E.coli levels in the drinking water supply for the city of Aberdeen, SD have reached dangerous levels, prompting city officials to issue a boil water advisory.
Aberdeen residents should not drink tap water without boiling it first. Before it is safe to drink, the water needs to boil for a full minute. “Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice,” the advisory states.
Boiling kills E.coli and other dangerous bacteria that cause serious, sometimes life-threatening illness. Most at risk are small children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of an E.coli infection include abdominal cramps, diarrhea that is sometimes bloody, nausea and headaches. Residents who develop these symptoms should seek medical attention.
Contamination of drinking water supplies can occur when heavy rains cause increased run-off to enter the drinking water source, from a broken water pipe or from an improperly functioning water treatment process. Aberdeen city officials flushing the main water lines and increasing chlorine levels as they investigate the source of the problem.
Fresh drinking water is one of first casualties of summer storms that bring heavy rains and knock out the power. The American Red Cross recommends keeping an emergency preparedness kit at home and enough bottled water to supply each family member with a gallon per day for three days.
