Onset Remains Under Boil Water Order

Photo: Onset Water Department

ONSET – Onset Village remains under a boil water order after the water supply tested positive last week for E. coli and coliform.

Samples collected on May 7^th were returned by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection with the alert on May 8. Bacterial contamination can occur when increased run off, such as that after a storm, enters the water supply system.

E coli and coliform contamination can be especially dangerous for those with weakened immune systems.

Village officials are reminding the public not to consume the water before boiling it, notification will be sent out when the order is lifted. Protocol is for the water to be boiled for at least one minute, the water may then be used for common domestic uses.

Residents are also reminded to discard ice and drinks made with town water on or after May 7^th.

The Town of Wareham is in the process of temporarily chlorinating the water and flushing the system in order to address the problem. In the meantime the Onset Fire Department is distributing bottled water to residents at their station on East Central Avenue from noon until 8 today.