E. Coli Detected in Nassau County

A water sample collected in Nassau County on Monday was found to be contaminated with E. coli, the Water Authority of Western Nassau County reported on Thursday.

A boil water alert has been issued in that area, which does not include Lynbrook. William Varley, president of Long Island American Water (LIAW), issued the following statement:

"As you are aware, there was a boil water alert issued for portions of Western Nassau County as a result of potential e-coli in the water supply. This alert does not apply to the customers of Long Island American Water in any areas of our service territory. This event is in the service area operated by the Water Authority of Western Nassau County. LIAW's system is isolated from the Water Authority's system. There are no issues with respect to water quality for any of our customers in any parts of our service area."

According to the Water Authority of Western Nassau County, the sample was collected near the intersection of North Fletcher Avenue and Dutch Broadway in North Valley Stream. This was one of 11 samples taken in the Water Authority's service area; the other 10 did not detect E. coli. The next day, a resampling of water in the same area did not detect E. coli, but did test positive for Total Coliform bacteria, another form of bacteria.

Water Authority officials reported that they believe the North Valley Stream case was an isolated one, and released the following statement:

"The Water Authority will be flushing the water mains in the area of the contamination, and increase the level of chlorine (sodium hypochlorite), which is used for disinfection purposes in the distribution system. 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. We will inform you when tests show no bacteria and you no longer need to boil your water."

According to webmd.com, E. coli is a bacteria that lives in the digestive tracts of animals and humans. While E. coli, in many cases, is found to be harmless, it can also cause severe anemia, kidney failure and various infections.

Symptoms of E. coli include bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. You may begin to see symptoms a few days after coming in contact with E. coli.

For more information about E. coli and the boil water alert, visit the Water Authority of Western Nassau County's website.