Kim Willard Vermette - here is the official notification from Superintendent Crocker:
DRINKING WATER WARNING
To all users of the C-O-MM WATER SYSTEM
located in BARNSTABLE, Massachusetts [This is an important notice - please have it translated.]
BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING
We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants to ensure the safety of the water supply. On May 29, 2020 we were notified that a fecal indicator (E. coli or enterococci) was detected in 1 out of 19 of our ground water sources and one in the distribution system which were collected on May 28, 2020 from our water system. These bacteria indicate that potentially harmful organisms may be present which can make you sick, and are a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems. In accordance with the new federal Ground Water Rule (GWR) requirements, we are notifying you of the situation and conducting additional sampling to evaluate the extent of potential fecal contamination and will take further actions as necessary.
To minimize potential exposure to bacterial contaminants while the source remains under evaluation we are advising consumers to BOIL their water until further notice.
What should I do?
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST.
Bring all water to a rolling boil, let it boil for one (1) 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. Please refer to the attached notice and following information for additional precautions you can take. Consumer Information on Boil Orders http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/boilordr.htm
Boil Order Frequently Asked Questions http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/boilfaq.htm
Discard any ice, beverages, formula, and uncooked foods that were prepared with water from the
public water system on or after [date of fecal indicator detection].
People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk and should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. 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. www.epa.gov/safewater/hotline
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.
Food establishments must follow MA DPH procedures and the direction of their local board of health, which may be more stringent than the DPH guide. MA Department of Public Health - Guidance for Emergency Action Planning for Retail Food Establishments (pg. 19) http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/environmental/foodsafety/emergency_action_plans.pdf
What does this mean?
Inadequately treated or inadequately protected water may contain disease-causing organisms. While fecal indicators are not typically harmful when ingested, fecal indicators are microbes whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. These symptoms 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.
What is being done?
In response to the recent bacteria detections, we have taken repeat samples and taken the source off-line. Our system is undergoing evaluation to determine if additional actions are necessary to reduce the risk of drinking water contamination from potential viruses. The source is located in Centerville off old Craigville Rd. Also, one sample site in Marstons Mills off of Old Falmouth Rd had the bacteria detected within the Distribution system. We are following the regulatory requirements in the best interest of Public Health.
We are in contact with MassDEP who will evaluate the effectiveness of the steps taken and determine if any further action is required. We anticipate resolving the problem as soon as possible and will inform you when you no longer need to boil your water.
For more information, please contact Craig Crocker at 508 428-6691 or commwater.com. PWSID#: 4020002 Date Distributed: 5/29/2020
COMMWATER.COM
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When the Corona Virus finally exhausts itself & the danger is over, let's do something good for our country. Let's spend our vacation in the USA, eat in local restaurants, buy american products, buy local meats, veggies (take a ride and go to a farm stand) & support local businesses. These businesses are going to find it very difficult to get back on their feet and survive without our help. They're suffering badly now. Our products are some of the best in the world. This country is one of the most beautiful.
🇺🇸Copy and paste if you agree 🇺🇸
Massachusetts State Police
March 19 at 8:55 PM ·
The below message is going around on Facebook. We do not know the source of this. We looked into it and determined that at least one such incident may have occurred in central Mass. Please be advised that anyone claiming they have to check your house for coronavirus is perpetrating as scam. If someone does come to your home making these claims call 911 to report the incident.
Message on Facebook:
Attention
The Massachusetts State Police want everyone to be aware that there are people going house to house in a white van in Hazmat suits telling people that they were sent to check every house for Corona Virus. They are taking fake vitals and stealing from people while in your home.
If you see a white van and people in Hazmat Suits, “CALL THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY !!!”
The below message is going around on Facebook. We do not know the source of this. We looked into it and determined that at least one such incident may have occurred in central Mass. Please be advised that anyone claiming they have to check your house for coronavirus is perpetrating as scam. If someone does come to your home making these claims call 911 to report the incident.
Message on Facebook:
Attention
The Massachusetts State Police want everyone to be aware that there are people going house to house in a white van in Hazmat suits telling people that they were sent to check every house for Corona Virus. They are taking fake vitals and stealing from people while in your home.
If you see a white van and people in Hazmat Suits, “CALL THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY !!!”
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