by Jessica Remer, originally posted on August 13, 2016

PAWHUSKA, Okla. (KTUL) — The city of Pawhuska is under a boil order as of Friday afternoon.

City officials say the order was issued after water samples returned indicating the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli).

The bacteria is commonly found in the environment, foods, and intestines of people and animals. Most strains are harmless but others can cause illness.

Symptoms include diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia.

Tulsa’s Channel 8 was notified that several residents and businesses have stepped up while the community is inconvenienced by the boil order.

One resident had purchased 84 cases of water to hand out to the elderly and those who can’t acquire their own. A post on the Pawhuska Community Watch Facebook page said he was handing out the water for free at the old Homeland grocery store.

According to the Atwoods in Owasso, they are selling 24 packs of water for $1.99 to help out during the boil order.