A boil-water order has been issued in parts of Nassau County where E. coli bacteria was found in water.
Residents in North Valley Stream, Elmont, Franklin Square, Garden City, Stewart Manor, Floral Park, and New Hyde Park are being told to boil their water or to use bottled water.
The contaminated water sample was collected near North Fletcher Avenue and Dutch Broadway on Monday, according to the Water Authority. Officials returned to the location the following day to test the water again and found it negative for E. coli; however, water collected nearby tested positive for Total Coliform bacteria (E. coli was not found in that sample).
There was no E. coli or Total Coliform found in the well and water storage tanks that supply water to the area, officials said.
The Water Authority said it is flushing the water mains and disinfecting the water in the area. In the meantime, residents are ordered to boil their water before using it for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and preparing food. Any ice made after Wednesday should be discarded.
Coliform and E. coli bacteria indicates that water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes; consumption can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. Anyone at special health risk who experiences these symptoms should seek medical advice.
