Scituate Issues Boil Water Order After Bacteria Tests

Town officials said a water sample collected earlier in the week tested positive for E. coli. Follow-up samples showed no E. coli but detected other bacterial contamination, with those results returned on October 30. The boil water order remains in effect until further notice; residents of Humarock are exempt.

Residents should boil water for at least one minute before drinking or using it to make ice, prepare food, brush their teeth or wash dishes. Officials also advised discarding ice, drinks, uncooked food and formula made with tap water before October 27. Bottled water is another option.

The town said the contamination may take three or four days to resolve. Water officials are flushing hydrants and collecting more samples to determine when the supply is safe. The town is distributing free cases of bottled water at the Cole Parkway parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on October 31, with a limit of two cases per household.

The warning disrupted residents’ routines and businesses. One resident said it took a trip to Quincy and long supermarket lines to find bottled water. Mill Wharf restaurant general manager Nicholas Leeping said staff arranged alternative drinks and discarded ice and water prepared before the advisory, including supplies for a wedding rehearsal dinner. Officials warn that contaminated water can cause symptoms including diarrhea, cramps, nausea and headaches, and urge people to avoid swallowing tap water while bathing.