DES MOINES, Wash. — A boil water advisory is no longer in effect as of Saturday for parts of Des Moines and Normandy Park, after E.coli was found in the water supply.
“Test samples show the water now meets safe drinking water standards including an absence of E. coli bacteria,” said King County Water District 54 in a news release.
The news release also said that fixtures, water fountains, ice machines, soda machines, and/or other equipment that was shut off or not used should be flushed until there is a change in water temperature before using it again.
The boil water advisory started Saturday around 4 p.m., according to a spokesperson for Water District 54.
Anjel Brown had driven from Tacoma to Des Moines with one thing on her mind, Wally’s Chowder House. But the restaurant was closed because of the advisory.
“That’s so horrible it’s not open. So where am I going to get my fix? I don’t want to go to Seattle,” said Brown. “I like to come here to relax and read a book and have a good meal.”
Farmers Market Manager, Susie Novak had to plan the market without knowing if the water would be clean.
“Even our flower vendors need fresh water. I have quite a few vendors that need hand washing stations, they have to have hot water,” said Novak.
E.coli was identified in a tested sample from the supply. Subsequent tests didn’t show E.coli but coliform bacteria was also present. Coliform is commonly found in human and animal waste.
The district began chlorinating its water system on Saturday. Because this process cleans mineral build-up in pipes, this can make water from faucets and taps look cloudy and brown.
While the boil water order was in effect, residents were advised to use bottled water for daily tasks like brushing teeth, washing dishes, and preparing food.
Eighth-grader Paityn Wells was asked to bring multiple water bottles to her soccer practice.
“A couple of my friends asked me to bring multiple water bottles to school and to practices just so they can have water at home to drink,” she said.
Her mom, Jesika Wells was surprised when other parents asked to use her shower after practice.
“I thought it was a complete joke and one of the parents explained to me that all of the kids in their school district had to boil their water to drink so they actually asked if the girls could come over and take shower at our house,” Wells said. “We’re lucky enough to not have to do that but half of her team does.”
Wells also made sure to bring ice with her to the next practice.
“They’re boiling their water so they’re bringing it at like temperature but you’re in 80-degree weather and they don’t have ice,” she said.
A Water District 54 spokesperson said there were no confirmed illnesses linked to the water.
Water District 54 is also a “closed water system,” according to the spokesperson, so the contamination was limited to downtown Des Moines and the southern border of Normandy Park.
The spokesperson also said residents should sign up for CodeRED, which will send texts to residents regarding any updates to the water supply.
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