File photo.
YORK – The Livingston County Department of Health is asking all residents in Cuylerville and York to boil their water before using.
According to a press release from the Department of Health, boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing
teeth, and preparing food until further notice.
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“Bring tap water to a rolling boil, boil for one minute, and cool before using or use bottled water certified for sale by the New York State Department of Health,” said Mark Grove, director of Environmental Health for the Department of Health. “This Boil Water Notice applies to Caledonia Road in the Hamlet of Cuylerville (beginning at house no. 4672) and extends northerly to include the Town of York.”
E. coli bacteria were found in the drinking water on July 7. The New York State Department of Health considers any confirmed E. coli positive sample as a public health hazard and a violation of drinking water standards.
The presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Harmful microbes in these wastes, including E. coli, can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms.
“These may pose a special health risk for infants, some elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems,” said Grove. “But these symptoms are not just caused by harmful microbes in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you should seek medical advice.”
What is being done? Water sampling is being performed to identify the extent of potential E. coli bacteria and the results to be known within approximately 24 hours. Following those laboratory results, this Boil Water Notice will either be lifted or additional measures taken. You will need to boil water until the problem is fixed. You will be informed when tests show that you no longer need to boil your water.
The Department of Health is taking questions from the community, as is Ed Hauslauer of the Town of Leicester at (585) 233-0191 or the Livingston County Department of Health at (585) 243-7280 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by e-mail at dept-of-health@co.livingston.ny.us
For emergencies, you may also reach the Department of Health after business hours or on weekends by calling the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office at (585) 243-7100.