BERKELEY — A boil water advisory is in effect for part of the town after abnormal levels of E. Coli were recorded in local drinking water, authorities said late Monday afternoon.
E. coli is a common bacteria that lives in the lower gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals and while most strains are harmless, some strains can carry powerful toxins that can cause extreme illness.
“On July 16, 2021, we collected three (3) repeat samples from the distribution system. Two (2) samples tested negative for Total Coliform and E. Coli and one (1) sample tested positive for Total Coliform and negative for E. Coli. All three (3) repeat samples were negative for E. Coli,” the Berkeley Township Police Department said in a social media post.
The Berkeley Township MUA has been distributing drinking water at the Shoprite in Bayville today. The distribution will continue this afternoon at 1:00pm at H&M Potter School on Veeder Lane, according to the department.
There are no certified filters that can get rid of E.coli contamination from water, according to the Center for Disease Control.
What if you cannot make it to H&M Potter and cannot afford to buy bottled water? The CDC maintains that the best possible way to kill E. Coli is to bring water to a rolling boil for one minute and then allow the water to completely cool.
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