TEST: Drinking Water Warning: E. coli Found in M.U.D. Water, Boil Water Before Using

Metropolitan Utilities District advises water customers in the impacted area to boil their drinking water until further notice after tests found evidence of E. coli on [insert date].

The impacted area includes residents and businesses between [Insert streets included in impacted area.]

CLICK HERE to see if you reside in the impacted area.

  • What should I do?

    It is imperative impacted customers boil water prior to drinking or cooking with it, until further notice. This kills the bacteria and other organisms in the water.

  • What does this mean?

    E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes, which can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms if consumed. The bacteria may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some older adults and people with severely compromised immune systems. Those with increased risk should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

  • How did this happen?

    Bacterial contamination can occur when increased runoff enters the drinking water source (for example, following heavy rains). It also can happen due to a break in the distribution system or a failure in the water treatment process. On [date], we learned E. coli bacteria were present in at least one of our routine samples collected on [date]. As required by federal guidelines, one of our follow-up steps was to collect repeat samples at and near the location where the positive sample was originally taken. On [date], we learned E. coli was also present in at least one of our repeat samples collected on [date], resulting in an E. coli maximum containment level (MCL) violation.

The source of the contamination is under investigation. We are actively (insert action(s) from list below).

  • Chlorinating and flushing the water system
  • Switching to an alternate drinking water source
  • Increasing sampling for E. coli
  • Repairing the wellhead seal
  • Repairing the reservoir
  • Restricting water intake from the river/reservoir to prevent additional bacteria from entering the water system and restricting water use to emergencies.

We will provide an update on social media, our website and local media when tests show no presence of bacteria, and you are no longer required to boil your water. We anticipate resolving the problem within [estimated timeframe].

For more information, please contact Customer Service at 402.554.6666, 7:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m. weekdays or 402.554.7777 after hours.

General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800.426.4791.

Please share this information with other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly. For example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools and businesses. You may post this notice in a public place or distribute copies by hand or mail.

Please see the steps to protect yourself below:

  • Customers Should:

    1. Fill a pot with water.

    2. Heat the water until bubbles come quickly from the bottom of the pot to the top.

    3. Keep boiling the water for one more minute.

    4. Turn off the heat source and let the water cool.

    5. Pour water into a clean, sanitized container with a cover for storage.

  • Boiled or Bottled Water should be used for:

    Drinking

    Brushing teeth

    Washing fruits and vegetables

    Preparing food and baby formula

    Washing dishes

    Making ice