A Suez Water employee flushes and tests water from a hydrant in front of the fire station in South Kingstown last week.
[The Providence Journal / Kris Craig] The final boil water advisory was lifted Monday in Narragansett after three consecutive days of water sampling found no evidence of contamination, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health.
Heath department spokesman Joseph Wendelken said approximately 4,000 residents of the Narragansett North End Water system will be able to use water for drinking and cooking without boiling it first.
He said the health department never found the cause of the E. coli contamination, adding that it appears to be an isolated instance.
At its peak, 38,000 customers of five separate water systems in Narragansett and South Kingstown were under the boil-water advisory after bacteria was found in the water.
The advisory began Aug. 31.
The other four water systems had their advisories withdrawn on Saturday.
Although customers of these five water systems no longer need to boil their water, there are certain steps that people should take before using their water again to ensure it is safe.
People should clean and sanitize refrigerators with water dispensers and/or ice machines, replace water-treatment filter cartridges, and run all faucets and taps for 10 minutes.
Additional guidance, including guidance for schools, food establishments and healthcare facilities, is available at www.health.ri.gov.