Restaurants close, students drinking bottled water on Mercer Island
Oct 2, 2014, 1:01 PM | Updated: Oct 3, 2014, 11:06 am
The City of Mercer Island has issued a new advisory to boil water and ordered all local food establishments to close after detecting E. coli in the city's water supply. (AP)
(AP)
Mercer Island residents and business owners are anxiously waiting test results Friday to see if the latest water samples are clear of E. coli.
The city issued a new advisory to boil water Thursday and ordered all local food establishments to close after detecting E. coli in the water supply.
It’s the second such order in the past week, following a positive test for E. coli last Friday. The previous order was lifted Monday.
Continued testing discovered a new sample containing E. coli and another with Coliform bacteria, the city said in a release.
Resident are advised to boil or purchase bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth and food preparation until further notice, the city said.
Water can be used for bathing, but people are advised to avoid drinking the water and not allowing children to put the water or a wet washcloth in their mouths.
Mercer Island schools are open Friday using bottled water, “heat and eat” meals and temporary washing stations in the restrooms. The district is updating information on its website.
In a letter to parents, superintendent Dr. Gary Plano said, “we are reviewing our bottled water supply to ensure there is enough water for students and staff in each building and taking appropriate action.”
Public Health – Seattle & King County has ordered all 62 permitted food establishments on the island, including restaurants and coffee shops, to close until further notice. Health inspectors are canvassing the area to make sure they comply, and provide guidance, the city said in a release.
Restaurants owners should call (206) 263-9566 for guidance.
City utility crews are inspecting the system and flushing water mains. Seattle Public Utilities, which provides water to the island, says the contamination is limited to Mercer Island. The utility is increasing the amount of chlorine in the system as well.
Residents with concerns or questions should call the City of Mercer Island hotline at 206-275-7800, or visit the city’s website.
