boil order, the local water department may flush hydrants. As a result of flushing both hydrants and home water lines, some customers may experience a lack of water pressure and/or discolored water. This is an expected result and does not pose an immediate health risk. Contact your local water department if you have any questions.

Information for food establishments

Guidelines for Food Service Facilities During and After a Boil Water Advisory

Guidance for Emergency Action Planning for Retail Food Establishments (PDF)

During a Boil Water Advisory

A boil water advisory has been issued which affects a food service establishment. The North Attleboro Health Department is not recommending that food service establishments must close, but the following precautions should be taken by food service facilities until you are notified by town officials that the advisory has ended.

General

Post signs or copies of the water system’s health advisory.
Develop a plan to notify and educate employees about emergency procedures.

Food Preparation

Shut off appliances that use tap water, such as ice machines, drinking fountains, produce misters, bottled water refill machines, soft drink fountains connected to the water supply, and water dipper wells.
Discard ice and mixed beverages made with contaminated water.
Use packaged ice from approved sources.
Use bottled water, boiled water, or water that has been disinfected with bleach for drinking, food preparation, washing produce and cooking.
If possible, use disposable plates, cups, and utensils.

Hygiene and Cleaning

Wash hands with soap and tap water. When you are done washing and drying your hands, use an alcohol based hand-sanitizer and let hands air dry.
Commercial dishwashers generally are safe to use if the water reaches a final rinse temperature of at least 165°F–180°F, as determined by your local or state authorities.
If you are not able to use disposable plates, cups, and utensils and do not have a dishwasher, wash dishes by hand following these instructions:
- Wash and rinse the dishes as you normally would using hot water.
- In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household bleach for each gallon of warm water. The bleach label should say that it contains 5-9% of sodium hypochlorite.
- Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least 1 minute.
- Let the dishes air dry completely before using again.

The North Attleboro Health Department has no additional requirements to protect public health during this boil water advisory, such as modifying food preparation, prohibiting menu items or closing operations at this time.

For more information, contact:

North Attleboro Department of Public Works at 508-695-9621

North Attleboro Board of Health at 508-699-0104

After a Boil Water Advisory

When your food service establishment is notified that the boil water advisory has been lifted and the drinking water supply is safe, the following actions need to be taken.

Flush pipes throughout the facility by running each faucet with cold water for 5 minutes.
Flush, clean, and sanitize appliances that use tap water (such as beverage dispensers, spray misters, coffee and tea urns, ice machines, glass washers, dishwashers) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle.
Flush hot water tanks.
Run drinking fountains continuously for 5 minutes to flush the system.
Replace and sanitize water filter cartridges according to the manufacturer’sinstructions.
Take proper steps to flush ice machines by following the manufacturer’s instructions, including:
Throw out any remaining ice.
Flush the water line to the machine inlet.
Close the valve on the water line behind the machine.
Disconnect the water line from the machine inlet.
Open the valve and run 5 gallons of water through the valve.
Dispose of the water.
Close the valve.

For more information, contact:

North Attleboro Department of Public Works at 508-695-9621

North Attleboro Board of Health at 508-699-0104

Bottled water distribution

To ensure residents have safe drinking water, the Town will distribute water at the Department of Public Works Garage, 240 Smith St., Thursday from 3 -7pm and Friday from 8am – 6pm.

TRAFFIC ANNOUNCEMENT

The only entrance to the NA Public Works Department that will be used for water distribution will be the entrance closest to Orne St. All traffic must approach from Landry Ave/Smith Street and will be directed in by NAPD officers stationed on site for traffic control.

All exiting traffic will be directed to turn right out of the DPW towards Fisher Street. Vehicles approaching the DPW from the direction of Fisher Street will be instructed to turn down Orne St to turn on to Landry Ave in order to make this process as efficient and orderly as possible.