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ELY TOWNSHIP -- In a public notice issued Tuesday by Ely Township officials, E. Coli bacteria was found in the water supply on Sept. 11.
Residents are advised to boil water before drinking or using.
"The lab called our operator on Sept. 11 to inform him of an E. coli-positive sample for another supply," reads the notice. "Follow-up samples were collected for that supply. Upon review of the official lab reports, that E. coli-positive sample was for Ely Township - Greenwood. As our customers, you have the right to know what happened and what we are doing to correct this situation. These bacteria can make you sick and are of particular concern for people with weakened immune systems. We are now conducting additional sampling to determine the extent of the problem and a thorough investigation to determine the source of the contamination."
The noticed suggests bringing all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using it. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
"Use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, preparing food, and washing dishes until further notice," it reads.
E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Human pathogens in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely-compromised immune systems.
The symptoms listed are not caused only by organisms in drinking water.
The notice stated that follow-up samples would be collected within 24 hours.
"We will inform you when tests show no bacteria and you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving the problem by (Friday)."
For more information, contact Matthew Champion of Ely Township – Greenwood at 906-235-9347. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.