Officials have warned seven communities in western Nassau County to boil their water after samples tested positive for E. coli bacteria.
The Water Authority of Western Nassau County issued the advisory for North Valley Stream, Elmont, Franklin Square, Garden City, Stewart Manor, Floral Park and New Hyde Park.
“The Water Authority believes that this is a localized issue,” the agency posted in a message on its website, www.wawnc.org.
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The authority said the discovery was made in samples taken from a facility near the corner of North Fletcher Avenue and Dutch Broadway. Wells and storage tanks tested negative.
The Nassau County Department of Health is also testing in the area.
Residents are advised to boil water or use bottled water while the water authority flushes water mains and disinfects the system with an increased level of chlorine.
Coliform bacteria are commonly found in water supplies but elevated levels are an indicator that potentially harmful microbes may exist. Symptoms include diarrhea, cramps, nausea and headaches.
“We will continue to take samples from the wells, storage tanks, and treatment facilities that supply water to the affected area, and in the distribution system in and around the affected area,” the authority said. “We will inform you when tests show no bacteria and you no longer need to boil your water.”
-With Associated Press.
