Connecticut Water has issued a mandatory boil-water advisory for customers served by two systems after E. coli was detected during routine sampling, the company announced Friday. The order affects service areas supplied by the Chester System and the Guilford Water System.
What residents must do now
Until officials lift the order, customers should bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute and let it cool before using it for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth or washing dishes. The company warned that E. coli can pose higher risks to infants, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
Where the order applies
Connecticut Water said the finding came from one sample location in Essex and that additional sampling is underway at multiple sites across both delivery systems. Temporary potable water tankers are being placed for residents who need bottled or bulk water.
- Chester System: Deep River, Essex, Haddam and Chester
- Guilford Water System: Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, Madison and Guilford
| System | Towns affected |
|---|---|
| Chester | Deep River, Essex, Haddam, Chester |
| Guilford | Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, Madison, Guilford |
Company actions and local response
Connecticut Water said it has consulted with the Connecticut Department of Public Health and is collecting additional samples; results are expected within about 24 hours. The utility announced temporary potable water tankers at several locations, including John Winthrop Middle School in Deep River and the Madison commuter lot off I-95.
“My sister and I are senior citizens so we better stockpile some of our paper supplies, some plasticware for eating and some cups for drinking the water. Get some more water supplies so we won’t have to use our tap water,”
— Richard, Old Saybrook resident
The advisory prompted a surge in demand for bottled water at area stores late Friday, and at least one restaurant announced a temporary closure because of the water issue.
What to watch for
Officials will notify customers when further test results are available and when the boil-water requirement can be lifted. Until then, residents who rely on the affected systems should avoid using tap water for consumption or food preparation unless it has been boiled or is from an approved alternate source.
If you are in one of the listed towns and have specific concerns about health risks or how the advisory affects businesses or childcare facilities, contact Connecticut Water or your municipal health department for guidance.
