Goodrich under boil order after E. coli detected in city water
A boil order remains in effect for the city of Goodrich after testing detected E. coli bacteria in the community's drinking water supply, prompting officials to urge residents to take precautions until further notice.
According to a drinking water warning distributed Aug. 22 by the city, the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality notified the city it had violated microbiological standards for drinking water. E. coli bacteria were found in a water sample collected Aug. 19. One of four repeat samples collected Aug. 21 tested positive for total coliform bacteria, though not E. coli.
Residents are advised not to drink tap water without first boiling it. Water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute and then allowed to cool before use. Officials said boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, preparing food, making ice, brushing teeth and washing dishes.
Health officials noted the presence of E. coli can indicate contamination by human or animal waste. Exposure can lead to symptoms including diarrhea, cramps, nausea and headaches. Infants, young children, older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of illness.
The city of Goodrich plans to flush the water system and continue collecting samples to determine when the water is safe for consumption. Residents will be notified when testing confirms the water no longer poses a health risk and the boil order can be lifted.
In response to the situation, the Goodrich Rural Fire Department is making bottled water available to residents.