The City of Mercer Island, Washington was under a boil water advisory this weekend. Seattle Public Utilities, the City’s water supplier tests the water every month. The advisory was lifted this morning at 8:45 a.m. The Mercer Island School District decided to close school today to sanitize its systems.
City crews will continue to inspect system facilities and to monitor the system. Engineers were not able to identify a source of the contamination. All samples taken from the water reservoirs on the Island were clean. No increase in gastrointestinal illnesses have been reported, and no confirmed cases of E. coli were linked to the City’s water.
All food establishments on the Island were told to suspend operations until the boil water advisory was lifted. All owners of food establishments were asked to contact Public Health-Seattle & King County at 206-263-9566. Restaurants should remain closed until they are inspected by a public health inspector.
Residents are being told to flush pipes at home for at least five minutes by running the cold tap water at all faucets. For residences with multiple levels, start at the top of the house. If the water is discolored, run until it is clear. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning appliances such as water softeners and water filters. Throw away all ice from ice makers, make a new batch, throw that batch away, then make ice as usual. Wash and sanitize ice trays.
The symptoms of an E. coli infection include diarrhea that may be bloody and/or watery, cramps, nausea, headaches, and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, please see a doctor immediately. Complications of an E. coli infection can include hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious illness that can cause loss of kidney function.
