PARK RAPIDS, Minnesota - Residents of Park Rapids have
been told to boil their water or switch to bottled water for the next few
days after E. coli contamination was found in the city's water system. The
contamination was discovered Friday, and the Minnesota Department of Health
issued the boil order Saturday morning. The city began flushing its water
system with chlorine Saturday evening. The Hubbard County sheriff's office
told residents not to drink the water without bringing it to a boil for one
minute, then letting it cool. We would like everyone to not have to
bother boiling the water when they can just filter the E. Coli out of it!
Officials are looking at a highway construction project as a
possible source. Initial tests indicated the contamination happened in the
distribution system, not in the city's wells. Officials expected the boil
order to remain in place until further notice, likely five to seven days. The
City Council and city staff met with state health officials Sunday to
discuss corrective actions and decided to permanently chlorinate the city's
water system. The presence of E. coli bacteria indicates that water may be
contaminated with human or animal wastes. The bacteria can cause diarrhea,
cramps, nausea, headaches and other symptoms. People with weakened immune
systems are at the highest risk. Basically when you see little
particles floating around in your water, that is toilet paper, feces and
other sorts of horribly disgusting factors which NO ONE should ever consume!
Residents in this area are greatly encouraged to look into a home water
purification system, if not from us than from another company but it is
VITAL to your health to purify your water! Purify Your Life!