Boil-order issued after e-coli detected in local water supply

Barbara Perez

Sidney Sun-Telegraph

CHAPPELL – On December 5, 2024, Chappell officials issued a boil water order following a test that found E. coli bacteria.

An official statement published by the Village of Chappell reported that E. coli had been found, indicating the need to look for potential problems in water treatment or distribution.

"When this occurs, we are required to conduct an assessment to identify problems and to correct any problems that were found during these assessments," the statement says.

E.coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal waste. Human pathogens in these types of waste can cause short-term effects that include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and headaches. These effects can prove to pose greater health risks for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. While these symptoms are not necessarily caused only by drinking contaminated water, if you have specific concerns, it is advised that you contact your physician.

All Chappell residents have been informed that they are not to consume any tap water that has not first been boiled. Boiled or bottled water is recommended for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice.

To make tap water safe to drink during a boil water advisory, you should bring the water to a full rolling boil and continue to boil it for at least one minute. Allow the water to cool before using it. Because it can take up to 30 minutes to cool, it is recommended that you boil water in advance. Additionally, you should boil water even if you filter it. All ice made prior to an advisory should be discarded as freezing doesn't kill bacteria.

Bacterial contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source. It can also happen due to a break in the distribution systems (pipes) or a failure in the water treatment process. The testing of the water system is ongoing and officials are working to identify the source of the contamination. Residents will be notified when the water is again safe to drink and without a need to boil.

For additional information on this notice, call Todd Rust at 308-874-6278. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or epa.gov/safewater