PORTSMOUTH, R.I. — The Prudence Island Water District issued a boil water advisory after E. coli bacteria was found in a water sample from the storage tank, according to a state Department of Health statement Sunday afternoon.
More samples were slated to be taken and tested on Monday, the statement continued.
The district did not immediately return a voice message Wednesday morning seeking comment about those samples.
As many as 700 residents could be affected by the advisory, though it does not pertain to residents with private wells or members of the Prudence Park Water Co-op, according to the statement.
The district recommended that customers boil all water for consumption for at least one minute.
Infants and young children should not be bathed in the water because they might swallow it.
The presence of E. coli bacteria means it might be contaminated with human or animal waste.
Customers with questions should contact the water district at 401-285-6192 or info@pih20.org.