Escherichia coli (E. coli), fecal coliforms or enterococci

The presence of these microorganisms in water indicates that it has been contaminated with stool. Such contaminated water can contain microbes (bacteria, viruses or parasites) that cause health problems. To be safe, drinking water should not contain any of these micro organisms.

Risks associated with water contamination by Escherichia coli (E. coli), fecal coliforms or enterococci

Water contaminated with micro organisms can cause gastroenteritis, the symptoms of which include:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Protection and prevention

The person in charge of the drinking water system must issue a boil-water advisory as soon as he or she is informed of the presence of Escherichia coli or fecal coliforms in the water supplied to users.

A boil-water advisory may also be issued as a precautionary measure by the person in charge of a distribution network, in the event of situations that could affect the microbiological quality of the water, such as inadequate disinfection of drinking water, or during breakage or work on water mains.

Steps to take during a boil water advisory

Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before consumption, or use bottled water to:

• Drink
• Prepare beverages
• Prepare feeding bottles and baby food
• Wash fruits and vegetables to be eaten raw
• Make ice
• Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth

If you have a water treatment device in your home, you'll also need to boil the water before drinking it. Most of these devices do not eliminate microbes.

You may use tap water without boiling it to:

• Wash dishes with hot water
• Wash clothes
• Wash hands with hot, soapy water
• Taking a shower or a bath

Make sure that babies and young children do not swallow water when taking a bath. You can also bathe them with a washcloth.

Precautions to take after a boil advisory

Once the boil water advisory has been lifted, the following precautions should be taken:

• Run all cold water taps for a few minutes. Follow the same procedure for drinking fountains and troughs, if any eu
• Empty, wash and disinfect ice machines
• Bleed outside taps

In the case of water treatment equipment, check with the manufacturer to find out what action to take.

Once the boil-water advisory has been lifted, a number of precautions need to be taken.