E. coli is present in Ramsey Estate’s water
BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING
On Friday November 22nd a routine water sample was identified as being positive for coliform bacteria.
Repeat samples were taken on Monday November 25th.E. coli bacteria were found in one of the repeat
samples. These bacteria can make you sick and are especially a concern for people with weakened immune
systems.
Bacterial contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source (for example,
following heavy rains). It can also happen due to a break in the distribution system (pipes) or a failure in the
water treatment process.
What should I do? What does this mean?
- DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one
minute and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for
drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice.
Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. - You may continue to use your water to wash your hands using soap and water for at least 20
seconds. (Puede seguir utilizando el agua para lavarse las manos usando jabón y agua por lo menos
20 segundos.) - E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Human pathogens in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.
- The symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of
these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk
should seek advice from their healthcare providers about drinking this water. - What is being done?
Operators met with Idaho Department of Environmental Quality on site and are following recommendation of
the department. These recommendations will include but are not limited to, flushing, chlorination, and site
inspections. We will inform you when tests show no bacteria are present and you no longer need to boil your
water.
For more information, please contact Gem State Water at 1-877-755-9287 or PO BOX 280 Rathdrum ID
General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by bacteria and other disease-causing
organisms are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by Ramsey Estates. State Water System ID#: ID1280285. Date distributed: 11/26/2024.