The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) is issuing a precautionary boil water advisory for customers of the United Water, Narragansett Pt. Judith, Narragansett North End, South Kingstown South Shore, and South Kingstown Middlebridge water systems. HEALTH recommends that water being used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, cooking or bathing of infants should be boiled for one minute and allowed to cool before using. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. Bottled water can also be used.
Water pressure in these communities dropped below acceptable limits and therefore, the likelihood for bacteria contamination increases. The water systems are working closely with HEALTH to correct the problem as soon as possible.
All water system customers are urged to limit water usage to allow the system to restore normal water pressure. United Water and the towns of Narragansett and South Kingstown have banned all outdoor water use until further notice. In addition, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has agreed to close cold-water showers at state beaches.
This boil water advisory is in effect until further notice from HEALTH. Customers of United Water, Narragansett Pt. Judith, and Narragansett North End, South Kingstown South Shore, and South Kingstown Middlebridge water systems are asked to contact neighbors who may not be aware of this advisory. For information, contact: United Water, Stan Knox, 789-0271; Narragansett Pt. Judith and Narragansett North End, Jeffry Ceasrine, 789-1044; South Kingstown South Shore and South Kingstown Middlebridge, Jon Schock, 789-9331, x2250.
For general information about drinking water, contact HEALTH’s Information Line at 222-5960, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For information on guidelines for food establishments during and after a boil water advisory, visit http://www.health.ri.gov/environment/dwq/boiladvisory.php